The Way We Live Now · Chapter
I Do Love Him. explained
Paul Montague confesses to Roger Carbury his troubles with Mrs.
What happens
Paul Montague confesses to Roger Carbury his troubles with Mrs. Hurtle and the railway scheme. Meanwhile, Lady Carbury and Roger return home to find Paul with Hetta, leading to tension and a confession from Hetta that she loves someone else. Roger also reveals that Ruby Ruggles has disappeared, possibly with Sir Felix Carbury.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Hypocrisy
Paul plans to break his engagement to Mrs. Hurtle using dubious rumors; Roger advises him to cheat the devil if necessary, highlighting moral compromise.
Love vs. Practicality
Hetta confesses her love for someone else despite her mother's pressure to marry Roger for practical reasons.
Family Obligation and Selfishness
Lady Carbury pressures Hetta to marry Roger for family advantage, while Sir Felix's selfish actions endanger Ruby Ruggles.
Characters to notice
- Paul Montague
Confesses to Roger about his engagement with Mrs. Hurtle and the railway business; resolves to break off the engagement.
- Roger Carbury
Advises Paul on the railway and Mrs. Hurtle; reveals Ruby Ruggles' disappearance and suspicion of Sir Felix.
- Hetta Carbury
Found alone with Paul; later confesses to her mother that she loves someone else, but not Roger.
- Lady Carbury
Returns home to find Paul with Hetta; questions Hetta and expresses frustration about her refusal to marry Roger.
- Sir Felix Carbury
Suspected by Roger of being involved with Ruby Ruggles' disappearance; lies about his knowledge.
- Ruby Ruggles
Has gone missing from Suffolk; believed to have been led away by Sir Felix.
Key passages
“You have to bind your character to another man’s character; and that other man’s character, if it be good, will carry you through.”
Roger advises Paul that aligning himself with a reputable person will protect his own reputation.
Roger's advice on navigating the railway scandal.
“If you make a bargain with the Devil, it may be dishonest to cheat him—and yet I would have you cheat him if you could.”
Roger suggests that breaking a bad promise, even dishonestly, is acceptable.
Roger's pragmatic morality regarding Paul's engagement to Mrs. Hurtle.
“I am not good enough for him.”
Hetta claims she is unworthy of Roger, explaining why she cannot marry him.
Hetta's excuse to her mother for refusing Roger's proposal.