# Showing How Miss Stanbury Behaved to Her Two Nieces explained — He Knew He Was Right

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

## What happens

Miss Stanbury receives a letter from Priscilla revealing that Colonel Osborne has visited the Clock House. Initially triumphant and critical, she gradually softens after rereading the correspondence, acknowledging Priscilla's honesty and the difficulty of the situation. She writes a civil letter expressing respect and affection, while also grappling with her own prejudices and family loyalties.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Loyalty and Sacrifice

Dorothy defends her sister and mother against their aunt's criticism, while Miss Stanbury ultimately acknowledges Priscilla's honesty and writes a conciliatory letter.

### Pride and Stubbornness

Miss Stanbury's initial pride and stubbornness give way to reluctant respect for Priscilla's integrity, though she struggles to express it.

### Social Reputation and Gossip

The visit of Colonel Osborne threatens the family's reputation, and Miss Stanbury's concern about the Clock House arrangement reflects the importance of social standing.

## Character check-ins

### Miss Jemima Stanbury

Struggles with her pride and prejudice toward her nieces, but ultimately writes a conciliatory letter to Priscilla, acknowledging her honesty.

### Dorothy Stanbury

Defends her sister Priscilla and mother, tearfully asserting their honesty, and mediates between her aunt and the Clock House family.

### Priscilla Stanbury

Though not present, her letter and character are central; she is praised for her truthfulness and integrity despite the difficult situation with Colonel Osborne.

### Hugh Stanbury

Blamed by Miss Stanbury for the family's troubles, but Dorothy does not defend him in this chapter.

### Colonel Osborne

His visit to the Clock House is revealed, causing distress and conflict within the family.

## Key lines

> I do believe of her that she would rather eat an honest, dry crust, than dishonest cake and ale.

Miss Stanbury acknowledges that Priscilla would choose poverty with integrity over comfort gained through dishonesty.

_This reflects the theme of family loyalty and the value of honesty._

> Reform, indeed! Murder, sacrilege, adultery, treason, atheism;—that's what Reform means; besides every kind of nastiness under the sun.

Miss Stanbury condemns political reform as a source of moral decay and social disorder.

_This illustrates her conservative views and the historical context of 1860s reform debates._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xxii-showing-how-miss-stanbury-behaved-to-her-two-nieces
- 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