He Knew He Was Right · Chapter
Showing How Colonel Osborne Went to Cockchaffington explained
Colonel Osborne, his vanity gratified by the trouble his friendship with Emily Trevelyan has caused, decides to visit her in Devonshire under the pretext of seeing a friend.
What happens
Colonel Osborne, his vanity gratified by the trouble his friendship with Emily Trevelyan has caused, decides to visit her in Devonshire under the pretext of seeing a friend. He writes to Emily, who, despite knowing it is wrong, responds positively, seeking excitement and sympathy. Nora Rowley is alarmed by the news.
Themes in this chapter
Marital Jealousy and Possessiveness
Trevelyan's jealousy drives the plot, leading to Emily's banishment and Colonel Osborne's opportunistic visit.
Social Reputation and Gossip
Rumors about Emily's imprisonment and the scandal surrounding her friendship with Colonel Osborne highlight the power of gossip in Victorian society.
Madness and Obsession
Trevelyan's behavior is described as 'insane' and 'mad,' and Colonel Osborne's vanity and pursuit of Emily border on obsession.
Characters to notice
- Colonel Osborne
His vanity is gratified by the scandal; he writes to Emily and plans to visit her in Devonshire.
- Emily Trevelyan
Receives Colonel Osborne's letter and, despite knowing it is imprudent, responds positively, seeking excitement.
- Nora Rowley
Alarmed by the news of Colonel Osborne's planned visit and scolds Emily.
- Louis Trevelyan
Mentioned as having broken up his household and sent Emily away; his jealousy is the cause of the situation.
- Mr. Bozzle
The ex-policeman hired by Trevelyan; he has already asked his way to Nuncombe Putney.
Key passages
“Colonel Osborne did not himself believe even so much as this, but he did believe that Mrs. Trevelyan had been banished to some inhospitable region, to some dreary comfortless abode, of which, as the wife of a man of fortune, she would have great ground to complain.”
Colonel Osborne thought Emily had been sent to a miserable, uncomfortable place, which as a wealthy man's wife she had every reason to resent.
Reflects Osborne's view of Trevelyan's cruelty and his own self-justification.
“She had a dim perception that she was standing on the edge of a precipice, on broken ground which might fall under her without a moment's warning, and yet she would not retreat from the danger.”
Emily sensed she was in a precarious situation that could collapse at any moment, but she chose not to step back from the risk.
Highlights Emily's awareness of the danger of Osborne's visit and her willful disregard of it.