"The Conscience Case of David Bell" is a short story by Lucy Maud Montgomery published in Further Chronicles of Avonlea in 1920.
Description[]
When the Rev. Geoffrey Mountain comes to the Avonlea church to hold revivalist meetings, David Bell finds himself in turmoil about a confession he must make to the congregation.
Plot[]
- Read: Further Chronicles of Avonlea (Chapter 13: The Conscience Case of David Bell)
Appearances[]
Main characters
- David Bell
- Eben Bell
- Mary Bell
- Miriam Bell
- Mollie Bell
- Robert Bell
Minor characters
- Harmon Andrews (mentioned only)
- Mrs. Harmon Andrews
- Mr. Bentley
- Elder Joseph Blewett (mentioned only)
- Levi Boulter (mentioned only)
- Matthew Cuthbert (mentioned only)
- Flora Jane Fletcher
- Rachel Lynde (mentioned only)
- Jerry MacPherson (mentioned only)
- Rev. Geoffrey Mountain
- Josiah Sloane (mentioned only)
- Major Spencer (mentioned only)
- Uncle Elisha (mentioned only)
Places
- Avonlea
- Avonlea church
- David Bell's house
- White Sands (mentioned only)
Miscellaneous
Behind the scenes[]
Story notes
- The story gives little to no clue about its time setting, but it mentions Matthew Cuthbert attending the revival meetings during Mr. Bentley's tenure as the Avonlea minister. Matthew Cuthbert died in June 1881. Mr. Bentley served as pastor for 18 years, leaving the parish in February 1877.[1] This story therefore must have taken place at some point between 1858 and 1877, most likely before Anne Shirley's arrival at Green Gables in June 1876.