He Knew He Was Right · Chapter
IV: Hugh Stanbury explained
This chapter introduces Hugh Stanbury, a briefless barrister turned journalist for the Daily Record, and explores Nora Rowley's internal conflict as she compares him to the wealthy Mr.
What happens
This chapter introduces Hugh Stanbury, a briefless barrister turned journalist for the Daily Record, and explores Nora Rowley's internal conflict as she compares him to the wealthy Mr. Glascock. Nora has resolved never to fall in love with a poor man, yet finds herself drawn to Stanbury's character. Meanwhile, Trevelyan, troubled by his marital issues, encounters Stanbury but refrains from confiding in him, instead heading to his lawyer.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Professional Identity
Hugh Stanbury's shift from barrister to journalist highlights the precariousness of professional identity and class standing in Victorian society.
Gender Roles and Power in Marriage
Nora's internal debate about marrying for money versus love underscores the limited agency of women and the economic pressures of marriage.
Characters to notice
- Hugh Stanbury
Described as a plain, awkward-mannered man with a sweet temper; works as a journalist for the Daily Record; former college friend of Trevelyan.
- Nora Rowley
Struggles with her attraction to Hugh Stanbury despite her resolution to only marry a man with means; compares him unfavorably to Mr. Glascock.
- Louis Trevelyan
Troubled by his marital quarrel; meets Stanbury in the street but decides not to confide in him; goes to consult his lawyer.
- Emily Trevelyan
Mentioned as the subject of Trevelyan's distress; refuses to apologize to her husband.
- Miss Jemima Stanbury
Mentioned as having drawn tight the purse strings, refusing to give money to Hugh or his family.
- Mr. Glascock
Mentioned as the wealthy suitor Nora is expected to fall in love with; compared unfavorably to Hugh Stanbury.
Key passages
“She never had given, and at that moment did not intend to give, a shilling to the widow and daughters of her brother. Nor did she intend, or had she ever intended, to leave a shilling of her money to Hugh Stanbury—as she had very often told him.”
Miss Stanbury had never given any money to her brother's family and had no plans to do so, nor would she leave anything to Hugh, as she had repeatedly informed him.
Highlights Miss Stanbury's refusal to support Hugh or his relatives.
“But there was a glance of sunshine in his eye, and a sweetness in the curl of his mouth when he smiled, which made Nora feel that it would have been all up with her had she not made so very strong a law for her own guidance.”
Nora found Hugh's smile so charming that she feared she would fall for him if not for her strict rule against loving a poor man.
Illustrates Nora's attraction to Hugh despite her practical resolve.
“I have been three times round St. James's Park to collect my thoughts, and now I am on my way to the Daily R., 250, Fleet Street. It is my custom of an afternoon. I am prepared to instruct the British public of tomorrow on any subject, as per order, from the downfall of a European compact to the price of a London mutton chop.”
Hugh says he walked around St. James's Park to think and is now heading to the Daily Record office, where he writes about anything from international politics to local food prices.
Shows Hugh's role as a journalist and his self-deprecating humor about his work.