He Knew He Was Right · Chapter
The Honourable Mr. Glascock explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Trevelyan and Nora Rowley prepare to leave Curzon Street for Nuncombe Putney as the marital quarrel between Louis Trevelyan and Emily Trevelyan worsens. Lady Milborough attempts to mediate but fails, and Emily writes another letter to Colonel Osborne, further inflaming her husband's jealousy. Meanwhile, Mr. Glascock proposes to Nora Rowley, but she refuses him due to her love for Hugh Stanbury, though she is deeply conflicted about the sacrifice.
Themes in this chapter
Marital Jealousy and Possessiveness
Trevelyan's jealousy intensifies as Emily writes to Colonel Osborne, driving the couple further apart despite Lady Milborough's attempts at reconciliation.
Gender Roles and Power in Marriage
Emily resists her husband's demand for obedience, asserting her right to judge her own conduct, while Lady Milborough emphasizes wifely duty.
Social Reputation and Gossip
Lady Milborough fears that the Trevelyan scandal will ruin Nora's chance at a good marriage with Mr. Glascock, highlighting the importance of reputation.
Characters to notice
- Emily Trevelyan
Established at the Clock House in Nuncombe Putney; writes another letter to Colonel Osborne despite her husband's jealousy, justifying it as proper conduct.
- Nora Rowley
Refuses Mr. Glascock's marriage proposal due to her love for Hugh Stanbury, though she is emotionally torn by the sacrifice.
- Louis Trevelyan
Driven to despair by his wife's continued correspondence with Colonel Osborne; consults Lady Milborough but rejects her suggestions.
- Lady Milborough
Acts as an ineffective mediator in the Trevelyan quarrel; worries about Mr. Glascock's interest in Nora being jeopardized by the scandal.
- Colonel Osborne
Receives another letter from Emily Trevelyan and responds with excessive affection, fueling Trevelyan's jealousy.
- Mr. Glascock
Proposes to Nora Rowley but is refused; described as a good-tempered, reasonable heir to a peerage.
Key passages
“Am I, who am altogether unconscious of having done anything amiss, to confess that I have been in the wrong? If it were about a small matter, I would not mind, for the sake of peace. But when it concerns my conduct in reference to another man I would rather die first.”
Emily refuses to admit fault regarding her relationship with Colonel Osborne, valuing her integrity over marital peace.
Highlights Emily's stubbornness and the core of the marital conflict.
“Whatever has happened, dear, you may be quite sure that I shall never be Mrs. Glascock.”
Nora assures Emily that she will not marry Mr. Glascock, despite the proposal.
Confirms Nora's rejection of a socially advantageous match due to her feelings for Hugh Stanbury.