The Romance of the Forest

Theodore is concerned about the consequences of leaving his regiment without permission, but as they travel, he becomes increasingly assured of their safety. Looking at Adeline fills him with joy, and he hopes she might return his love. Adeline, in turn, reflects how once again she is reliant on the kindness of strangers, “exposed to the hardships of dependence, or to the difficulty of earning a precarious livelihood” (173).

Horsemen follow them, and Adeline fears the Marquis. They stop at an inn in a small village, where the pursuing officers arrest Theodore for leaving his post. When they try to force him to leave Adeline, Theodore wounds one of the officers and is wounded in return. A surgeon is sent for and commands that Theodore not be removed. His risking himself for her, in addition to his other qualities, moves Adeline to love Theodore. She writes him a note, communicating how anxious she is for his recovery. Theodore invites her to visit him in his chamber, and they discuss their situation. He wishes to send a letter to his family, but they live at a distance.

The surgeon, who congratulates himself on his judgment, pronounces Theodore close to death.