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[46-48]   [52-54]

Chapter 49
Preparations for Going

Chapter 50
Mrs. Dale is Thankful for a Good Thing

A slip between the cup and lip
Trollope uses this saying throughout his novel.  It basically means that many things can happen to obstruct a seemingly sure thing.  Mrs. Dale says this to Lily as a caution about talking about the engagement between Bell and Dr. Crofts.  Lily, as we know, is familiar with the slip between cup and lip. See commentary for Chapter 9 Small House at Allington.  [KD]

Chapter 51
John Eames Does Things Which He Ought Not To Have Done

Sir Raffle Buffle as Johnny's new patron
Trollope states that Johnny is annoyed with his "new patron" when Sir Raffle Buffle mentions John's relationship with the earl.  Trollope is using this reference to explain that Johnny is moving up in his office, especially as Raffle Buffle's new secretary, even though John may not like Raffle Buffle that much.  [KD]

Johnny Eames has one strong arrow in his quiver
After Cradell and Amelia Roper begin a flirtation, John realizes that he has one strong arrow to his defense if Amelia should choose to bring up his half-proposal to her.  This recalls Apollo, a god associated with archery.  Perhaps Trollope is suggesting to the reader that even hobbledehoys can have Apollo tendencies. See commentary for Chapter 4 Small House at Allington.  [KD]

Amelia Roper has two strings to her bow
Amelia, when thinking of her relationship to John, recalls that if it does not work she has another string, Cradell.  This imagery of strings and bows recalls the god of Love, Cupid, and his bow and arrow.  [KD]

[46-48]   [52-54]

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