# Lilian Dale — The Small House at Allington character guide > Lilian Dale in The Small House at Allington by Anthony Trollope. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Lily Dale, Miss Dale, Lily **First appearance:** 0000-i-the-squire-of-allington ## Snapshot The younger Dale sister, quick-tongued and warm-hearted, who gives her whole heart to a London swell and must live with what that costs her. ## Who they are Lily moves between the Small House and her uncle's great house at Allington, teasing her sister about whether Mr. Crosbie is anything more than a clerk while quietly falling in love with him. Her Dale constancy — obstinate, a little proud, incapable of half-measures — makes her devotion absolute and her position perilous. She is the emotional center of the early novel: the reader watches her happiness build letter by letter, knowing the world may not honor it. ## Relationships ### [Adolphus Crosbie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters/adolphus_crosbie) _romantic_ Crosbie courts and then jilts Lily Dale, breaking her heart after a passionate but ultimately selfish engagement. ### [Mrs. Dale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters/mrs_dale) _family_ Lily is the devoted daughter of Mrs. Dale, sharing a close, loving, and protective bond. ### [John Eames](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters/john_eames) _romantic_ John Eames is Lily's faithful, long-suffering suitor who loves her deeply despite her rejection. ### [Isabella Dale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters/isabella_dale) _family_ Bell and Lily are loving sisters who support each other through romantic and family trials. ### [Christopher Dale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters/christopher_dale) _family_ Christopher Dale is Lily's uncle and squire, showing a gruff but genuine affection for his niece. ### [Mrs. Dale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters/mrs_dale) _family_ Lily is the devoted daughter of Mrs. Dale, sharing a close, loving, and protective bond. ### [Adolphus Crosbie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters/adolphus_crosbie) _romantic_ Crosbie courts and then jilts Lily Dale, breaking her heart after a passionate but ultimately selfish engagement. ### [Adolphus Crosbie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters/adolphus_crosbie) _romantic_ Crosbie courts and then jilts Lily Dale, breaking her heart after a passionate but ultimately selfish engagement. ### [Isabella Dale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters/isabella_dale) _family_ Bell and Lily are loving sisters who support each other through romantic and family trials. ### [Isabella Dale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters/isabella_dale) _family_ Bell and Lily are loving sisters who support each other through romantic and family trials. ### [John Eames](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters/john_eames) _romantic_ John Eames is Lily's faithful, long-suffering suitor who loves her deeply despite her rejection. ### [John Eames](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters/john_eames) _romantic_ John Eames is Lily's faithful, long-suffering suitor who loves her deeply despite her rejection. ## In the story ### [The Two Pearls of Allington](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/ii-the-two-pearls-of-allington) Lily is portrayed as the queen of the croquet ground, sharp-tongued and perceptive, calling Crosbie a 'swell' and a 'mere clerk' while showing her pride in the Small House lawn. ### [The Widow Dale of Allington](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/iii-the-widow-dale-of-allington) Lily is lively and teasing, calling Mr. Crosbie 'Apollo' and joking about croquet by moonlight. She inadvertently upsets Bell by mentioning Dr. Crofts. ### [Mrs. Roper's Boardinghouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/iv-mrs-roper-s-boardinghouse) The object of John Eames's unrequited love; she is remembered fondly but does not appear in this chapter. ### [About L. D.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/v-about-l-d) Engaged to Mr. Crosbie; she is walking in the garden with him when Eames arrives, and her name is invoked by Amelia Roper as 'L. D.' ### [Beautiful Days](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/vi-beautiful-days) Lily is blissfully engaged to Crosbie, seeing him as an Apollo, and is supported by her family. ### [The Beginning of Troubles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/vii-the-beginning-of-troubles) Feels guilty for not showing enough love to Crosbie and worries she may drive him away. Confides in Bell about her self-criticism. ### [It Cannot Be](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/viii-it-cannot-be) Lily writes notes for the party and discusses dancing on the lawn with Crosbie and Bernard. ### [Mrs. Dale's Little Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/ix-mrs-dale-s-little-party) Hosts the party; openly displays her love for Crosbie with a playful curtsy, though Crosbie privately disapproves. ### [Lilian Dale Becomes a Butterfly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xii-lilian-dale-becomes-a-butterfly) Lily is joyful and devoted to Crosbie, but feels the pain of his impending departure and the shortened time they have together. ### [A Visit to Guestwick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xiii-a-visit-to-guestwick) Rides triumphantly through Guestwick as an engaged woman, feeling envied and happy, but later defends her friendship with John Eames against Crosbie's objections. ### [John Eames Takes a Walk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xiv-john-eames-takes-a-walk) Lily is the object of John's sentimental love, now lost to him. He reflects on her as 'gone from him forever.' ### [The Last Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xv-the-last-day) Lily experiences emotional highs and lows, clinging to Crosbie despite his ungenerous hints about money and delays. She expresses deep devotion, comparing herself to Ruth, but is wounded by his tone. ### [Mr. Crosbie Meets an Old Clergyman on His Way to Courcy Castle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xvi-mr-crosbie-meets-an-old-clergyman-on-his-way-to-courcy-castle) Lily is not present in the chapter but is remembered fondly by Crosbie and Bernard. ### [Courcy Castle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xvii-courcy-castle) Lily Dale is mentioned in conversation as Crosbie's fiancée, though Crosbie seeks to avoid discussing her. ### [Lily Dale's First Love-Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xviii-lily-dale-s-first-love-letter) The recipient of Crosbie's first love letter, waiting anxiously for news from him. ### [Dr. Crofts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xx-dr-crofts) Mentioned as the younger sister whose engagement to Crosbie is doubted by Lord De Guest. ### [John Eames Encounters Two Adventures, and Displays Great Courage in Both](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxi-john-eames-encounters-two-adventures-and-displays-great-courage-in-both) Writes a loving letter to Crosbie and begins preparing household items for her marriage. ### [Mr. Plantagenet Palliser](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxiii-mr-plantagenet-palliser) Referenced as the wronged fiancée; Crosbie's letters to her become increasingly insincere. ### [XXIV: A Mother-in-Law and a Father-in-Law](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxiv-a-mother-in-law-and-a-father-in-law) Lily writes a letter to Crosbie expressing her disappointment at not hearing from him, but she remains affectionate and trusting. ### [Adolphus Crosbie Spends an Evening at His Club](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxv-adolphus-crosbie-spends-an-evening-at-his-club) Referenced as the jilted fiancée; Crosbie's betrayal and the squire's outrage center on her. ### [XXVII: “On My Honour, I Do Not Understand It.”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxvii-on-my-honour-i-do-not-understand-it) Waits anxiously for letters from Crosbie, receives a brief and troubling note, but remains determined to trust him. ### [The Board](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxviii-the-board) Mentioned as the woman Crosbie has betrayed; he recalls her virtues with regret. ### [John Eames Returns to Burton Crescent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxix-john-eames-returns-to-burton-crescent) Mentioned as engaged to Adolphus Crosbie, causing John Eames's despair. ### [XXX: Is It from Him?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxx-is-it-from-him) Lily receives the news of Crosbie's betrayal, initially calm but later breaks down, forgiving him. ### [The Wounded Fawn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxxi-the-wounded-fawn) Lily shows courage and resilience after Crosbie's betrayal, declaring she will always love him but can bear the pain; she falls ill briefly then recovers, asserting her intention to remain dutiful only for a time. ### [Pawkins's in Jermyn Street](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxxii-pawkins-s-in-jermyn-street) Referenced as the object of John Eames's affections; the earl encourages Eames to pursue her. ### [The Time Will Come](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-time-will-come) Lily feels sore and anxious upon hearing that John Eames is nearby, connecting every event to her heartbreak. ### [The Combat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-combat) Referenced as the young lady whose heart Crosbie broke, motivating Eames's attack. ### [Vae Victis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxxv-vae-victis) Referenced in conversation as the woman Crosbie jilted; Butterwell mentions her, and Crosbie expresses guilt over his behavior. ### [An Old Man's Complaint](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxxvii-an-old-man-s-complaint) Lily is referenced as the other niece; the squire hopes she may eventually accept John Eames, and he plans to be generous if she does. ### [Doctor Crofts Is Called In](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxxviii-doctor-crofts-is-called-in) Lily shows resilience and supports the decision to leave, though still grieving her broken engagement. ### [Dr. Crofts Is Turned Out](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxxix-dr-crofts-is-turned-out) Lily is recovering from scarlatina; her illness delays the family's move. ### [XLII: Lily's Bedside](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xlii-lily-s-bedside) Convalescing from scarlatina; she is playful and saucy with Dr. Crofts and her family, but also reveals deep sorrow over her broken engagement. ### [Valentine's Day at Allington](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xliv-valentine-s-day-at-allington) Lily demands to know Crosbie's wedding day, struggles with her emotions on Valentine's Day, and tries to maintain a brave front while discussing the event. ### [Valentine’s Day in London](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xlv-valentine-s-day-in-london) Mentioned in Crosbie's thoughts as the warm, engaging partner he has lost. ### [John Eames at His Office](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xlvi-john-eames-at-his-office) Mentioned as the object of John Eames's affection; her recovery from illness is noted, and she is unaware of the squire's consent. ### [XLVIII: Nemesis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xlviii-nemesis) Mentioned in Crosbie's thoughts as the woman who would have made his home bright. ### [Preparations for Going](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xlix-preparations-for-going) Lily refuses the invitation to the Manor, seeing through the scheme to reunite her with John Eames, and throws herself into packing to distract from her grief. ### [Mrs. Dale Is Thankful for a Good Thing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/l-mrs-dale-is-thankful-for-a-good-thing) Too ill and unwilling to visit Guestwick Manor; later teases Bell about her engagement. ### [The First Visit to the Guestwick Bridge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/lii-the-first-visit-to-the-guestwick-bridge) Mentioned as having been ill with scarlatina but recovering; John resolves to visit her. ### [LIII: Loquitur Hopkins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/liii-loquitur-hopkins) Engages with Hopkins, teasing him about his authority; remains silent about the move but is present during the packing. ### [The Second Visit to the Guestwick Bridge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/liv-the-second-visit-to-the-guestwick-bridge) Refuses John's proposal, still loving Crosbie; shows kindness but firmness. ### [LVII: Lilian Dale Vanquishes Her Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/lvii-lilian-dale-vanquishes-her-mother) Lily firmly rejects her mother's urging to accept John Eames, declaring she is still married in her heart to Crosbie and cannot forget him. ### [The Fate of the Small House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/lviii-the-fate-of-the-small-house) Reacts with characteristic humor and skepticism to the news of staying and the gift of three thousand pounds, while also showing sensitivity about any mention of John Eames. ### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/lx-conclusion) Resolves to be happy after her broken engagement, mediates between the squire and Hopkins, and remains at the Small House. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters/lilian_dale - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters