Summary

Chapter 5 is titled “The Challenge.” Pierre felt everyone knew that Jean was jealous of Jacques and could be troublesome. Surely, no one would believe Jean's “preposterous” claim against Jacques. However, Pierre was required to investigate and be as impartial as possible. Bernard and Squire Jean (the man who hosted the party where Marguerite and Jacques met for the first time) told Pierre that Jean and Marguerite were claiming Jacques raped Marguerite, and that Jean and Marguerite wanted Pierre to administer justice. Pierre agreed to a hearing, but Jean and Marguerite failed to show up. Pierre ordered Adam arrested and questioned. Afterward, Pierre decided Jacques was innocent and that Marguerite must have dreamed the attack. Jager offered several possibly reasons Jean and Marguerite were not present. Jean's health may have worsened. They may have been afraid of reprisals from Jacques' friends. They may also...