# The Rowleys Go Over the Alps explained — He Knew He Was Right

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

## What happens

The Rowley family establishes itself in Florence, pursuing Trevelyan who has fled with his son. Nora remains resolute in her engagement to Hugh Stanbury despite her parents' opposition. Lady Rowley secretly hopes that Mr. Glascock might still propose to Nora, but learns from an embassy visitor that Glascock is likely to marry an American girl.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Loyalty and Sacrifice

The Rowley family travels to Italy to support Emily in her search for her son, despite the personal costs and uncertainties.

### Pride and Stubbornness

Nora's obstinacy in refusing to give up her engagement to Hugh Stanbury, and Sir Marmaduke's refusal to touch Trevelyan's money, both reflect pride and stubbornness.

## Character check-ins

### Nora Rowley

Resolved not to return to the Islands and determined to abide by her engagement to Hugh Stanbury.

### Lady Rowley

Hopes to cure Nora of her passion for Hugh Stanbury through further overtures from Mr. Glascock, but learns from an embassy visitor that Glascock is likely to marry an American girl.

### Sir Marmaduke Rowley

Travels with the family to Florence; refuses to touch Trevelyan's money but allows his daughter to pay her share of expenses.

### Emily Trevelyan

Travels to Italy in search of her son; receives money from her husband and pays her own way.

### Louis Trevelyan

Has fled to Italy with his son, leaving a note for his wife and arranging for her income.

### Hugh Stanbury

Learns from Bozzle that Trevelyan has gone to Florence; receives a letter from Dorothy expressing hope that Nora will become her sister.

## Key lines

> Girls are understood by their mothers better than they are by their fathers.

Mothers have a deeper insight into their daughters' feelings and motivations than fathers do.

_Reflects Lady Rowley's understanding of Nora's determination._

> She was not running after Mr. Glascock; but if Mr. Glascock should choose to run after them⁠—or her, who could say that any harm had been done?

Lady Rowley was not actively pursuing Mr. Glascock, but she saw no harm in being available if he pursued them.

_Highlights Lady Rowley's secret hope for a match between Nora and Mr. Glascock._

## Links

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