Julie’s Hesitation Over the Mysterious Mission
After reading the letter, Julie is initially overjoyed but grows fearful when she reads the postscript stating she must complete the mission alone, with no companions or substitutes, or the porter will deny knowledge of the request. Uncertain if the message is a trap, she hesitates to act without counsel.
Emmanuel Advises Julie to Fetch the Red Silk Purse
Julie turns to Emmanuel for advice, and he urges her to follow the instructions immediately, offering to wait for her at the corner of Rue du Musée and intervene if she is gone too long or faces any danger. He confirms the urgency of the mission, noting that by 11 a.m. on September 5, Morrel has nearly 300,000 francs in debts due, and the family only has 14,000 francs on hand, meaning he will be forced to declare bankruptcy at noon if he does not receive the funds from the purse.
Morrel’s Agitation Before the September 5 Deadline
In the days leading up to September 5, Morrel appears outwardly calm to his family but is internally tormented: he paces his room late into the night, writes on stamped paper (leading his wife and daughter to fear he is writing his will), and becomes increasingly affectionate toward his daughter, asking her for the key to his study on the evening of September 4, which deeply unsettles Julie.
Imminent Bankruptcy Deadline on September 5
By the morning of September 5, Morrel’s financial situation is catastrophic: after reviewing his funds, he has only 14,000 francs available to cover 287,500 francs in debts due that day, with no means to secure a settlement. He goes about his usual routine calmly, but his family knows he will be forced to declare bankruptcy at noon if he does not receive outside aid.
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