He Knew He Was Right · Chapter
Hugh Stanbury Smokes Another Pipe explained
Trevelyan has disappeared, leaving Bozzle as the only one who knows his address.
What happens
Trevelyan has disappeared, leaving Bozzle as the only one who knows his address. Mrs. Trevelyan receives letters from Lady Milborough urging submission, and a packet from her parents expressing anger at Trevelyan. Hugh Stanbury visits St. Diddulph's and has a private moment with Nora Rowley, hinting at his feelings for her. He resolves to be more direct in his affections. Meanwhile, Bozzle continues his surveillance of Mrs. Trevelyan, convinced of her guilt, while Trevelyan, isolated and paranoid, relies solely on Bozzle's reports.
Themes in this chapter
Marital Jealousy and Possessiveness
Trevelyan's obsessive jealousy drives him to employ Bozzle to watch his wife, even as he isolates himself; his paranoia and reliance on the detective highlight the destructive nature of his possessiveness.
Social Reputation and Gossip
Lady Milborough's letters emphasize the social imperative to avoid separation; Bozzle's assumptions about Mrs. Trevelyan's guilt reflect the gossip and suspicion that pervade the characters' social world.
Class and Professional Identity
Hugh Stanbury's internal debate about marrying Nora despite his precarious income highlights the tension between romantic desire and the practical constraints of class and professional stability.
Characters to notice
- Hugh Stanbury
Visits St. Diddulph's to deliver news about Trevelyan's disappearance; has a private, emotionally charged moment with Nora Rowley, hinting at his love; later smokes a pipe and resolves to declare his feelings honestly.
- Nora Rowley
Encountered alone by Hugh Stanbury; is silenced and stern when he speaks of doing anything for her sake, though she is inwardly affected; later bids him farewell with a difference in her manner.
- Emily Trevelyan
Residing at St. Diddulph's; receives letters from Lady Milborough and her parents; unable to contact Trevelyan; whispers her troubles to Hugh Stanbury.
- Louis Trevelyan
Has fled to Italy, leaving only Bozzle with his address; feels isolated and betrayed by everyone except Bozzle; continues to employ Bozzle to watch his wife.
- Mr. Bozzle
The only one who knows Trevelyan's address; makes multiple trips to St. Diddulph's to surveil Mrs. Trevelyan; convinced of her guilt and works diligently to gather evidence.
- Lady Milborough
Writes two letters to Mrs. Trevelyan imploring her to be submissive to her husband; is perceived by Trevelyan as having turned against him.
Key passages
“Anything is better than separation.”
Lady Milborough insists that any marital arrangement is preferable to living apart.
Reflects the Victorian social stigma against separation, even in unhappy marriages.
“I would do anything for your sister, — for your sake, Miss Rowley.”
Hugh Stanbury confesses that his willingness to help Emily is motivated by his feelings for Nora.
A pivotal moment where Hugh indirectly declares his love for Nora.
“Bozzle was very disagreeable. Bozzle said things, and made suggestions to him which were as bad as pins stuck into his flesh. But Bozzle was true to his employer, and could find out facts.”
Trevelyan finds Bozzle's presence and insinuations painful, yet he relies on him because Bozzle is loyal and provides information.
Highlights Trevelyan's tragic dependence on a man he despises, driven by his obsessive need for control.
