XII: Inferences explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Revenge and Justice

  André-Louis seeks to kill the Marquis as revenge for Philippe de Vilmorin's death, but his plan is thwarted when he only wounds him.

• Love and Manipulation

  André-Louis infers Aline's love for the Marquis from her reaction to his wound, which manipulates his own intentions and leads him to spare the Marquis.

Characters to notice

• André-Louis Moreau

  Duels with the Marquis, intending to kill him but only wounds his arm; later infers Aline's love for the Marquis and regrets his actions.

• Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr

  Opponent in the duel; wounded in the arm by André-Louis; shows skill and composure.

• Aline de Kercadiou

  Observed by André-Louis after the duel; her distress at the Marquis's wound leads him to infer she loves the Marquis.

• Le Chapelier

  Acts as André-Louis's second in the duel; observes André-Louis's cold-bloodedness and detachment.

• Mme. la Comtesse de Plougastel

  Present at the duel scene; attempts to call out upon seeing the Marquis return wounded.

Key passages

• “With a beautiful, easy pressure of forte on foible André-Louis kept himself completely covered in that second bout, which once more culminated in a lunge.”

  André-Louis easily defended himself in the second round, which again ended with a thrust.

  Describes André-Louis's superior fencing skill.

• “I think you begin to realize, monsieur, what Philippe de Vilmorin must have felt that day at Gavrillac.”

  André-Louis tells the Marquis he now understands Philippe's helplessness before his death.

  André-Louis taunts the Marquis, emphasizing his revenge motive.

• “My God! What must she have suffered, then, if I had killed him as I intended!”

  André-Louis realizes Aline would have been devastated if he had killed the Marquis.

  André-Louis's inference about Aline's feelings leads to his regret.