Vanity Fair
Chapter 53: A Rescue and a Catastrophe
by William Makepeace Thackeray
Rawdon becomes suspicious of Becky, and requests assistance from Sir Pitt. Rawdon makes a discovery upon returning home.
Rawdon becomes suspicious of Becky, and requests assistance from Sir Pitt. Rawdon makes a discovery upon returning home.
A discussion of the English settlers colonizing Florida.
Du Bois discusses the significance of the city of Atlanta.
Cruncher follows a funeral procession for Roger Cly. Cruncher is followed by his son when he revisits the grave later that night.
Kenyon, Hilda, Donatello, and Miriam search for the chasm.
Both the Trojans and Greeks devise plans to spy on one another. However, only the Greeks are successful.
Poseidon continues to encourage Agamemnon and the Achaean army. Hera devises a plan to further assist the battered Achaeans.
Amelia continues to feel a sense of obligation and duty, devoting her life to her father. Major Dobbin heads home and runs into an old friend on the way. Upon the receipt of good news, Dobbin's spirit is lifted.
While the party continues, Miriam takes a moonlit walk and is confronted by someone from her past. Noticing her terror, Donatello goes to her and threatens violence on her intruder.
Siegfried visits Gripir and finds Greyfell.
Many are enchanted by the mountains but none leave alive. A family loses their seven sons to the mountain until the youngest sets out to try to do what his brothers could not. He manages to break the enchantment, and meets Zoulvisia. Out of kindness, he brings an old woman back to the palace, despite the misgivings of others. The woman is a witch, and Zoulvisia reveals secrets to her that put their lives in danger. The prince and Zoulvisia plan her escape.
Introduction by Theodore Buckley
Following the service, the Dean and Mr. Crisparkle discuss the current state of Mr. Jasper's health. Edwin Drood pays a visit to his uncle to discuss his impending nuptials with Rosa Bud.
Most are shocked to find Sara well and the same even after a meal's deprivation.
After the sudden death of Aunt March, Joe and the Professor inherit Plumfield. The novel closes as Mrs. March celebrates her sixtieth birthday surrounded by her daughters and extended family.
After a blissful two weeks, Jane encounters Rochester in the gardens. He invites her to walk with him, and Jane, caught off guard, accepts. Rochester confides that he has finally decided to marry Blanche Ingram and tells Jane that he knows of an available governess position in Ireland that she could take. Jane expresses her distress at the great distance that separates Ireland from Thornfield. The two seat themselves on a bench at the foot of the chestnut tree, and Rochester says: “we will sit there in peace to-night, though we should never more be destined to sit there together.” He tells Jane that he feels as though they are connected by a “cord of communion.” Jane sobs—“for I could repress what I endured no longer,” she tells us, “I was obliged to yield.” Jane confesses her love for Rochester, and to her surprise, he asks her to be his wife. She suspects that he is teasing her, but he convinces her otherwise by admitting that he only brought up marrying Blanche in order to arouse Jane’s jealousy. Convinced and elated, Jane accepts his proposal. A storm breaks, and the newly engaged couple hurries indoors through the rain. Rochester helps Jane out of her wet coat, and he seizes the opportunity to kiss her. Jane looks up to see Mrs. Fairfax watching, astonished. That night, a bolt of lightning splits the same chestnut tree under which Rochester and Jane had been sitting that evening.
After receiving a visit from his nephew, Charles Darnay, the Marquis receives a painful message.
Sir Pitt and Lady Jane visit the Rawdon Crawleys in London. Rebecca's attention to Sir Pitt does not sit well with Lady Jane.
The story of Achilles and Agamemnon is told. The Gods nearly come to blows as a result of mortal conflict.
Caderousse breaks into the house of the Count of Monte Cristo.
Humphrey meets the tyrannical Captain Larsen, and finds that his request to be released from the ship falls on deaf ears. Captain Larsen informs Hump of his new position aboard the Ghost, all the while ridiculing his weak appearance.
Lorry and Lucie visit the wineshop of Monsieur Defarge.
With the arrival of spring, Rat and Mole prepare the boat. Badger attempts to control Toad's behavior.
David goes home for the holidays and is introduced to a new family member.
Mr. Badger welcomes his unexpected guests. Otter brings news from the River Bank. Badger helps the visitors make their way home.