He Knew He Was Right · Chapter
The Clock House at Nuncombe Putney explained
A fortnight after the previous events, Mrs.
What happens
A fortnight after the previous events, Mrs. Trevelyan and Nora Rowley learn of the plan to move to Nuncombe Putney. The quarrel between Louis Trevelyan and his wife has worsened, leading to a decision to live apart. After Lady Milborough's failed entreaties, the Curzon Street house is given up. An initial idea to stay with the Outhouses is rejected due to Mr. Outhouse's prejudices. Instead, Hugh Stanbury arranges for the sisters to live at the Clock House with his mother and sister, Priscilla. Mrs. Trevelyan accepts, relieved that her son will stay with her. The chapter describes the move, the beauty of the Devonshire countryside, and the growing friendship between the Stanburys and the newcomers, despite some friction between Priscilla and Mrs. Trevelyan.
Themes in this chapter
Marital Jealousy and Possessiveness
Trevelyan's decision to separate from his wife stems from his jealousy and possessiveness, exacerbated by Colonel Osborne's influence.
Gender Roles and Power in Marriage
Trevelyan exerts control over his wife's living arrangements and finances, reflecting the patriarchal power dynamics of Victorian marriage.
Pride and Stubbornness
Both Trevelyan and Emily are described as self-willed and stubborn, contributing to the irreconcilable quarrel.
Social Reputation and Gossip
Lady Milborough and Mrs. Fairfax discuss the separation with concern, highlighting the social scrutiny faced by the couple.
Characters to notice
- Emily Trevelyan
Agrees to move to Nuncombe Putney with her sister and son, maintaining a calm and stately demeanor despite the separation from her husband.
- Nora Rowley
Accompanies her sister to Nuncombe Putney; enjoys the countryside and the company of Priscilla Stanbury.
- Louis Trevelyan
Decides to live apart from his wife, arranges for her maintenance through Hugh Stanbury and Mr. Bideawhile, and moves into lodgings.
- Lady Milborough
Attempts to reconcile the couple but fails; expresses despair at the separation and criticizes the Rowleys.
- Hugh Stanbury
Acts as intermediary between Trevelyan and the women, arranges the Clock House for his mother and the sisters, and guarantees financial support.
- Priscilla Stanbury
Initially doubtful about the arrangement but grows to like the company; finds Mrs. Trevelyan self-willed but enjoys intellectual conversation with Nora.
- Mrs. Stanbury
Agrees to host the Trevelyans and Nora at the Clock House, won over by the baby and the newcomers' company.
- Mr. Outhouse
Declines to host the sisters due to his prejudice against fashionable society and Sir Marmaduke's title.
Key passages
“From bad to worse the quarrel between the husband and the wife had gone on, till Trevelyan had at last told his friend Lady Milborough that he had made up his mind that they must live apart.”
The conflict between Trevelyan and his wife escalated until he informed Lady Milborough of his decision to separate.
Summarizes the progression of the marital breakdown.
“She is so self-willed—and perhaps I am the same,” he had said, “that it is impossible that we should live together.”
Trevelyan admitted that both he and his wife were too stubborn to coexist.
Highlights the mutual stubbornness driving the separation.
“I have no objection to living in Devonshire if Mr. Trevelyan wishes it,” she said, in her most stately manner; “and certainly no objection to living with Mr. Stanbury’s mother.”
Emily Trevelyan formally accepted the move to Devonshire and the arrangement with the Stanburys.
Shows Emily's composed acceptance of her husband's plan.
“There never were two young people so insane since the world began,” said Lady Milborough to her old friend, Mrs. Fairfax, when the thing was done.”
Lady Milborough expressed her dismay at the couple's irrational behavior leading to separation.
Reflects the social judgment on the failed marriage.
