The Flight of the Guests
A few minutes after the unexpected appearance of soldiers and the subsequent disclosure at M. Danglars’ salon, the guests fled the mansion with rapidity. Within minutes, all exits were clogged with departing visitors retreating as if from plague. Only Danglars remained closeted with police officers, Madame Danglars terrified in her boudoir, and Eugénie with her companion Louise d’Armilly.
The Two Mademoiselles
Of all the household, only Eugénie Danglars and Mademoiselle Louise d’Armilly merit attention. The betrothed had retired with the demeanor of an outraged queen, followed by her companion who was paler and more disturbed. Louise fell upon a chair in Eugénie’s room, shocked by the revelation that Andrea Cavalcanti was a murderer and escaped convict.
The Disdain of Eugénie
Louise expressed horror at the revelation, but Eugénie responded with an ironical smile, declaring she was fated to fall from one unsuitable match to another—having escaped Morcerf only to encounter Cavalcanti. She contemptuously declared all men infamous and proclaimed her joy at now being able to despise rather than merely detest them.
The Plan to Flee
When Louise asked what they would do, Eugénie reminded her they had always intended to leave—three days prior. Despite her broken engagement, she remained determined to escape the fashionable world’s constraints. She expressed her longing for the free, independent life of an artist, accountable only to herself, rather than enduring another arranged marriage attempt within a month.
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