He Knew He Was Right · Chapter
The Rowleys Go Over the Alps explained
The Rowley family establishes itself in Florence, pursuing Trevelyan who has fled with his son.
What happens
The Rowley family establishes itself in Florence, pursuing Trevelyan who has fled with his son. Nora remains resolute in her engagement to Hugh Stanbury despite her parents' opposition. Lady Rowley secretly hopes that Mr. Glascock might still propose to Nora, but learns from an embassy visitor that Glascock is likely to marry an American girl.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it represents the emotional and psychological peak of Mrs. Trevely…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Family Loyalty and Sacrifice
The Rowley family travels to Italy to support Emily in her search for her son, despite the personal costs and uncertainties.
- Pride and Stubbornness
Nora's obstinacy in refusing to give up her engagement to Hugh Stanbury, and Sir Marmaduke's refusal to touch Trevelyan's money, both reflect pride and stubbornness.
Characters to notice
- Nora Rowley
Resolved not to return to the Islands and determined to abide by her engagement to Hugh Stanbury.
- Lady Rowley
Hopes to cure Nora of her passion for Hugh Stanbury through further overtures from Mr. Glascock, but learns from an embassy visitor that Glascock is likely to marry an American girl.
- Sir Marmaduke Rowley
Travels with the family to Florence; refuses to touch Trevelyan's money but allows his daughter to pay her share of expenses.
- Emily Trevelyan
Travels to Italy in search of her son; receives money from her husband and pays her own way.
- Louis Trevelyan
Has fled to Italy with his son, leaving a note for his wife and arranging for her income.
- Hugh Stanbury
Learns from Bozzle that Trevelyan has gone to Florence; receives a letter from Dorothy expressing hope that Nora will become her sister.
Key passages
“Girls are understood by their mothers better than they are by their fathers.”
Mothers have a deeper insight into their daughters' feelings and motivations than fathers do.
Reflects Lady Rowley's understanding of Nora's determination.
“She was not running after Mr. Glascock; but if Mr. Glascock should choose to run after them—or her, who could say that any harm had been done?”
Lady Rowley was not actively pursuing Mr. Glascock, but she saw no harm in being available if he pursued them.
Highlights Lady Rowley's secret hope for a match between Nora and Mr. Glascock.
