Part 2, Chapter 3 Summary

With the coming of spring Michel moves Marceline to La Moriniere in hopes that the fresh air will help her recovery. Marceline had enjoyed La Moriniere before and reminds Michel that he does have responsibilities related to the estate and the tenant farmers there. Marceline's health seems to be returning so Michel is able to leave her for his walks around the property to assess the current situation.

Michel becomes fascinated with watching the workers on the farms and finds himself lashing out at Bocage for firing one of the men to whom Michel finds particularly attractive. Under the guise of supervising the work Michel spends each day with the men so that he can gaze at them.

The simple lives of these peasants is also intriguing to Michel who even joins Bocage's other son, Alcide in poaching activities on La...