Part 2: Chapter 2 Summary

When the Bovary's arrive at the inn, they are greeted by Homais who has invited himself to dinner. While they wait for their table to be prepared, Emma warms herself by the kitchen fire. She is intensely watched by Leon Dupris, a border at Homais' who has also been invited to dinner. Leon is a clerk to the notary, and he is terribly bored in Yonville.

Dinner turns out to be as dull as any other part of this town. First, the diners discuss medicine in the area and then they discuss the weather. Emma and Leon turn from the group conversation and begin to talk to each other. They discuss the ocean and the mountains and far off places. They become quite familiar with each other—with him even resting his foot on her chair.

The Bovary's also learn that...