# Niddon Park explained — He Knew He Was Right > Chapter companion for He Knew He Was Right by Anthony Trollope. ## What happens Hugh Stanbury travels to Nuncombe Putney, thinking more of Nora Rowley than of the Trevelyans. He learns that Colonel Osborne visited Mrs. Trevelyan, which he condemns as wrong. Mrs. Trevelyan is indignant at her husband's suspicions and the secret inquiries made by a detective. Meanwhile, Hugh and Nora walk together in Niddon Park, both concealing their feelings—Nora disappointed that Hugh does not speak his love, and Hugh wrestling with whether it is honorable to propose to her while she is in a vulnerable position. ## Themes in this chapter ### Marital Jealousy and Possessiveness Trevelyan's jealousy over Colonel Osborne's visit drives the plot, leading to his oath and the employment of a detective. ### Social Reputation and Gossip The ostler's comments show how local gossip and suspicion of scandal affect prices and perceptions of the women at the Clock House. ### Gender Roles and Power in Marriage Mrs. Trevelyan's defiance of her husband's control and her insistence on her own innocence highlight the power struggle within their marriage. ## Character check-ins ### Hugh Stanbury Travels to Nuncombe Putney, thinking of Nora Rowley; confronts the situation with Colonel Osborne; struggles with whether to propose to Nora. ### Nora Rowley Walks with Hugh in Niddon Park, feeling disappointed that he does not declare his love; she has her answer ready but is torn by her own poverty. ### Emily Trevelyan Defends her decision to see Colonel Osborne; expresses indignation at her husband's suspicions and the detective's inquiries. ### Priscilla Stanbury Welcomes her brother; criticizes Colonel Osborne's visit; arranges for Nora to walk alone with Hugh. ### Louis Trevelyan Mentioned as having sent Hugh to learn the truth about Colonel Osborne's visit; his suspicions and oath are discussed. ### Colonel Osborne Visited Nuncombe Putney and saw Mrs. Trevelyan; his visit is condemned by Hugh and Priscilla. ## Key lines > When a man can tell a young lady what she ought to read, what she ought to do, and whom she ought to know, nothing can be easier than to assure her that, of all her duties, her first duty is to prefer himself to all the world. A man who advises a young woman on her reading, actions, and acquaintances can easily convince her that her primary duty is to choose him above all others. _Reflects Hugh's thoughts on the ease of courtship when a man has a mentoring role._ > If there bain't another for Nuncombe, said Mrs. Clegg's Ostler to Mrs. Clegg's Boots, as Stanbury was driven off in a gig. That be young Stanbury, a-going of whome. The ostler remarks that Stanbury is heading home, and that the Clock House has become a busy place since the lady separated from her husband moved in. _Shows local gossip about the scandal affecting the village._ > I will not let anyone think that I'm afraid to see any man on earth, said Mrs. Trevelyan. If he had ever in his life said a word that he should not have said, a word that would have been an insult, of course it would have been different. But the notion of it is preposterous. Why should I not have seen him? Mrs. Trevelyan insists she will not be cowed into avoiding Colonel Osborne, as his visit was innocent and she has nothing to hide. _Highlights her defiance and sense of injustice._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xxiv-niddon-park - 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