# Of a Quarter of Lamb explained — He Knew He Was Right

> Chapter companion for He Knew He Was Right by Anthony Trollope.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxvi-of-a-quarter-of-lamb
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters