Chapters XIV & XV Summary

Chapter XIV continues Pleyel's narrative. He resolved to speak to Clara at the risk of angering her, putting her safety before the possible affect on her feelings towards him. On the way to visit her, however, he saw in a newspaper a story offering a reward for an escaped convict from Dublin, Francis Carwin. He had been convicted of theft and accused of murder. By the time Pleyel reached Mettingen, it was late. Upon approaching Clara's house, he was stopped by the sound of her conversing with someone. He crept forward to hear their conversation. He is unable to relate the particulars of the conversation because of their intimacy and details of acts of lust and dishonor. He does note that things were discussed of which only Clara could have knowledge. He finishes his tale by relating how he...