Elizabeth Gaskell

Name: Mary Barton — Chapter XXIV
Author: Elizabeth Gaskell

Summary

“Mary Barton — Chapter XXIV”, published in 1848, is a work by Elizabeth Gaskell. It explores elements such as Mary, Wilson and Jem.

Quotes from Mary Barton — Chapter XXIV (Elizabeth Gaskell)

Elizabeth Gaskell, Mary Barton — Chapter XXIV (1848)

“ Davenport went her way, and Mary was alone,--for I cannot call those who sleep allies against the agony of thought which solitude sometimes brings up.
She dreaded the night before her. Alice might die; the doctor had that day declared her case hopeless, and not far from death; and at times, the terror so natural to the young, not of death, but of the remains of the dead, came over Mary; and she bent and listened anxiously for the long-drawn, pausing breath of the sleeping Alice. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Elizabeth Gaskell, Mary Barton — Chapter XXIV (1848)

“ How much worse is anticipation sometimes than reality! How Mary dreaded that night, and how calmly it passed by! Even more so than if Mary had not had such claims upon her care!
Anxiety about them deadened her own peculiar anxieties. She thought of the sleepers whom she was watching, till, overpowered herself by the want of rest, she fell off into short slumbers in which the night wore imperceptibly away. To be sure, Alice spoke, and sang during her waking moments, like the child she deemed herself ”

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Source: Wikisource

Elizabeth Gaskell, Mary Barton — Chapter XXIV (1848)

“ Wilson hid her face in the pillow.
She was fully conscious of everything this morning; it was evident that the stunning effect of the sub-poena, which had affected her so much last night in her weak, worn-out state, had passed away. Mary offered no opposition when she indicated by languid gesture and action that she wished to rise. A sleepless bed is a haunted place.
When she was dressed with Mary's aid, she stood by Alice for a minute or two looking at the slumberer. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Elizabeth Gaskell, Mary Barton — Chapter XXIV (1848)

“ But think of Mary and what she was enduring. Picture to yourself (for I cannot tell you) the armies of thoughts that met and clashed in her brain; and then imagine the effort it cost her to be calm, and quiet, and even in a faint way, cheerful and smiling at times.
After a while she began to stir about in her own mind for some means of sparing the poor mother the trial of appearing as a witness in the matter of the gun. She had made no allusion to her summons this morning, and Mary almost thought she must have forgotten it ”

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Source: Wikisource

Elizabeth Gaskell, Mary Barton — Chapter XXIV (1848)

“ Mary's heart sickened within her, and she could not speak.
"What is it?" she repeated. "Will you tell me?" She still looked at Mary, with the same child-like gaze of wonder and patient entreaty.
What could she answer?
"I telled ye not to heed her," said Mrs. Davenport, a little angrily. "She knows well enough what it is--too well, belike. I was not in when they sarved it; but Mrs. Heming (her as lives next door) was, and she spelled out the meaning, and made it all clear to Mrs. Wilson. It's a summons to be a witness on Jem's trial--Mrs. Heming thinks to swear to the gun ”

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Source: Wikisource

Elizabeth Gaskell, Mary Barton — Chapter XXIV (1848)

“ Wilson's journey to Liverpool.
Presently she went to Job (the ever ready Mrs. Davenport keeping watch over the two old women) , and told him her fears, her plans, and her proceedings.
To her surprise he shook his head doubtfully.
"It may have an awkward look, if we keep her back. Lawyers is up to tricks."
"But it is no trick," said Mary. "She is so poorly, she was last night so, at least; and to-day she's so faded and weak."
"Poor soul! I dare say. I only mean for Jem's sake; and so much is known, it won't do now to hang back. But I'll ask Mr. Bridgnorth. I'll e'en take your doctor's advice. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Elizabeth Gaskell, Mary Barton — Chapter XXIV (1848)

“ "But you don't think her fit to go to Liverpool?" asked Mary, still in the anxious tone of one who wishes earnestly for some particular decision.
"To Liverpool--yes," replied he. "A short journey like that couldn't fatigue, and might distract her thoughts. Let her go by all means,--it would be the very thing for her."
"O sir!" burst out Mary, almost sobbing; "I did so hope you would say she was too ill to go."
"Whew!"--said he, with a prolonged whistle, trying to understand the case; ”

Elizabeth Gaskell

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Quotes from Mary Barton — Chapter XXIV (Elizabeth Gaskell)

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