He Knew He Was Right · Chapter
XCIII: “Say That You Forgive Me” explained
Hugh Stanbury and Emily Trevelyan visit Louis Trevelyan at Casalunga, attempting to persuade him to return to England for his health and safety.
What happens
Hugh Stanbury and Emily Trevelyan visit Louis Trevelyan at Casalunga, attempting to persuade him to return to England for his health and safety. Trevelyan, paranoid and physically weakened, resists, fearing confinement in a madhouse. Stanbury warns that Italian authorities may intervene if he remains. The chapter ends with Trevelyan agreeing to consider the proposal, while Emily and Stanbury leave him, knowing he is too weak to flee.
Themes in this chapter
Madness and Obsession
Trevelyan's paranoia and physical decline are central; he fears being placed in a madhouse, and his obsession with perceived betrayals dominates the chapter.
Marital Jealousy and Possessiveness
Trevelyan's accusations against his wife and Sir Marmaduke reflect his possessive and jealous nature, even as Emily tries to care for him.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Emily's repeated offers of forgiveness and her desire to take Trevelyan home contrast with his resistance, highlighting the theme of attempted reconciliation.
Characters to notice
- Hugh Stanbury
Accompanies Emily to Casalunga; attempts to reason with Trevelyan, warns him of Italian authorities, and tries to persuade him to return to England.
- Emily Trevelyan
Visits her husband with Stanbury; shows tenderness and patience, but is accused by Trevelyan of betraying him to authorities.
- Louis Trevelyan
Paranoid and physically declining; fears being placed in a madhouse, accuses his wife and Sir Marmaduke, and resists leaving Casalunga.
- Nora Rowley
Mentioned as being engaged to Hugh Stanbury; her upcoming marriage is discussed.
- Sir Marmaduke Rowley
Mentioned as having sailed from England; Trevelyan accuses him of being an enemy.
- Lady Rowley
Mentioned as having sailed with Sir Marmaduke; Trevelyan accuses her of threatening him with a madhouse.
- Lord Peterborough
Briefly seen passing through Siena in a carriage with his wife; Stanbury encounters them at the railway station.
Key passages
“Because they have threatened to put me—in a madhouse.”
Trevelyan claims that Sir Marmaduke and Lady Rowley threatened to have him committed to an asylum.
Reveals Trevelyan's deep paranoia and fear of institutionalization.
“If you will return with me and your wife, you shall choose your own place of abode.”
Stanbury offers Trevelyan full control over where he lives if he agrees to return to England.
Shows the negotiation strategy to persuade Trevelyan.
“He cannot go far without my knowing it, because he draws his money in Siena, and lately I have taken to him what he wants.”
Emily explains that she controls Trevelyan's access to funds, limiting his ability to flee.
Highlights Emily's practical measures to manage her husband's movements.
“They are already saying that you are not fit to be alone; and if once they get you into their hands—under some Italian medical board, perhaps into some Italian asylum, it might be years before you could get out—if ever.”
Stanbury warns Trevelyan that Italian authorities may intervene and confine him if he remains in Casalunga.
A key argument used to pressure Trevelyan into leaving Italy.
