Middlemarch, Chapter 57 summary

What happens

1. Fred finds the Garth family enjoying Christy’s visit and stays behind to speak privately with Mrs. Garth.
2. Mrs. Garth criticizes Fred for asking Farebrother to plead his case and hints that Farebrother loves Mary.
3. An uproar involving the children and kitten ends their conversation, and Fred leaves feeling jealous and ashamed.
4. At the parsonage, Mary welcomes Fred’s arrangement with her father, while Farebrother creates an opportunity for them to speak alone.
5. Fred accuses Mary of preferring Farebrother, and she rebukes his failure to recognize the Vicar’s generosity.
6. Mary considers the possibility of Farebrother’s affection but finds that imagining Fred abandoned strengthens her loyalty.

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