He Knew He Was Right · Chapter
Of a Quarter of Lamb explained
Miss Stanbury, feeling lonely after Dorothy's departure, devises a plan to send Martha to Nuncombe Putney with a quarter of lamb as a pretext to convey her desire for Dorothy's return.
What happens
Miss Stanbury, feeling lonely after Dorothy's departure, devises a plan to send Martha to Nuncombe Putney with a quarter of lamb as a pretext to convey her desire for Dorothy's return. She writes a letter expressing her solitude and affection, hinting at reconciliation without directly asking Dorothy to come back. The chapter also touches on the postponed marriage between Camilla French and Mr. Gibson.
Themes in this chapter
Family Loyalty and Sacrifice
Miss Stanbury's pride struggles with her longing for Dorothy, leading her to send a gift and a letter as a subtle gesture of reconciliation.
Pride and Stubbornness
Miss Stanbury cannot directly ask Dorothy to return due to her pride, but she uses Martha and the lamb as indirect means.
Social Reputation and Gossip
The postponed marriage of Camilla French and Mr. Gibson is a topic of gossip in Exeter, with rumors about the match being broken off.
Characters to notice
- Miss Jemima Stanbury
Feels desolate and solitary after Dorothy's departure; sends Martha with a quarter of lamb and a letter hinting at reconciliation.
- Dorothy Stanbury
Away at Nuncombe Putney; the recipient of the lamb and letter, with Miss Stanbury longing for her return.
- Martha
Miss Stanbury's servant, tasked with delivering the lamb and conveying the unspoken wish for Dorothy's return.
- Camilla French
Her marriage to Mr. Gibson has been postponed; she has been buying household items, but rumors suggest the match may be broken off.
- Mr. Gibson
The intended groom of Camilla French; the marriage is delayed, and he is rumored to be sick of the bargain.
Key passages
“Miss Stanbury, looking out of her parlour window, saw Mr. Gibson hurrying towards the cathedral, down the passage which leads from Southernhay into the Close.”
Miss Stanbury observed Mr. Gibson rushing toward the cathedral from her window.
Sets the scene and introduces the gossip about Mr. Gibson.
“They were to have been married last week, and nobody ever knew why it was put off. It’s my belief he’ll never marry her.”
The wedding was postponed last week for unknown reasons, and Miss Stanbury believes it will never happen.
Reflects the theme of social reputation and gossip.
“I am very desolate and solitary here. But I rather think that women who don’t get married are intended to be desolate; and perhaps it is better for them, if they bestow their time and thoughts properly.”
Miss Stanbury feels lonely and reflects on the solitary fate of unmarried women, hoping they use their time wisely.
Highlights Miss Stanbury's internal conflict and the theme of family loyalty.