The Romance of the Forest

The Marquis says that Theodore Peyrou has returned to his regiment. A storm arises, and the Marquis stays overnight at the abbey. Adeline takes a different bedchamber for the night and discovers a door behind a tapestry. She is astonished to find the passage beyond looks like that in her dream. She stumbles over an old dagger, stained with rust, and finds a small roll of paper tied with a string. Returning to her chamber, she overhears the Marquis say he intends to declare himself to Adeline and hears a reference to her father. She fears this is the danger at which Theodore hinted.

The next morning, the Marquis leaves abruptly, claiming some forgotten business. Adeline begs La Motte not to surrender her to her father. The Marquis offers Adeline his protection, but she refuses, saying she cannot bestow her heart. La Motte warns her not to anger the Marquis and make him their enemy. He suggests that, if Adeline is truly grateful to him for her rescue, she will do what the Marquis wants.