Julien sets out to seduce Madame de Rênal. He succeeds despite all the dangers, but a series of events will test their affair: the health of young Stanislas, threats from Élisa, anonymous letters... Louise de Rênal is ready to do anything to protect their secret

Julien has almost achieved his goal. He will soon marry the much-desired Mathilde de La Mole, who is pregnant with his child.