# Showing What Took Place at St. Diddulph's explained — He Knew He Was Right

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

## What happens

Nora Rowley reflects on her encounter with Hugh Stanbury, torn between her love for him and her refusal to marry him due to his poverty. She confides in her sister Emily, defending her feelings. Meanwhile, Colonel Osborne visits the Outhouse home, inquiring after Emily and Nora, but is rebuffed by Mr. Outhouse. Emily defends Osborne's visit, while Nora disapproves.

## Themes in this chapter

### Gender Roles and Power in Marriage

Nora's internal conflict about marrying for love versus financial security reflects the limited choices available to women.

### Social Reputation and Gossip

Colonel Osborne's visit raises concerns about propriety and the potential for scandal, as discussed by the Outhouses.

## Character check-ins

### Nora Rowley

Struggles with her love for Hugh Stanbury and her refusal to marry him; confides in Emily about her feelings.

### Emily Trevelyan

Questions Nora about her encounter with Stanbury and defends Colonel Osborne's visit.

### Hugh Stanbury

Proposes to Nora with violent passion; leaves after being rebuffed by Nora and Mrs. Outhouse.

### Colonel Osborne

Visits the Outhouse home to inquire after Emily and Nora, but is turned away by Mr. Outhouse.

### Mr. Outhouse

Receives Colonel Osborne coldly and refuses to allow him to see the sisters.

### Mrs. Outhouse

Angry at Colonel Osborne's visit; speaks with Mr. Outhouse about the impropriety.

## Key lines

> Her sister had rebuked her because she had refused to make her fortune by marrying Mr. Glascock; and, to own the truth, she had rebuked herself on the same score when she found that Hugh Stanbury had not had a word of love to say to her.

Nora's sister criticized her for turning down Mr. Glascock's wealthy proposal, and Nora secretly regretted it when she thought Hugh Stanbury didn't love her.

_Nora reflects on her conflicting feelings about love and wealth._

> He had been very violent with her, but his violence had at least made the matter clear. He did love her.

Although Hugh was rough and forceful, his actions proved his love for her.

_Nora interprets Hugh's passionate behavior as a sign of genuine affection._

> I have not accepted him. I have refused him. I have told him that it was impossible. And yet you wish him back again! Nora again nodded her head.

Nora admits she refused Hugh's proposal but still hopes he will return, confusing her sister Emily.

_Nora's contradictory feelings are revealed in her conversation with Emily._

> It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.

Mr. Outhouse quotes the Bible to suggest that wealthy people like Colonel Osborne struggle with moral righteousness.

_Mr. Outhouse uses scripture to criticize Colonel Osborne's character._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xli-showing-what-took-place-at-st-diddulph-s
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters