Quesnel’s Resentment and Ambition
Once Quesnel is convinced that Emily genuinely dislikes Morano and has rejected his suit, his resentment becomes extravagant. Secretly flattered by the prospect of a connection with a nobleman whose title he pretended to forget, he feels no pity for whatever sufferings of his niece might obstruct his ambition. Emily perceives at once the difficulties awaiting her; though she will never renounce Valancourt for Morano, her fortitude trembles at encountering her uncle’s violent passions.
Emily Remembers Her Father’s Counsel
Alone after Quesnel’s departure, Emily weeps bitterly and repeatedly calls upon the name of her departed father. She remembers St. Aubert’s deathbed advice, perceiving how much more valuable is the strength of fortitude than the grace of sensibility, and resolves to fulfil the promise she made him: to refrain from unavailing lamentation and to endure with firmness the oppression she cannot elude. Soothed by the consciousness of pursuing the conduct he would have approved, she overcomes her tears and recovers her usual serenity by dinner.
An Evening Along the Brenta
In the cool of the evening, the ladies take the fresco along the Brenta in Madame Quesnel’s carriage. Emily’s melancholy mind stands in contrast to the gay groups dancing beneath the trees, reclining on the grass, and taking ices and coffee. Looking at the snow-capped Apennines in the distance, she thinks of Montoni’s castle and fears he might convey her there to enforce obedience; but the thought vanishes, since she is as much in his power at Venice as elsewhere.
Morano’s Persistent Addresses
Before supper, a barge stops at the garden steps and Morano appears, having arrived with Montoni and Quesnel. Emily receives his compliments in silence, and though her cold air initially discomposes him, he soon recovers his gaiety. His officious kindness disgusts Emily, as she has never before seen M. Quesnel so attentive to anyone. Later in her apartment, her mind turns to finding a means of prevailing upon the Count to withdraw his suit.
Emily Rejects Confession of Prior Attachment
Emily considers confessing a prior attachment to Morano and appealing to his generosity, but her just pride shrinks from laying open the secret of her heart to such a man and suing for his compassion; she impatiently rejects the design. When he renews his addresses the following day, she repeats her rejection in the most decisive terms, mingling it with severe censure of his conduct. Though mortified, the Count perseveres in ardent professions until Madame Quesnel’s presence releases Emily.
Quesnel Yields to Montoni’s Authority
Finding both argument and menace ineffectual in forcing an immediate conclusion to the marriage, Quesnel at length relinquishes his endeavours and entrusts the matter to Montoni’s power and to the course of events at Venice. Despite her own troubles, Emily does not forget Theresa, pleading courageously and tenderly on her behalf; Quesnel promises only in slight general terms that she shall not be forgotten.
Return to Venice
Montoni and Quesnel arrange the plan to be pursued regarding Emily, with Quesnel proposing to come to Venice once the nuptials are concluded. To Emily’s surprise, she feels no regret at parting from the Quesnels, and the moment of leave-taking is perhaps the only satisfactory one she has known in their presence. Morano returns in Montoni’s barge, and Emily, watching her approach to Venice, sees at her side the only person who mars her view of the magic city. Arriving at midnight, she is released from the Count’s presence and allowed to retire.
Montoni’s Ultimatum
On the following day, Montoni informs Emily in a short conversation that he will no longer be trifled with. Since the marriage with the Count would be so advantageous that only folly could object to it, and folly incapable of conviction, it shall be celebrated without further delay and, if necessary, without her consent. Emily, having exhausted remonstrance, resorts to supplication, then inquires by what right he exerts this unlimited authority over her.
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