Chapters 7 and 8 Summary

As the Marquis is expected to dine at the abbey with the La Mottes, Adeline asks La Motte if he believes there is any truth to the rumor that the Marquis kept a man as a prisoner at the abbey. La Motte tells Adeline that if she had good sense, she would not believe that sort of rumor. Although Adeline at first dreads the coming dinner, she actually finds it a pleasant experience. However, the pleasure discovered at the dinner table disappears when the Marquis leaves. Feeling the sadness, Adeline takes a walk in the forest. As she talks to herself about her problems, she hears a rustling in the leaves and discovers Theodore has been listening to her. Theodore questions Adeline about her circumstances, and then tells her he is speaking to her only because of his interest in her...