The Way We Live Now · Chapter
Which Shall It Be? explained
Paul Montague, torn between his love for Hetta Carbury and his obligation to Mrs.
What happens
Paul Montague, torn between his love for Hetta Carbury and his obligation to Mrs. Hurtle, writes a letter to Mrs. Hurtle explaining his decision to end their engagement. Mrs. Hurtle initially writes a furious reply threatening violence, but after reconsideration sends only a brief note asking him to come. Paul visits her in Islington, where she confronts him with controlled anger, questioning his honor and his change of heart.
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 Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the central emotional and psychological crisis: Hett…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Love vs. Practicality
Paul's letter and Mrs. Hurtle's response highlight the conflict between romantic love and practical considerations in marriage.
- Deception and Hypocrisy
Paul acknowledges his own unjustifiable conduct, while Mrs. Hurtle accuses him of cowardice and lying, underscoring themes of deception.
- Gender and Power
Mrs. Hurtle's threat of violence and her struggle for agency in a relationship where she feels wronged reflect gender dynamics and power imbalances.
Characters to notice
- Paul Montague
Writes a letter to Mrs. Hurtle ending their engagement, then visits her in Islington after receiving her reply.
- Mrs. Hurtle
Receives Paul's letter, writes a furious response, then sends a brief note asking him to come; confronts him with controlled anger.
- Ruby Ruggles
Opens the door for Paul, asks about Sir Felix, and is distressed over her own situation.
- Sir Felix Carbury
Mentioned by Ruby as being possibly still in London; she has written to him but received no reply.
Key passages
“I can not—I dare not—blame you for the step you have since taken. But I can only adhere to the resolution I then expressed.”
Paul tells Mrs. Hurtle that he does not blame her for her actions, but he remains firm in his decision to end their engagement.
Paul's attempt to be both honest and conciliatory in his letter.
“I will whip you till I have not a breath in my body. And then I will see what you will dare to do;—whether you will drag me into a court of law for the assault.”
Mrs. Hurtle threatens to physically attack Paul with a horsewhip and challenges him to take legal action against her.
Mrs. Hurtle's initial furious response, later replaced by a more restrained approach.
“Suppose you were to say, 'I am a gentleman, and a man of my word, and I repent me of my intended perfidy,' do you not think you might get your release that way?”
Mrs. Hurtle suggests that if Paul admitted his wrongdoing and repented, she might release him from his promise.
Mrs. Hurtle's sarcastic proposal during their meeting, testing Paul's honor.
