Short Fiction · Chapter
The Confession explained
On her deathbed, Marguerite de Thérelles confesses to her devoted sister Suzanne that as a jealous twelve-year-old she poisoned Suzanne's fiancé Henry de Sampierre by putting ground glass into cakes, a secret that has haunted her entire lif
What happens
On her deathbed, Marguerite de Thérelles confesses to her devoted sister Suzanne that as a jealous twelve-year-old she poisoned Suzanne's fiancé Henry de Sampierre by putting ground glass into cakes, a secret that has haunted her entire life.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when Leuillet receives news of Souris’s sudden death and experienc…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Obsession and Delusion
Marguerite's childhood obsession with Henry de Sampierre leads her to commit murder and then live a life of secret torment.
- Love and Desire
Suzanne's enduring love for her lost fiancé contrasts with Marguerite's jealous and destructive desire.
- Cruelty and Suffering
Marguerite's act of poisoning is cruel, and her lifelong guilt causes immense psychological suffering.
Characters to notice
- Suzanne
The elder sister, who remained a widow after her fiancé's death and is now sobbing at Marguerite's bedside.
- Marguerite de Thérelles
The dying younger sister, who confesses to poisoning her sister's fiancé out of childhood jealousy.
- Abbé Simon
The old priest who administers the last rites and witnesses the confession.
Key passages
“Marguerite de Th√®relles was dying. Although she was only fifty-six, she looked at least seventy-five.”
Marguerite de Thérelles, though only fifty-six, appeared much older as she lay dying.
Opens the story with the image of a prematurely aged woman on her deathbed.
“I was jealous, jealous. The day of your wedding was drawing near. There was only a fortnight. I was going mad.”
Marguerite admits she was consumed with jealousy as her sister's wedding approached, driving her to madness.
Reveals the motive behind Marguerite's childhood crime.
“I forgive you, I forgive you, little one.”
Suzanne grants her sister forgiveness for the murder.
Climactic moment of absolution as Suzanne responds to Marguerite's confession.
