# A Third Party Is So Objectionable explained — He Knew He Was Right

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

## What happens

Hugh Stanbury confronts Louis Trevelyan about his continued reliance on the detective Bozzle, who claims Emily Trevelyan has written another letter to Colonel Osborne. Stanbury defends Emily's conduct and urges reconciliation, but Trevelyan, consumed by jealousy, resolves to separate from his wife and take their child abroad.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marital Jealousy and Possessiveness

Trevelyan's obsessive jealousy is inflamed by Bozzle's report, leading him to reject Stanbury's pleas for reconciliation and plan a permanent separation.

### Madness and Obsession

Trevelyan's irrational fixation on Colonel Osborne and his willingness to believe a spy over his wife and friend suggest a descent into obsessive madness.

## Character check-ins

### Hugh Stanbury

Confronts Trevelyan about Bozzle and defends Emily's innocence.

### Louis Trevelyan

Consumed by jealousy, believes Bozzle's report and plans to separate from Emily.

### Emily Trevelyan

Accused by Bozzle of writing a letter to Colonel Osborne; defended by Stanbury.

### Colonel Osborne

Allegedly received a letter from Emily, deepening Trevelyan's suspicions.

### Mr. Bozzle

Reports to Trevelyan about Emily's alleged correspondence with Colonel Osborne.

## Key lines

> I have learned it all from that⁠—man. From Bozzle. He has come back, and has been with me, and has learned everything.

Trevelyan tells Stanbury that Bozzle has returned and reported everything.

_Trevelyan reveals his continued reliance on the detective despite Stanbury's earlier request._

> I shall go abroad. And leave her in England? Certainly. She will be safer here than she can be abroad⁠—unless she should choose to go back with her father to the islands. And take the boy? No;⁠—I could

Trevelyan announces his plan to go abroad without his wife, but to take their son.

_Trevelyan's decision to separate from Emily and take the child marks a critical escalation in the marital conflict._

> I think I understand her feelings and her mind, and if so, any such correspondence would be incompatible with her previous conduct.

Stanbury argues that Emily's character makes Bozzle's claim of a letter unlikely.

_Stanbury's faith in Emily contrasts sharply with Trevelyan's suspicion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xxvi-a-third-party-is-so-objectionable
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters