This episode's title most certainly refers to the duty that Hornblower feels to his country, but more certainly also references the responsibility he learns he now has with his new wife. At the film's beginning, Horatio marries Maria, his former landlady's daughter. His obvious fumbling and overly longing look to the sea tells all where his real passion belongs. Returning to the war against Napoleon, he rescues two shipwrecked passengers, who initially claim to be Swiss. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that they have captured Napoleon's brother and his new bride. Through interaction with the two, particularly the wife, Horatio starts learning of his new duties and affections he should share with his own wife. Meanwhile, Hornblower again comes up against the Irish traitor, Wolfe, who now openly works for the French.
—John Sacksteder <jsackste@bellsouth.net>