Part Two, Chapters 3 and 4 Summary

Frederic spends his spare time with the Arnoux's. He discovers that their marriage is falling apart. In private, he both encourages them to leave each other. Jacques's financial position is becoming desperate; he is taking more risks and losing more money. As the risk that Jacques will lose the things he values increases, he grows kinder towards Marie, which makes Frederic feel guilty for the bad blood he is introducing into their marriage. Because Jacques desires to keep Marie, he tells her that Frederic and Rosanette are together, instead of he and Rosanette. Marie confronts Frederic about this but he denies it vehemently.

Next, Frederic becomes torn between two financial promises. Charles wants to borrow some money so that he can buy Hussonnett's periodical. It becomes clear later in the chapter that Senecal's socialist ideology has influenced...