Chapters 15 and 16 Summary

In chapter fifteen, the Marquis returns for his appointment with La Motte. La Motte, however, refuses to give the Marquis an answer until he fully understands what it is the Marquis wants him to do. La Motte still believes the Marquis wants to marry Adeline. The Marquis, however, wants to kill Adeline. The Marquis wants the murder to take place that night. La Motte is torn between his affection for Adeline and the promise of freedom the Marquis has promised him if he does as requested. La Motte tells the Marquis he will do as requested and they plan the murder.

Adeline is contemplating Theodore and the desolation of her situation as she watches the Marquis ride away from the abbey. She cries herself to sleep. La Motte, meanwhile, is restless as the time draws near for him to kill Adeline...