Chapter 3 Summary

Mr. Shepherd considers renting Kellynch Hall to a navel officer now that the war is over. Naval officers are surely responsible, he reasons. Sir Elliot and Mr. Shepherd discuss how much freedom Sir Elliot will allow his tenant. For example, will Sir Elliot allow the renter access to the gardens or far grounds? This leads to a discussion of the navy as a profession. Sir Elliot looks down on those who choose to join the navy, saying that it makes men look older than their age. Sir Elliot is indeed a vain man. Anne believes that the navy is a noble profession.

The first application to rent Kellynch Hall is from a naval officer. Admiral Croft is a married man without any children who has acquired a large sum of money. Mr. Shepherd guarantees that Admiral Croft is a gentleman and quite handsome...