# The Delivery of the Lamb explained — He Knew He Was Right

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

## What happens

Martha delivers a peace-offering of lamb and a letter from Miss Stanbury to the Stanbury cottage at Nuncombe Putney. She encounters Brooke Burgess on the road, who reveals he has come to see Dorothy and her family. Dorothy announces her engagement to Brooke, and reads her aunt's letter, which softens her feelings toward Miss Stanbury.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Loyalty and Sacrifice

Miss Stanbury's peace-offering and Dorothy's emotional response to her aunt's letter show the tension between loyalty and independence.

### Forgiveness and Reconciliation

The lamb and letter are overtures toward reconciliation; Dorothy's tears indicate a softening toward her aunt.

## Character check-ins

### Martha

Delivers the lamb and letter from Miss Stanbury; meets Brooke Burgess on the road and learns of his engagement to Dorothy.

### Brooke Burgess

Visits Nuncombe Putney to see Dorothy and her family; announces his intention to marry Dorothy.

### Dorothy Stanbury

Receives Brooke's proposal and her aunt's letter; is moved by the letter and feels softened toward Miss Stanbury.

### Priscilla Stanbury

Present at the cottage; listens to Brooke's declaration and supports Dorothy.

### Miss Jemima Stanbury

Sends the lamb and a letter as a peace-offering; expresses loneliness and a desire for Dorothy's return.

## Key lines

> It is hoped that a certain quarter of lamb will not have been forgotten⁠—a quarter of lamb that was sent as a peace-offering from Exeter to Nuncombe Putney by the hands of Miss Stanbury’s Martha, not with purposes of corruption, not intended to buy back the allegiance of Dorothy⁠—folded delicately and temptingly in one of the best table napkins, with no idea of bribery, but sent as presents used to be sent of old in the trains of great ambassadors as signs of friendship and marks of true respect.

The lamb is a peace-offering from Miss Stanbury to Dorothy, sent with Martha as a gesture of goodwill, not as a bribe.

_Describes the symbolic nature of the gift and Miss Stanbury's intentions._

> Martha entertained a sacred, awful, overcoming feeling about her mistress’s will.

Martha is deeply concerned about the implications of Miss Stanbury's will.

_Highlights Martha's anxiety over the potential consequences of Brooke's visit on the inheritance._

> He had been as a god in the little cottage, and all of them had been ready to fall down and worship him.

Brooke was treated with great reverence and admiration by the Stanbury family during his visit.

_Emphasizes the family's awe and gratitude toward Brooke._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxxii-the-delivery-of-the-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