Chapter Chapters 11-20 of Barchester Towers - Study Guide by Anthony Trollope

his wife, but capitulates when he finds her in the company of their three daughters. He tells Slope he must obey Mrs. Proudie's wishes in the affair. Mrs. Proudie criticises Slope for his behaviour with and visits to Signora Neroni, and he responds that he has no interest in her. She also makes it clear that she thinks he interferes too much in the business of the bishop. Slope sees that his battle with her has now been joined.

Chapter 18: The widow's persecution.

The bishop feels unwell and delegates his meeting with the archdeacon to Slope, and by indicating to him that Mrs. Proudie is listening at the door intimates his desire to end her dominance over him. Dr. Grantly will not see Slope and goes to find Harding at Eleanor's house, where he is indignant to hear her opinion that he should have seen Slope and more suspicious when he hears of Slope's last visit to Eleanor. The archdeacon will not accept Harding's willingness to give up his claim and writes to the bishop, at the same time asking Harding to Plumstead to discuss the matter with Arabin. He also invites Eleanor to keep her from Slope's attentions, but she has to come a day later as she has accepted an invitation from the Stanhopes. She assures the archdeacon that it is not a party and that Slope will thus be absent.

Chapter 19: Barchester by moonlight.

Dr. Stanhope receives a bill for £700 owed by Bertie, and although annoyed is somewhat reassured by Charlotte's idea of Bertie and Eleanor marrying. Eleanor visits that evening and is surprised when Slope arrives to visit Signora Neroni. Charlotte organises for herself and Slope and Bertie and Eleanor to go for a walk, during which Eleanor talks of her father's predicament and Bertie advises her not to trust Slope. She leaves impresses by the family, and particularly Bertie.

Chapter 20: Mr. Arabin.

Arabin arrives at Plumstead. A forty year-old bachelor, he resisted the temptation of the Roman Church and is instead a staunch proponent of high Anglicanism. Susan Grantly and her two daughters are unimpressed by him. Though reputedly witty, he is an unhappy man, feeling that although he is attracted to life's pleasures they have passed him by without him even rising far in the church.