Chapter 21, Conclusion Summary

Mr. Harding and Eleanor leave the hospital without ceremony. They do not end up living at Crabtree, but instead Mr. Harding becomes the priest of a tiny parish very nearby. He remains the precentor of the cathedral, and continues to visit the bishop every other day. Eleanor soon marries John Bold, and Mr. Harding spends most of his time at their house. Eventually, John even becomes friends with Dr. Grantly.

The beadsmen are surprised that the bishop does not appoint anyone to replace Mr. Harding as warden. He feels that, considering the controversy surrounding the position, that it would not be fair to put someone else up to such scrutiny. Instead, the hospital falls into disrepair. The beadsmen miss Mr. Harding, and as they die off one by one, they begin to see how lonely a place the hospital will be...