# Four O'Clock in the Morning explained — He Knew He Was Right

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

## What happens

Sir Marmaduke, having failed to secure a home for Nora with the Outhouses, receives a letter from Emily Trevelyan describing Louis's declining health and erratic behavior at Casalunga. Hugh Stanbury volunteers to travel to Siena to assist. After a tense family meeting late into the night, Hugh and Nora share an emotional farewell, and Sir Marmaduke reluctantly gives his blessing to their engagement.

## Themes in this chapter

### Madness and Obsession

Louis Trevelyan's mental and physical decline is vividly described; he is paranoid, refuses medical help, and his behavior is deemed irrational by Emily.

### Family Loyalty and Sacrifice

Hugh Stanbury undertakes a difficult journey to Italy to help the Trevelyans, and Sir Marmaduke ultimately sacrifices his objections for Nora's happiness.

### Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Sir Marmaduke gives his blessing to Hugh and Nora's engagement, signaling a tentative reconciliation with their relationship.

## Character check-ins

### Hugh Stanbury

Volunteers to travel to Siena to assist the Trevelyans; bids a passionate farewell to Nora and receives Sir Marmaduke's reluctant blessing.

### Nora Rowley

Emotionally says goodbye to Hugh; rushes into his arms after he calls her name, showing her deep attachment.

### Sir Marmaduke Rowley

Struggles with Nora's love affair; fails to place her with the Outhouses; reluctantly gives his blessing to Hugh and Nora.

### Emily Trevelyan

Writes from Siena describing Louis's physical decline and irrational behavior; advises Nora not to come.

### Louis Trevelyan

Reported to be withering away, with hollow eyes and frail limbs; refuses medical help and insists Emily return to England.

### Lady Rowley

Weeps as she bids Hugh goodbye, showing her affection and support for him.

## Key lines

> He seemed to be withering away. His hand was mere skin and bone. His hair and beard so covered his thin long cheeks, that there was nothing left of his face but his bright, large, melancholy eyes.

Emily describes Louis as physically wasting away, with only his sad, luminous eyes remaining visible amidst his gaunt features.

_Highlights the theme of madness and obsession through physical decay._

> If he could say adieu with a quiet voice, and simply with a touch of the hand, then would she do the same—and endeavour to think no worse of him.

Nora resolves to match Hugh's composure in their farewell, hoping to maintain her dignity.

_Shows Nora's internal struggle between emotion and social restraint._

> Mr. Stanbury, let it be so. I could wish for my child's sake, and also for your own, that your means of living were less precarious.

Sir Marmaduke reluctantly consents to the engagement, expressing concern over Hugh's uncertain financial prospects.

_Reflects the theme of class and professional identity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xci-four-o-clock-in-the-morning
- 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