He Knew He Was Right · Chapter
Great Tribulation explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Trevelyan receives a letter from her husband accusing her of misconduct and threatening to take away her child. She reacts with fury and despair, demanding to see the correspondence that led to the accusation. The sisters confront Priscilla Stanbury, who admits to having informed her brother Hugh about Colonel Osborne's visit. Mrs. Trevelyan writes to her husband, enclosing her correspondence with Colonel Osborne, and declares she will leave the Clock House within days. Priscilla regrets their involvement and reflects on the dangers of stepping beyond one's proper station.
Themes in this chapter
Marital Jealousy and Possessiveness
Trevelyan's letter accuses his wife of disgrace based on suspicion of correspondence with Colonel Osborne, illustrating his possessive control and jealousy.
Gender Roles and Power in Marriage
Mrs. Trevelyan's powerlessness is highlighted as she must obey her husband's commands, even when unjust, and fears losing her child due to his legal authority.
Social Reputation and Gossip
Priscilla worries that they are suspected of being paid by both husband and lover, showing how reputation and gossip shape the characters' actions and anxieties.
Characters to notice
- Emily Trevelyan
Receives a devastating letter from her husband accusing her of disgrace; she is passionate, defiant, and insists on her innocence while threatening to leave the house.
- Nora Rowley
Comforts her sister and agrees that they must wait until their father arrives; she supports Emily in her confrontation with Priscilla.
- Priscilla Stanbury
Defends her decision to inform her brother about Colonel Osborne's visit, but expresses regret for having become involved in the Trevelyans' marital troubles.
- Mrs. Stanbury
Present during the confrontation; she is distressed and tries to mediate, but is largely passive in the face of the crisis.
- Louis Trevelyan
Referenced as the author of the accusatory letter; his actions drive the chapter's conflict, though he does not appear directly.
Key passages
“Disgraced him! I have never disgraced him. It is he that has disgraced me.”
Emily vehemently denies disgracing her husband and instead accuses him of disgracing her.
Emily's immediate reaction to Trevelyan's accusation, showing her indignation and sense of injustice.
“How true it is that while one crouches on the ground, one can never fall.”
Priscilla reflects that those who remain humble and lowly cannot suffer a great fall.
Priscilla's philosophical observation about the dangers of rising above one's station.
“I will not take a penny of his money;—not a penny.”
Emily declares she will refuse any financial support from her husband.
Emily's defiant statement of independence, though she later admits she has no money to leave.