The Last Chronicle of Barset Chapter LXXVII - The Shattered Tree

In which Johnny Eames, encouraged yet uncertain, makes a final, heartfelt visit to Lily Dale to plead his suit, only to meet with her steady and tender refusal grounded in complex past affections. We see Lily's resolute inner contentment and parting from the hope of marriage, as she quietly withdraws to the Small House of Allington, leaving behind the entanglements of love and expectation.