# How Cousin Henry Was Let Off Easily explained — Cousin Henry

> Chapter companion for Cousin Henry by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Mr. Apjohn and Mr. Brodrick confront Cousin Henry after discovering the hidden will. Through intense questioning, Mr. Apjohn forces Cousin Henry to admit he knew the will was in the book of sermons. Cousin Henry signs a letter authorizing the withdrawal of the libel indictment, and the lawyers leave him alone to contemplate his future as a London clerk, relieved to escape prosecution.

## Themes in this chapter

### Guilt and Conscience

Cousin Henry's conscience is evident in his inability to destroy the will and his relief at being freed from the burden of concealment.

### Justice and Injustice

Mr. Apjohn's aggressive questioning aims to secure justice for Isabel Brodrick while offering Cousin Henry a lenient exit.

## Character check-ins

### Cousin Henry

Confesses to having seen the will in the book, signs the letter, and is left alone to meditate on his reduced circumstances.

### Mr. Apjohn

Triumphantly extracts the truth from Cousin Henry and arranges for him to be let off easily in exchange for his confession.

### Mr. Brodrick

Assists in the discovery of the will and advises against forcing Cousin Henry to incriminate himself.

### Mrs. Griffith

Brings breakfast and offers to broil something for Cousin Henry, showing sympathy when she sees he has not eaten.

## Key lines

> If you want to soften our hearts to you in any degree, if you wish us to contrive some mode of escape for you, tell the truth.

If you hope for any mercy from us, you must confess the truth.

_Mr. Apjohn pressures Cousin Henry to admit his knowledge of the will._

> All this that had agitated him so profoundly for the last month had been set at rest by the finding of the will.

The discovery of the will ended the turmoil that had troubled him for weeks.

_Cousin Henry's relief after the will is found._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cousin_henry_se/chapters/xxii-how-cousin-henry-was-let-off-easily
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cousin_henry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cousin_henry_se/chapters