# I Know It Will Do explained — He Knew He Was Right

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

## What happens

Dorothy Stanbury accepts her Aunt Jemima Stanbury's offer to live with her in Exeter, despite Priscilla's reservations. The family corresponds with Hugh, who supports the move. Dorothy arrives at the Close, and Miss Stanbury, though anxious, is pleased with her niece's modest appearance.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Loyalty and Sacrifice

Dorothy agrees to live with her aunt to ease the family's financial burden, planning to send home half her allowance.

### Pride and Stubbornness

Miss Stanbury's rigid rules (no modern novels, no false hair) and her refusal to use pillar boxes reflect her stubborn character.

### Gender Roles and Power in Marriage

Hugh, as the man of the family, makes the final decision for Dorothy, overriding Priscilla's objections.

## Character check-ins

### Dorothy Stanbury

Accepts her aunt's invitation to live in Exeter; arrives at the Close with Martha; her modest appearance and gentle manner please Miss Stanbury.

### Miss Jemima Stanbury

Writes to Mrs. Stanbury offering to host Dorothy; anxiously awaits her arrival; is softened by Dorothy's plain straw hat and lack of chignon.

### Priscilla Stanbury

Expresses strong opposition to Dorothy's move, warning that she will not be able to bear Aunt Stanbury; ultimately defers to Hugh's decision.

### Mrs. Stanbury

Writes the formal acceptance letter to Miss Stanbury, with Priscilla's inserted condition; supports Dorothy's move.

### Hugh Stanbury

Advises Dorothy to accept the offer, calling Aunt Stanbury 'a most excellent woman'; sends money for travel and wardrobe.

### Martha

Miss Stanbury's servant; fetches Dorothy from Nuncombe Putney; reports favorably on Dorothy's character.

## Key lines

> I could try

Dorothy expresses willingness to attempt living with her aunt despite Priscilla's warnings.

_Shows Dorothy's hopeful and compliant nature._

> Sweet! I hate your sweets

Miss Stanbury dismisses Martha's praise of Dorothy as 'sweet,' revealing her gruff exterior.

_Highlights Miss Stanbury's defensive attitude toward affection._

> I must go down and receive her, I suppose

Miss Stanbury reluctantly prepares to meet Dorothy, betraying her nervousness.

_Illustrates her internal conflict between sternness and desire for companionship._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/viii-i-know-it-will-do
- 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