Chapter summary
The Marechale finds it strange that the family is charmed by "the little priest," who only knows how to pay attention, and Julien sees in her the patrician calm of someone incapable of lively emotion. When Mathilde, intrigued by the persistence with which he hides from her, moves to a little table beside Fervaques's armchair, Julien speaks very well, but only to reach Mathilde's soul, and the Marechale does not even follow him. Mathilde, irritated, vows not to listen to him anymore.
In the Russian leather folder in which Korasoff kept the fifty-three letters, Julien reads that the first must be sent eight days after the first meeting. He copies it, falls asleep on the second page and ends up laughing at the homily on virtue. A note in pencil teaches the ritual of delivery.
Analysis
Julien speaks well in the Marechale's circle to reach Mathilde, and Mathilde, who has moved because the persistence with which he hides intrigues her, listens and grows irritated; the Marechale, the false target, does not even follow him. The plan works by deflection: the one who listens is the true addressee, and her vow never to listen to him again proves that she did.
The ritual of the letter, according to Korasoff's instructions: Deliver these letters personally: on horseback, in a black cravat, blue tailcoat. Hand the letter to the doorkeeper with a contrite air; deep melancholy in the gaze. If you see any maidservant, dab your eyes furtively. Speak to the maidservant.
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