XIV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Loyalty

  Fleurette's immediate concern for Amédé and her determination to help him despite the danger.

• Innocence and Corruption

  Fleurette's innocence contrasted with the corrupt accusations against Amédé and the soldiers' pillaging.

• Class and Social Division

  The wealth of Fleurette's father and the suspicion cast on the Colombe family due to their association with the aristocracy.

Characters to notice

• Fleurette

  Learns of Amédé's arrest and the discovery of Madame's valuables; rushes to the Colombe home.

• Old Louise

  Accompanies Fleurette, tries to delay her journey to Sisteron, and wishes Armand were present.

• M'sieu' Duflos

  Butcher who informs Fleurette of the situation and warns Louise about Adèle.

• Amédé Colombe

  Arrested; valuables found in his family's cart-shed; Fleurette is deeply concerned.

• Adèle

  Mentioned as having been stopped from telling Fleurette the full story; noted for familiarity with soldiers.

• Aristide Sicard

  Errand man who inadvertently reveals to Fleurette that Amédé is suspected of theft.

• Ma'ame Colombe

  Mentioned as being fond of Fleurette and likely to comfort her.

Key passages

• “She only knew that the lad had been arrested, but she had not heard about Madame's valuables being found in the Colombe's cart-shed.”

  Fleurette was only aware of Amédé's arrest, not that the valuables had been discovered in the Colombe's shed.

  Old Louise explains to M'sieu' Duflos what Fleurette knows.

• “If I were you I would look after that wench of yours, Adèle, a bit sharper. No offence, you know, but people have been talking in the village. She was rather too familiar with all those draggled-tailed soldiers last night.”

  M'sieu' Duflos advises Louise to keep a closer eye on Adèle because villagers have noticed her being too friendly with the soldiers.

  M'sieu' Duflos warns Louise about Adèle's behavior.