Part 2: Chapter 6 Summary

Emma goes to see the priest before catechism class. The unruly boys keep distracting the priest. He does not understand how a woman like Emma can have any problems, so instead of confiding in him, she leaves. When Emma gets home, she is so upset that she pushes Berthe off of her, and the child falls and cuts her face. After Charles bandages Berthe, Emma spends the rest of the day consoling her.

Charles calls Leon aside because he wants to have a portrait of himself made for Emma. His devotion to Emma sets Leon thinking about how he has grown tired and bored of unrequited love. Leon immediately sets to convincing his mother that it is time for him to finish his law studies in Paris. He begins preparations for his departure but delays leaving for several weeks. Finally, when...