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1. What is the Marquise doing at the beginning of the story?

The Marquise is placing an ad in the local newspaper asking the father of her unborn baby to come forward. This act signals the beginning of the mystery of the story, as the Marquise has no idea how she became pregnant.

2. How is the Marquise described?

The Marquise is introduced as a very well-bred widow who is busy raising two children from her previous marriage. It is obvious that she is a good mother, for she is forsaking her own reputation to search for the father of her child for the sake of her baby and her family.

3. What happens to the Marquise's family because of the war?

The family home is set on fire. The Marquise and her mother are separated and the Marquise is attacked by Russian soldiers. Count F chases away the men before the Marquise faints.

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