Couple Counts Proceeds, Plots Robbery
Couple Counts Proceeds, Plots Robbery As evening falls and a storm gathers, La Carconte asks Caderousse to light the lamp. The three of them—jeweller, innkeeper, and wife—remain oblivious to the thunder, absorbed by the demon of gain. Caderousse counts the gold and notes, passes them to his wife for recounting, while Joannes admires how the diamond sparkles in the lamplight. The money is stowed in a greasy old pocket-book and a bag containing only two or three silver crowns—the couple’s prior fortune. Caderousse invites the jeweller to supper, but Joannes declines, citing the late hour and his worried wife in Beaucaire, and reveals his address in Paris for any future contact with the Abbé Busoni.
Jeweller Departs in Thunderstorm
Jeweller Departs in Thunderstorm A tremendous clap of thunder and a blinding flash of lightning erupt as the jeweller prepares to leave. Caderousse warns him of the terrible weather, and La Carconte cautions about robbers on the road during fair time. Joannes casually produces a pair of loaded pistols, declaring they will serve any would-be thieves. Caderousse and his wife exchange another meaningful look, both seemingly struck by the same horrible thought. The jeweller takes his cane, steps out into the raging storm, asks directions, and disappears into the darkness, his voice fading into the distance.
Couple Urges Jeweller to Stay Overnight
Couple Urges Jeweller to Stay Overnight After closing and double-locking the door, the couple returns to the table and counts their gold and banknotes a third time by lamplight. La Carconte’s face is described as livid and feverish, her eyes like burning coals. She bitterly asks why Caderousse invited the jeweller to stay the night, suspecting he intended to rob and murder him on the road. She urges Caderousse to act—to let the man reach Beaucaire by no means—but Caderousse recoils, accusing her of offending God. Another tremendous peal of thunder interrupts them, and a horrified Caderousse crosses himself.
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