# So Shall Be My Enmity explained — The Way We Live Now

> Chapter companion for The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Paul Montague, troubled by his parting with Mrs. Hurtle, busies himself with resigning from the American railway board. He returns to London to hear rumors of Melmotte's downfall and Sir Felix's disappearance. Meanwhile, Hetta Carbury accepts Paul's proposal, leading to a confrontation with her mother, Lady Carbury, who accuses her of selfishness. Paul writes to Roger Carbury to inform him, and Roger responds with a furious letter declaring enmity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love vs. Practicality

Hetta chooses love for Paul over the practical advantages of marrying Roger, despite her mother's objections about financial ruin.

### Family Obligation and Selfishness

Lady Carbury accuses Hetta of being selfish and ruining the family's chance at a secure home, contrasting personal desire with familial duty.

### Deception and Hypocrisy

Paul's internal conflict over his treatment of Mrs. Hurtle and his self-justification in his letter to Roger highlight themes of self-deception and moral hypocrisy.

## Character check-ins

### Paul Montague

Troubled by his parting with Mrs. Hurtle, he resigns from the railway board and proposes to Hetta Carbury.

### Mrs. Hurtle

Bids farewell to Paul Montague in good faith, releasing him from their engagement.

### Hetta Carbury

Accepts Paul Montague's proposal, causing a rift with her mother and cousin Roger.

### Lady Carbury

Angrily confronts Hetta about her engagement, accusing her of selfishness and ruining the family's prospects.

### Roger Carbury

Receives Paul's letter and responds with a wrathful declaration of enmity, refusing to forgive Paul.

### Sir Felix Carbury

Reported missing for several days; rumored to have drowned himself after the Melmotte affair.

## Key lines

> You shall be troubled no more with Winifrid Hurtle.

Mrs. Hurtle tells Paul Montague she will no longer bother him.

_Mrs. Hurtle releases Paul from their engagement in good faith._

> So shall be my enmity to you.

Roger Carbury declares his lasting hatred for Paul Montague.

_Roger's letter ends with a vow of enmity, reflecting his deep sense of betrayal._

> He who makes excuses is his own accuser.

Making excuses is an admission of guilt.

_Roger uses this French saying to condemn Paul's justification for his actions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxvi-so-shall-be-my-enmity
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters