All chapters

He Knew He Was Right · Chapter

Conclusion explained

The chapter concludes the novel by detailing the aftermath of Louis Trevelyan's death, his final reparation to Emily, and the subsequent marriages and settlements of the main characters.

What happens

The chapter concludes the novel by detailing the aftermath of Louis Trevelyan's death, his final reparation to Emily, and the subsequent marriages and settlements of the main characters. Hugh Stanbury marries Nora Rowley, Brooke Burgess marries Dorothy Stanbury, and the fates of the French sisters and other minor characters are resolved.

Themes in this chapter

  • Forgiveness and Reconciliation

    Trevelyan's final gesture of reparation provides Emily with a sense of acquittal and peace, allowing her to move forward.

  • Family Loyalty and Sacrifice

    Priscilla's refusal to accept comforts and her dedication to frugality demonstrate her loyalty to her own principles and family.

  • Class and Professional Identity

    Hugh Stanbury's marriage into the aristocracy is seen as a professional triumph for the press, illustrating the shifting class dynamics of the era.

Characters to notice

  • Louis Trevelyan

    Dies as a maniac, but makes reparation to Emily with a touch of his lips before death.

  • Emily Trevelyan

    Acquitted by Trevelyan's final gesture, inherits his fortune, and resolves never to remarry, living with her child at Twickenham.

  • Hugh Stanbury

    Marries Nora Rowley in a well-attended ceremony at Monkhams, and insists on living modestly without relying on Trevelyan's income.

  • Nora Rowley

    Marries Hugh Stanbury, feeling at home at Monkhams, and agrees to a simple life with her husband.

  • Dorothy Stanbury

    Marries Brooke Burgess and is installed as mistress of Miss Stanbury's house, though her aunt retains control of the keys.

  • Priscilla Stanbury

    Continues to live at the cottage with her mother, which has been improved and furnished, but she remains frugal and visits Dorothy occasionally.

Key passages

  • At last the maniac was dead, and in his last moments he had made such reparation as was in his power for the evil that he had done.

    Finally, the madman died, and in his final moments he did what he could to make amends for the harm he had caused.

    Describes Trevelyan's death and his attempt at reconciliation.

  • Early in the following spring Hugh Stanbury was married to Nora Rowley in the parish church of Monkhams

    In the early spring, Hugh Stanbury and Nora Rowley were married at the Monkhams parish church.

    Announces the marriage of Hugh and Nora.

  • Brooke and Mrs. Brooke established themselves in the house in the Close on their return from their wedding tour

    After their honeymoon, Brooke and his wife settled into the house in the Close.

    Describes the new home of Brooke and Dorothy.

He Knew He Was Right — Conclusion Explained