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The book tells the story of Calyste du Guenic, a young nobleman from a royalist family in Brittany, and his tumultuous relationships with the women in his life. The story begins with Calyste's infatuation with Madame de Rochefide, a beautiful and elegant woman who is already in a relationship with Gennaro Conti, a composer. Despite his family's disapproval, Calyste continues to pursue Madame de Rochefide, but she ultimately rejects him. Calyste then marries Sabine de Grandlieu, but he is still in love with Madame de Rochefide and starts an affair with her. Meanwhile, Sabine struggles to come to terms with her husband's infidelity and tries to win him back. The story takes a turn when Maxime de Trailles, a cunning and experienced man, intervenes and devises a plan to separate Calyste from Madame de Rochefide and reunite him with Sabine. The plan involves using La Palferine, a young and charming count, to distract Madame de Rochefide and make her fall in love with him. As the story unfolds, the characters' actions and motivations become more complex, and the plot thickens with intrigue and deception. Ultimately, Calyste is forced to confront the reality of his situation and the true nature of Madame de Rochefide, leading to a dramatic conclusion. The book explores themes of love, marriage, infidelity, and social status, and provides a commentary on the social norms and values of the time. Through its complex characters and intricate plot, the book offers a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.
The chapter describes the town of Guerande in Brittany, France, which remains untouched by modern civilization. The town is surrounded by walls and moats, and its houses have retained their medieval characteristics. The story focuses on the du Guaisnic family, who live in a mansion that reflects the town's feudal past. The family, consisting of the Baron, his wife Fanny, and their son Calyste, are introduced, along with their loyal servants, Gasselin and Mariotte. The Baron, a staunch royalist, has fought in several wars, including the Vendean War, and has been exiled. The family's life is marked by a strong sense of duty, loyalty, and tradition. Calyste, the young son, has been educated by the Abbe Grimont and has developed a close relationship with Mademoiselle des Touches, a writer who lives in the nearby estate of Les Touches. The chapter also introduces Mademoiselle de Pen-Hoel, a wealthy and influential woman who has taken a liking to Calyste and intends to marry him to one of her nieces. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Calyste is smitten with Mademoiselle des Touches, who is much older and has a reputation for being unconventional. The Abbe Grimont and Calyste's mother, Fanny, are concerned about the potential consequences of this relationship, while Mademoiselle de Pen-Hoel sees it as a threat to her plans for Calyste's future.
The chapter focuses on the Baron du Guenic, his wife Fanny, and his sister Mademoiselle Zephirine, describing their daily life, habits, and relationships. The Baron, a staunch royalist, has fought in several wars and has been exiled, but has returned to Guerande. He is now 73 years old and appears much older due to his worn-out grandeur and the weight of his years. Fanny, his wife, is a beautiful and refined woman from Ireland, who is loved and admired by all. Mademoiselle Zephirine, the Baron's sister, is a strict and economical woman who manages the household. The family's life is marked by a strong sense of duty, loyalty, and tradition. The chapter also introduces Mademoiselle de Pen-Hoel, a wealthy and influential woman who has taken a liking to Calyste and intends to marry him to one of her nieces. The evening is spent playing a game of "mouche" with the rector, the chevalier, and Mademoiselle de Pen-Hoel, during which they discuss Calyste's visits to Mademoiselle des Touches, a writer who lives in the nearby estate of Les Touches. The chapter ends with the Baroness expressing her anxiety about Calyste's relationship with Mademoiselle des Touches, who is known for her unconventional lifestyle and writings.
The chapter describes the evening gathering at the du Guenic household, where the baron, his wife, and sister are joined by the rector, the Chevalier du Halga, and Mademoiselle de Pen-Hoel. They play a game of "mouche" and discuss various topics, including Calyste's visits to Mademoiselle des Touches, a writer who lives in the nearby estate of Les Touches. The baroness is anxious about Calyste's relationship with Mademoiselle des Touches, who is known for her unconventional lifestyle and writings. The rector shares his concerns with the baroness, and they discuss the potential consequences of Calyste's involvement with Mademoiselle des Touches. The chapter also provides a detailed biography of Camille Maupin, the pseudonym of Mademoiselle des Touches, highlighting her unusual upbringing, intellectual pursuits, and literary career.
The chapter describes a typical evening at the du Guenic household, where the family and their friends gather to play a game of "mouche". The game is a simple card game, but it brings out the cupidity and diplomatic wiliness of the players. Mademoiselle de Pen-Hoel, a wealthy and influential woman, is particularly passionate about the game and is known for her avarice and strict character. The evening is also marked by discussions about Calyste's visits to Mademoiselle des Touches, a writer who lives in the nearby estate of Les Touches. The baroness is anxious about Calyste's relationship with Mademoiselle des Touches, who is known for her unconventional lifestyle and writings. The rector, Monsieur Grimont, shares his concerns with the baroness and discusses the potential consequences of Calyste's involvement with Mademoiselle des Touches. Meanwhile, Calyste returns home late, and his mother is worried about his whereabouts and his relationship with Mademoiselle des Touches. The chapter also provides a detailed biography of Camille Maupin, the pseudonym of Mademoiselle des Touches, highlighting her unusual upbringing, intellectual pursuits, and literary career.
The chapter focuses on Calyste, the young son of the Baron du Guenic, and his relationship with Mademoiselle des Touches, a writer who lives in the nearby estate of Les Touches. Calyste's mother, Fanny, is worried about his frequent visits to Mademoiselle des Touches, who is known for her unconventional lifestyle and writings. The rector, Monsieur Grimont, shares his concerns with Fanny, and they discuss the potential consequences of Calyste's involvement with Mademoiselle des Touches. Meanwhile, Calyste returns home late, and his mother is anxious about his whereabouts and his relationship with Mademoiselle des Touches. The chapter also provides a detailed biography of Camille Maupin, the pseudonym of Mademoiselle des Touches, highlighting her unusual upbringing, intellectual pursuits, and literary career.
The chapter provides a biography of Camille Maupin, whose real name is Felicite des Touches. She was born in 1793 and became an orphan at a young age. Her aunt, a nun, took care of her and later her great-uncle, Monsieur de Faucombe, became her guardian. Felicite was a prodigious reader and developed a strong intellect, but her education was neglected in favor of her uncle's archaeological pursuits. She fell ill due to her intense mental labor and was ordered to engage in horseback riding and social activities to recover. Felicite appeared in society at the age of 18 and produced a great sensation, but she was hurt by her family's ridicule of her studies and lack of interest in societal pleasures. She resolved to make herself coquettish and gay, but was disgusted by the commonplaces of conversation and the supremacy of military men. Felicite wanted to retain her youth and beauty, and science warned her of the consequences of her obstinate celibacy. She was placed between marriage and love, and her desire was to keep her freedom. The chapter also describes her physical appearance, highlighting her dark hair, olive skin, and full-blooded temperament, which has allowed her to resist the ravages of time. Camille Maupin's life has been marked by a series of events, including a first affair that ended in disillusion, a trip to Italy with a poet and critic, and a subsequent literary career. She has become a celebrated writer, using a male pseudonym, and has led a life of independence and intellectual pursuits. Despite her many accomplishments, Camille finds herself at the age of 40, experiencing a first love, which is a violent convulsion that agitates her strong soul.
The chapter describes the country house of Les Touches, where Felicite des Touches, also known as Camille Maupin, resides. The house is situated near the town of Guerande, in a desert-like landscape of sand and salt-marshes. Felicite is a renowned writer and artist, and her home reflects her eccentric and artistic personality. The chapter also introduces the character of Calyste du Guenic, a young nobleman who is infatuated with Felicite. However, Felicite rejects Calyste's affections, citing their significant age difference and her own lack of romantic feelings for him. Instead, she offers to mentor Calyste and introduce him to the world of art and literature. Meanwhile, a new character, Madame de Rochefide, is introduced, who is a beautiful and elegant woman with a complex past. She is arriving at Les Touches, accompanied by her lover, Gennaro Conti, a famous composer. The chapter sets the stage for a dramatic and romantic storyline, as Calyste becomes increasingly enamored with Madame de Rochefide, while Felicite struggles with her own feelings and desires.
The chapter continues with Calyste's infatuation with Beatrix, the Marquise de Rochefide, who has arrived at Les Touches. Calyste meets Beatrix and is immediately smitten, but she is already in a relationship with Gennaro Conti, a composer. Camille Maupin, Calyste's friend and confidante, tries to warn him away from Beatrix, but he is too far gone. Meanwhile, Claude Vignon, a critic and friend of Camille's, reveals that Camille has feelings for Calyste, but has been using him as a shield to hide her true emotions. The chapter ends with Calyste deciding to follow Beatrix and Camille to Saint-Nazaire, where they are to meet Conti and Vignon, who are departing on a steamer. Calyste's family, particularly his aunt and mother, are concerned about his behavior and the influence of the Parisian women on him. The viscountess and her daughter Charlotte, who are related to the du Guenics, arrive in Guerande and meet Camille and Beatrix, leading to some awkward and humorous interactions. The chapter concludes with Calyste riding back to Les Touches, still smitten with Beatrix, and his family gathering for dinner, where they discuss the events of the day.
The chapter describes Calyste's first meeting with Madame de Rochefide, a beautiful and elegant woman who has arrived at Les Touches. Calyste is immediately smitten with her and becomes tongue-tied in her presence. Despite his awkwardness, he is drawn to her and feels a strong connection. Meanwhile, Claude Vignon, a critic and friend of Camille's, observes Calyste's behavior and notes that he is in love with Madame de Rochefide. Vignon also reveals that Camille loves Calyste, but he does not return her feelings. The chapter ends with Calyste's inner turmoil as he navigates his feelings for Madame de Rochefide and his relationships with Camille and Vignon.
The chapter describes Calyste's infatuation with the Marquise de Rochefide, who has arrived at Les Touches with her lover, Gennaro Conti. Calyste is introduced to the marquise and is immediately smitten with her beauty and elegance. However, the marquise is already in a relationship with Conti and does not return Calyste's affections. Meanwhile, Claude Vignon, a critic and friend of Camille's, reveals that Camille is in love with Calyste, but he does not return her feelings. The chapter also introduces the Viscountess de Kergarouet and her daughter Charlotte, who are related to the du Guenics and have come to Guerande to visit. The viscountess is a provincial woman who is eager to meet the famous Camille Maupin and is oblivious to the complexities of the relationships between the characters. As the chapter ends, Calyste is sent by his mother to arrange for the viscountess and her daughter to use Camille's carriage to return to Saint-Nazaire, providing him with an excuse to visit Les Touches again.
The chapter begins with Calyste visiting Les Touches, where he finds Camille and Beatrix preparing to leave for dinner. Calyste offers his arm to Felicite, and they discuss Beatrix's plans to marry Calyste to one of her nieces. Beatrix teases Calyste, suggesting that he would be a good match for Charlotte de Kergarouet, a young woman related to the du Guenics. Camille intervenes, stating that the marriage will never take place. The conversation turns to Calyste's visits to Les Touches, and Beatrix asks if he has come to make arrangements for the next day's excursion. Calyste's mother, Fanny, is concerned about his relationship with Beatrix and advises him to marry Charlotte de Kergarouet to secure his family's estate. Calyste refuses, stating that he will only marry Beatrix. The chapter ends with Calyste writing a letter to Beatrix, pouring out his heart and declaring his love for her. He decides to deliver the letter in person, despite the Chevalier du Halga's advice to use a maid to convey it. Calyste's letter is a passionate declaration of his love, and he begs Beatrix to respond. The baroness, Calyste's mother, reads the letter and is shocked by the depth of her son's emotions. She seeks advice from the Chevalier du Halga, who tells her that Calyste is lucky to have inspired such passion in Beatrix. The chapter ends with Beatrix responding to Calyste's letter, stating that she is bound to another man and cannot accept his love. Despite this, Calyste continues to pursue Beatrix, and the two eventually share a romantic moment on a rock overlooking the sea. However, their happiness is short-lived, as Conti, Beatrix's lover, arrives and whisks her away, leaving Calyste heartbroken. Camille, who had been watching over Calyste, tries to console him, but he is too grief-stricken to listen. The chapter ends with Calyste visiting Les Touches, where he finds Camille alone, and she reveals to him that Beatrix has left with Conti. Calyste is devastated, and Camille tries to comfort him, telling him that Beatrix is not worthy of his love. However, Calyste is too far gone to listen, and the chapter ends with him overcome with grief.
The chapter describes Calyste's passionate love letter to Beatrix, which he delivers to her in person. Beatrix responds with a letter of her own, explaining that she cannot return his love due to her complicated past and her commitment to Conti. Despite this, Calyste continues to pursue Beatrix, and the two share a romantic moment on a rock overlooking the sea. However, their happiness is short-lived, as Conti arrives and whisks Beatrix away, leaving Calyste heartbroken. Camille, who has been watching over Calyste, tries to console him, but he is too grief-stricken to listen. The chapter ends with Calyste visiting Les Touches, where he finds Camille alone, and she reveals to him that Beatrix has left with Conti. Calyste is devastated, and Camille tries to comfort him, telling him that Beatrix is not worthy of his love.
The chapter describes the emotional turmoil of Calyste, a young nobleman, as he navigates his unrequited love for Madame de Rochefide, a beautiful and elegant woman. Calyste's love letter to Madame de Rochefide is met with a rejection, but he remains devoted to her. Meanwhile, Camille Maupin, a renowned writer and Calyste's friend, tries to guide him through his emotions and advises him to play a silent part in his relationship with Madame de Rochefide. However, Calyste's passion ultimately gets the better of him, and he confesses his love to Madame de Rochefide, who rejects him again. The chapter ends with Calyste's mother, the baroness, trying to comfort him and urging him to marry a young girl and settle down.
The chapter describes an excursion to Croisic, where Calyste, Beatrix, and Camille spend the day exploring the peninsula's unique granite rocks and beaches. The atmosphere is tense, with Calyste and Beatrix's unrequited love for each other palpable, while Camille tries to navigate her own feelings and manipulate the situation to her advantage. As they walk along the shore, Calyste and Beatrix share a moment of tenderness, but their happiness is short-lived, as Conti, Beatrix's lover, arrives unexpectedly and whisks her away, leaving Calyste heartbroken. Camille tries to comfort Calyste, but he is too grief-stricken to listen, and the chapter ends with him visiting Les Touches, where he finds Camille alone and learns that Beatrix has left with Conti. Meanwhile, Beatrix is torn between her duty to Conti and her growing feelings for Calyste, and Conti's true intentions are revealed as he manipulates Calyste into helping him win Beatrix back. The chapter ends with Calyste realizing he has been duped by Conti and that Beatrix is truly gone.
The chapter begins with Calyste visiting Les Touches, where he finds Camille and Beatrix preparing to leave for dinner. Calyste offers his arm to Felicite, and they discuss Beatrix's plans to marry Calyste to one of her nieces. Beatrix teases Calyste, suggesting that he would be a good match for Charlotte de Kergarouet, a young woman related to the du Guenics. Camille intervenes, stating that the marriage will never take place. The conversation turns to Calyste's visits to Les Touches, and Beatrix asks if he has come to make arrangements for the next day's excursion. Calyste's mother, Fanny, is concerned about his relationship with Beatrix and advises him to marry Charlotte de Kergarouet to secure his family's estate. Calyste refuses, stating that he will only marry Beatrix. The chapter ends with Calyste writing a letter to Beatrix, pouring out his heart and declaring his love for her. He decides to deliver the letter in person, despite the Chevalier du Halga's advice to use a maid to convey it. Calyste's letter is a passionate declaration of his love, and he begs Beatrix to respond. The baroness, Calyste's mother, reads the letter and is shocked by the depth of her son's emotions. She seeks advice from the Chevalier du Halga, who tells her that Calyste is lucky to have inspired such passion in Beatrix. The chapter concludes with Beatrix responding to Calyste's letter, stating that she is bound to another man and cannot accept his love. Despite this, Calyste continues to pursue Beatrix, and the two eventually share a romantic moment on a rock overlooking the sea. However, their happiness is short-lived, as Conti, Beatrix's lover, arrives and whisks her away, leaving Calyste heartbroken. Camille, who had been watching over Calyste, tries to console him, but he is too grief-stricken to listen. The chapter ends with Calyste visiting Les Touches, where he finds Camille alone, and she reveals to him that Beatrix has left with Conti. Calyste is devastated, and Camille tries to comfort him, telling him that Beatrix is not worthy of his love.
The chapter describes the aftermath of Calyste's encounter with Beatrix at the theater. Calyste becomes increasingly obsessed with Beatrix and starts to neglect his wife, Sabine. Sabine, who is recovering from a illness, becomes suspicious of Calyste's behavior and discovers a letter from Beatrix to Calyste. She confronts Calyste, who tries to downplay the situation, but Sabine is devastated. The duchess, Sabine's mother, intervenes and tries to cover up the situation, telling Sabine that Calyste lost a large sum of money at cards and that's why he's been distant. However, Sabine is not convinced and continues to investigate. She discovers that Calyste has been lying to her and that he is still in love with Beatrix. The chapter ends with Sabine feeling betrayed and heartbroken, and Calyste trying to reconcile with Beatrix, who is playing hard to get.
The chapter describes the marriage of Calyste du Guenic and Sabine de Grandlieu, and the struggles that Sabine faces in her relationship with Calyste, who is still in love with Madame de Rochefide. Sabine tries to win Calyste's love and affection by being a good wife and mother, but she is constantly compared to Madame de Rochefide and finds herself falling short. Calyste's love for Madame de Rochefide is rekindled when he sees her again at the theatre, and he eventually starts an affair with her. Sabine discovers Calyste's infidelity and is devastated, but she tries to maintain a facade of happiness and contentment. The chapter also explores the themes of love, marriage, and infidelity, and how they affect the characters and their relationships with each other.
The chapter continues with the story of Calyste and Sabine, who are now married and living in Paris. Sabine is struggling to come to terms with Calyste's past love for Madame de Rochefide and her own feelings of jealousy and insecurity. Calyste, on the other hand, is torn between his duty to his wife and his lingering feelings for Madame de Rochefide. As the days go by, Sabine becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth about Calyste's relationship with Madame de Rochefide, and she begins to investigate his activities and movements. Meanwhile, Calyste's mother, the Baronne du Guenic, tries to reassure Sabine that she is loved and valued, but Sabine is too far gone to listen. The chapter ends with Sabine's discovery of a letter from Madame de Rochefide to Calyste, which confirms her worst fears and pushes her to the brink of despair.
The chapter describes the ongoing struggles of Sabine, the young Baronne du Guenic, as she navigates her marriage to Calyste, who is still infatuated with Madame de Rochefide. Despite her efforts to please Calyste and make him happy, Sabine is aware that he is comparing her unfavorably to his former lover. She tries to emulate Madame de Rochefide's style and habits, but Calyste's criticisms and complaints continue to wound her. As the days turn into weeks, Sabine becomes increasingly desperate and humiliated, feeling like she is losing herself in the process of trying to win back her husband's love. Meanwhile, Calyste's obsession with Madame de Rochefide only grows stronger, and he begins to neglect his wife and child. The situation reaches a breaking point when Sabine discovers a letter from Madame de Rochefide to Calyste, and she realizes that she can no longer compete with her rival. In a moment of desperation, Sabine writes to her mother, the Duchesse de Grandlieu, revealing the truth about her marriage and begging for her help. The duchess, who has been unaware of the situation, is shocked and saddened by her daughter's revelations, and she vows to do everything in her power to support Sabine and help her regain her husband's love.
The chapter revolves around the tumultuous marriage of Calyste du Guenic and Sabine de Grandlieu. Sabine, despite her efforts to make Calyste happy, is aware that he is comparing her unfavorably to his former lover, Madame de Rochefide. Calyste's love for Madame de Rochefide is still strong, and he is torn between his duty to his wife and his lingering feelings for his former lover. Meanwhile, Sabine discovers Calyste's infidelity and is devastated, but she tries to maintain a facade of happiness and contentment. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Calyste's passion for Madame de Rochefide is still burning, and he eventually starts an affair with her again. Sabine, heartbroken and humiliated, is forced to confront the reality of her marriage and the fact that she is not loved by her husband. The chapter ends with Sabine's poignant realization that she is not loved and that her marriage is a failure.
The chapter focuses on the story of Sabine, the young Baronne du Guenic, and her struggles with her marriage to Calyste, who is still infatuated with Madame de Rochefide. Sabine's mother, the Duchesse de Grandlieu, seeks the help of the Abbe Brossette to guide her in dealing with the situation. The Abbe advises the duchess to follow Maxime de Trailles' instructions, who has offered to help her resolve the issue. Maxime, a cunning and experienced man, has a plan to separate Calyste from Madame de Rochefide and reunite him with Sabine. He involves La Palferine, a young and charming count, in his plan, who will try to win Madame de Rochefide's heart and distract her from Calyste. Meanwhile, Madame Schontz, a beautiful and intelligent woman, is being courted by Fabien du Ronceret, a young man from Alencon, and is considering marrying him. The chapter ends with Maxime's plan in motion, as La Palferine meets Madame de Rochefide and begins to charm her, while Calyste becomes increasingly desperate and isolated.
Sabine, the Duchess de Grandlieu's daughter, is struggling with her marriage to Calyste, who is infatuated with Madame de Rochefide. The Duchess seeks the help of the Abbe Brossette to guide her in dealing with the situation. Meanwhile, Madame de Rochefide's past and her relationship with her husband, Monsieur de Rochefide, are revealed. Monsieur de Rochefide is introduced as a man who has been living with Madame Schontz, a woman of ill repute, and is hesitant to leave her for his wife. The story takes a turn when Maxime de Trailles, a cunning and experienced man, is introduced, and the Duchess asks for his help in resolving the situation. Maxime devises a plan to separate Calyste from Madame de Rochefide and reunite him with Sabine. The plan involves using La Palferine, a young and charming count, to distract Madame de Rochefide and make her fall in love with him. As the story unfolds, the characters' actions and motivations become more complex, and the plot thickens with intrigue and deception. Ultimately, Calyste is forced to confront the reality of his situation and the true nature of Madame de Rochefide, leading to a dramatic conclusion.
The chapter focuses on Sabine, the young Baronne du Guenic, and her struggles with her marriage to Calyste, who is still infatuated with Madame de Rochefide. Sabine's mother, the Duchesse de Grandlieu, seeks the help of the Abbe Brossette to guide her in dealing with the situation. The Abbe advises the duchess to follow Maxime de Trailles' instructions, who has offered to help her resolve the issue. Maxime, a cunning and experienced man, has a plan to separate Calyste from Madame de Rochefide and reunite him with Sabine. He involves La Palferine, a young and charming count, in his plan, who will try to win Madame de Rochefide's heart and distract her from Calyste. The chapter ends with Maxime's plan in motion, as La Palferine meets Madame de Rochefide and begins to charm her, while Calyste becomes increasingly desperate and isolated.
The chapter describes the Duchesse de Grandlieu's plan to save her daughter Sabine from her unhappy marriage to Calyste, who is infatuated with Madame de Rochefide. The duchess seeks the help of the Abbe Brossette and Maxime de Trailles, a cunning and experienced man, to guide her in dealing with the situation. Maxime agrees to help the duchess, but only if she agrees to receive his wife, Madame de Trailles, into her social circle. The duchess accepts the condition and promises to support Madame de Trailles. Maxime then reveals his plan to separate Calyste from Madame de Rochefide and reunite him with his wife Sabine. He intends to use La Palferine, a young and charming count, to distract Madame de Rochefide and make her fall in love with him, while also manipulating Monsieur de Rochefide to take back his wife. The chapter ends with Maxime's plan in motion, as La Palferine meets Madame de Rochefide and begins to charm her, while Calyste becomes increasingly desperate and isolated.
The chapter begins with a description of Sabine's struggles with her marriage to Calyste, who is still infatuated with Madame de Rochefide. Sabine's mother, the Duchesse de Grandlieu, seeks the help of the Abbe Brossette to guide her in dealing with the situation. The Abbe advises the duchess to follow Maxime de Trailles' instructions, who has offered to help her resolve the issue. Maxime agrees to help the duchess, but only if she agrees to receive his wife, Madame de Trailles, into her social circle. Maxime reveals his plan to separate Calyste from Madame de Rochefide and reunite him with his wife Sabine. He intends to use La Palferine, a young and charming count, to distract Madame de Rochefide and make her fall in love with him. Meanwhile, Madame Schontz, a woman who has been living with Monsieur de Rochefide, is introduced. She is a clever and ambitious woman who has been manipulating Rochefide to gain wealth and social status. Maxime meets with La Palferine and gives him twenty thousand francs to help him win Madame de Rochefide's heart. La Palferine is presented to Madame de Rochefide, and he begins to woo her. Calyste, who is still in love with Madame de Rochefide, becomes jealous and tries to win her back, but she rejects him. The chapter ends with Madame de Rochefide writing a letter to La Palferine, declaring her love for him and offering to give up everything for him.
The chapter describes the aftermath of Calyste's encounter with Beatrix and the events that unfold as a result of Maxime de Trailles' plan to separate Calyste from Beatrix and reunite him with his wife Sabine. Maxime meets with La Palferine, a young and charming count, and asks for his help in making Beatrix fall in love with him. La Palferine agrees and is given twenty thousand francs by Maxime to help him in his task. Meanwhile, Madame Schontz, a woman who has been living with Monsieur de Rochefide, is introduced, and her backstory and character are revealed. The chapter also describes the social scene in Paris, including the gatherings at Madame Schontz's salon, where various characters, including Maxime, La Palferine, and Nathan, are present. As the story progresses, Calyste becomes increasingly disillusioned with Beatrix and eventually realizes that she is not worthy of his love. The chapter ends with Calyste returning to his wife Sabine, and the two sharing a moment of tenderness, suggesting that their marriage may be salvaged.