He Knew He Was Right · Chapter
The Stanbury Correspondence explained
Miss Stanbury writes a harsh letter to Mrs.
What happens
Miss Stanbury writes a harsh letter to Mrs. Stanbury accusing her of harboring Mrs. Trevelyan and receiving visits from a reputed lover. Priscilla Stanbury responds defiantly, denying the accusation. Miss Stanbury later discovers she was mistaken—the visitor was the Honourable George Glascock, not Colonel Osborne—and humbly apologizes. Meanwhile, Nora Rowley is deeply despondent after rejecting Mr. Glascock's proposal, and Priscilla attempts to offer sympathy, leading to a tense but eventually reconciliatory conversation.
Themes in this chapter
Social Reputation and Gossip
Miss Stanbury's hasty accusation based on gossip about Colonel Osborne's visit drives the conflict, highlighting the power of reputation.
Pride and Stubbornness
Both Miss Stanbury and Priscilla display pride and stubbornness in their correspondence, though Miss Stanbury eventually humbles herself.
Family Loyalty and Sacrifice
Priscilla fiercely defends her mother's honor, and Dorothy pleads for her family despite her loyalty to her aunt.
Characters to notice
- Miss Jemima Stanbury
Writes an accusatory letter to Mrs. Stanbury, later discovers her error and humbly apologizes.
- Priscilla Stanbury
Defends her mother in a sharp reply to Miss Stanbury, and later tries to comfort Nora Rowley.
- Nora Rowley
Deeply miserable after rejecting Mr. Glascock's proposal; initially rebuffs Priscilla's sympathy but later apologizes.
- Dorothy Stanbury
Pleads with her aunt on behalf of her mother, and later receives Miss Stanbury's apology.
- Emily Trevelyan
Mentioned as the subject of Miss Stanbury's accusation; present at the Clock House but not directly involved in the correspondence.
- Mrs. Stanbury
Receives the accusatory letter and later the apology; inclined to let the matter drop.
Key passages
“It is intolerable that the widow of my brother—a clergyman—should harbour a lady who is separated from her husband and who receives visits from a gentleman who is reputed to be her lover.”
Miss Stanbury writes that it is unacceptable for her brother's widow to host a married woman separated from her husband who is visited by a man rumored to be her lover.
This letter sets off the conflict in the chapter.
“You have found a mare's nest. The gentleman you speak of has never been here at all, and the people who bring you news have probably hoaxed you.”
Priscilla tells her aunt that she has been deceived—the man in question never visited, and her informants likely tricked her.
Priscilla's defiant reply to Miss Stanbury's accusation.
“I have been over hasty about your mother and this man. I am sorry for it, and must—beg—everybody's—pardon.”
Miss Stanbury admits she acted too quickly and asks for forgiveness from everyone involved.
Miss Stanbury's humiliating apology after learning the truth.
“I was savage to you last night, and I want to beg your pardon.”
Nora apologizes to Priscilla for her harshness the previous evening.
Nora's reconciliation with Priscilla after her earlier rejection of sympathy.