Doctor Thorne: The Chronicles of Barsetshire (Oxford World's Classics)
Anthony Trollope
Language: English
Pages: 544
ISBN: 0198785631
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
Doctor Thorne is a compelling story in which love, vanity, and greed are pitted against one another.
The squire of Greshamsbury has fallen on hard times, and it is incumbent on his son Frank to make a good marriage. But Frank loves the doctor's niece, Mary Thorne, a girl with no money and mysterious parentage. He faces a terrible dilemma: should he save the estate, or marry the girl he loves? Mary, too, has to battle her feelings, knowing that marrying Frank would ruin his family and fly in the face of his mother's opposition. Her pride is matched by that of her uncle, Dr Thorne, who has to decide whether to reveal a secret that would resolve Frank's difficulty, or to uphold the innate merits of his own family heritage.
The character of Dr Thorne reflects Trollope's own contradictory feelings about the value of tradition and the need for change. His subtle portrayal, and the comic skill and gentle satire with which the story is developed, are among the many pleasures of this delightful novel.
The novel has now been adapted by "Downton Abbey" creator Julian Fellowes for TV, airing on ITV in the UK and Amazon Prime in the US.
About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
how things were going on, and twice she went out almost unnoticed. It was quite clear to her that something uncommon had taken place, was taking place, or would take place; and that should this be for weal or for woe, no good could now come from her interference. On each occasion, therefore, she smiled sweetly on the pair of turtle-doves, and glided out of the room as quietly as she had glided into it. But at last it became necessary to remove them; for the world had gone to bed. Frank, in the
circumstances; and pray believe this, the idea never occurs to me, that I have ground of complaint as regards the property; never. Whatever troubles we may have, do not let that trouble you.’ Soon after this Frank left him. What more was there that could be said between them? They could not be of one accord; but even yet it might not be necessary that they should quarrel. He went out, and roamed by himself through the grounds, rather more in meditation than was his wont. If he did marry, how
doctor, with an innocent look, which her ladyship could hardly interpret. ‘What I mean is this: can you give me your word that these young people do not intend to do anything rash? One word like that from you will set my mind quite at rest. And then we could all be so happy together again.’ ‘Ah! who is to answer for what rash things a young man will do?’ said the doctor, smiling. Lady Arabella got up from the sofa, and pushed away the little table. The man was false, hypocritical, and cunning.
Besides, what a life would that be for both of them! Could they live here? Would that be well for them?’ The squire looked at the doctor for an answer; but he still went on rubbing his calf. Mr Gresham, therefore, was constrained to continue his expostulation. ‘When I am dead there will still, I hope, be something; – something left for the poor fellow. Lady Arabella and the girls would be better off, perhaps, than now, and I sometimes wish, for Frank’s sake, that the time had come.’ The doctor
could be plainer,’ said the Lady Margaretta. ‘And so, Mr Gresham, I am to be told, that after all it means nothing,’ said Patience, putting her handkerchief up to her eyes. ‘It means that you are an excellent hand at quizzing a fellow like me.’ ‘Quizzing! No; but you are an excellent hand at deceiving a poor girl like me. Well, remember I have got a witness; here is Lady Margaretta, who heard it all. What a pity it is that my brother is a clergyman. You calculated on that, I know; or you would