# IV explained — The House by the River

> Chapter companion for The House by the River by A. P. Herbert.

## What happens

Margery Byrne walks home from the Underground, reflecting on her appearance, her pregnancy, and her deep trust in her husband Stephen. She idealizes him as a perfect husband and a successful poet, unaware of his recent crime. Meanwhile, Stephen, after disposing of Emily Gaunt's body, experiences a mix of elation and remorse, praying for forgiveness and resolving to be a better man.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

Margery perceives Stephen as a perfect husband, while he hides his guilt and crime.

### Guilt and Conscience

Stephen experiences remorse and prays for forgiveness after disposing of Emily's body.

### Marriage and Betrayal

Margery's trust in Stephen contrasts with his betrayal through his affair with Emily.

## Character check-ins

### Margery Byrne

Walks home happily, reflecting on her pregnancy, her trust in Stephen, and his literary success.

### Stephen Byrne

Experiences elation after deceiving Mrs. Beach, then feels remorse and prays for forgiveness.

### Emily Gaunt

Mentioned as the victim; Stephen blames her for his troubles and shows no pity.

### Joan

Mentioned as Margery's first child, born during a terrifying first pregnancy.

### Mrs. Beach

Interacts with Stephen, who deceives her about Emily's absence.

## Key lines

> There are women who make a man feel evil at the sight of them. Margery made a man feel good.

Margery's presence inspires virtuous feelings in men, unlike some women who provoke darker impulses.

_Highlights Margery's perceived purity and its effect on others._

> Something like conscience, something like remorse, had room to stir in place of his abated fears.

As Stephen's immediate fear subsides, he begins to feel guilt and regret for his actions.

_Shows Stephen's internal conflict after the crime._

> He would never do anything mean or degrading or treacherous. She could trust him absolutely.

Margery believes Stephen is incapable of dishonorable acts and has complete faith in him.

_Emphasizes the irony of Margery's trust given Stephen's recent actions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_by_the_river_se/chapters/iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_by_the_river_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_by_the_river_se/chapters