Chapter 4 Summary

Christine reenters Claude's life by dropping in on him unexpectedly, bearing a bouquet of flowers with the made-up excuse of wanting to express her gratitude for his previous kindness. Christine is employed in Passy by an invalid widow who treats her well and gives her occasional time off. Obviously, Christine has thought often of Claude and is drawn to him like a moth to flame. Claude is still awkward around Christine, but he is compelled physically by her youth, beauty, and innocence. Christine is repulsed by the paintings of nude women in Claude's studio and some of her own fear returns. She sees Claude's large canvas with her head painted onto the naked body of another woman as revolting and gets up to leave. Claude does not understand her sudden departure. Christine returns again and again over the next few months and gradually...