# XVI: Dartmoor explained — He Knew He Was Right

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

## What happens

Miss Stanbury learns that Colonel Osborne visited Mrs. Trevelyan at the Clock House, confirming her suspicions. Meanwhile, Nora, Mrs. Trevelyan, and Priscilla take a picnic excursion to Princetown on Dartmoor, where Nora contemplates her romantic prospects between Mr. Glascock and Hugh Stanbury. Upon returning home, they find a mysterious gentleman waiting for Nora.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Reputation and Gossip

Miss Stanbury's intense reaction to the rumor of Colonel Osborne's visit underscores the power of gossip and the threat to social respectability.

### Marital Jealousy and Possessiveness

The ongoing separation between the Trevelyans is rooted in jealousy, as reflected in Priscilla's comments about the quarrel over who should apologize first.

## Character check-ins

### Miss Jemima Stanbury

Receives news of Colonel Osborne's visit to the Clock House and reacts with indignation.

### Nora Rowley

During the Dartmoor excursion, she reflects on her feelings for Mr. Glascock and Hugh Stanbury, deciding she would accept Mr. Glascock if given another chance.

### Emily Trevelyan

Accompanies Nora and Priscilla on the picnic to Princetown; discusses her marital troubles with Priscilla.

### Priscilla Stanbury

Joins the excursion and talks candidly with Mrs. Trevelyan about her marriage, advising reconciliation.

### Colonel Osborne

Reported to have visited Mrs. Trevelyan at the Clock House, causing Miss Stanbury's alarm.

## Key lines

> I never knew one like her, said Miss Stanbury, who, when she’d got away from one man, didn’t want to have another dangling after her.

Miss Stanbury expressed her belief that Mrs. Trevelyan, once separated from her husband, would inevitably attract another man.

_Reflects Miss Stanbury's cynical view of Mrs. Trevelyan's character._

> She had made up her mind to that, when she turned round from off the last knoll on which she had stood, to return to her sister and Priscilla Stanbury.

Nora resolved to accept Mr. Glascock if he proposed again, then rejoined her companions.

_Highlights Nora's internal conflict and decision regarding marriage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xvi-dartmoor
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters