Pages 287 to 437 Summary

Adeline Hulot, having made the decision to become Crevel's mistress for ten years, sends Monsieur Crevel an invitation and prepares for his arrival. Initially, Crevel rejects Adeline's suggestion, telling her of his plans to marry Madame Marneffe. Seeing Adeline's despair, however, Crevel is touched and promises Adeline that he will give her the 200,000 francs within two hours. On the way to the bank, Crevel stops at Madame Marneffe's home and tells her of the meeting with Adeline Hulot. Valérie berates Crevel for wanting to help Adeline and throws him out.

Now Marshal Hulot's fiancee, Bette tells the Marshal about Hector's repeated indiscretions. Brokenhearted, the Marshal goes to the Prince de Wissembourg to try and secure some sort of paid position for Adeline. In the meantime, the Prince de Wissembourg calls Hector Hulot into his office. The Prince knows that Hulot...