The Way We Live Now · Chapter
LXXII: “Ask Himself.” explained
Roger Carbury receives a letter from Lady Carbury asking him to disclose what he knows about Paul Montague's connection with Mrs.
What happens
Roger Carbury receives a letter from Lady Carbury asking him to disclose what he knows about Paul Montague's connection with Mrs. Hurtle. Unable to write a reply, he travels to London. Upon arrival, he learns that Sir Felix Carbury has been severely beaten by John Crumb. Roger advises Lady Carbury to have Hetta ask Paul directly about Mrs. Hurtle, and offers his home to Lady Carbury and Felix. He reflects on his own love for Hetta and his duty to watch over her interests.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Hypocrisy
Roger grapples with the dilemma of revealing Paul's past without appearing to act out of jealousy or self-interest, highlighting the tension between honesty and personal bias.
Family Obligation and Selfishness
Lady Carbury's unconditional love for Felix contrasts with Roger's sense of duty toward Hetta, while Felix's reckless behavior disregards the consequences for his family.
Characters to notice
- Roger Carbury
Struggles with how to answer Lady Carbury's request about Paul Montague and Mrs. Hurtle; travels to London; advises Hetta to ask Paul directly; offers his home to Lady Carbury and Felix.
- Lady Carbury
Writes to Roger asking for information about Paul Montague; goes to the hospital to fetch Sir Felix; expresses deep love for her son.
- Hetta Carbury
Tells Roger about Felix's beating; blushes when Roger alludes to women as causes of trouble; leaves the room to allow her mother and Roger to discuss Mrs. Hurtle.
- Sir Felix Carbury
Beaten by John Crumb; in the hospital with bruises, missing teeth, and cut lips; no broken bones.
- John Crumb
Believed to have beaten Sir Felix as revenge for his involvement with Ruby Ruggles.
Key passages
“He endeavoured to ask himself what he would do in such a case if he himself were not personally concerned.”
Roger tried to consider the situation objectively, as if he had no personal stake in it.
Roger's internal struggle to separate his own feelings from his judgment.
“The very fact of his love made it a duty to him—made it almost the first of his duties—to watch over the interests of her he loved and of those who belonged to her.”
His love for Hetta compelled him to protect her and her family, even at personal cost.
Roger's sense of moral obligation arising from his love.
“It used to be the way—to be off with the old love before you are on with the new; but that seems to be all changed now.”
In the past, one ended one relationship before starting another, but that custom is no longer observed.
Roger's commentary on changing moral standards, implicitly criticizing Paul and Felix.