The Room in the Dragon Volant · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Room in the Dragon Volant by J. Sheridan Le Fanu.

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Chapter 1
Prologue
The narrator introduces a curious case referenced in Doctor Hesselius's essay 'Mortis Imago,' which discusses various medieval drugs and poisons, including the Vinum letiferum and others. The essay is enriched with citations from medieval and Egyptian sources, and the narrator presents the case as a story.
Chapter 2
The Room in the Dragon Volant
The narrator arrives at the Dragon Volant inn and is given a peculiar room with a mysterious locked door. He reflects on the strange events of the evening, including a warning from an old woman and his growing obsession with the Countess de St. Alyre.
Chapter 3
I: On the Road
The narrator, a young Englishman of 23, travels from Brussels to Paris in 1815 after inheriting a fortune. On the road, he encounters a broken-down carriage carrying an elderly invalid gentleman and a captivating lady in a black veil. He helps them, and later follows them to the Belle Étoile inn, where he glimpses the lady's beautiful face in a mirror before she notices him and lowers her veil.
Chapter 4
II: The Innyard of the Belle Étoile
The narrator, captivated by the beautiful Countess, attempts to learn more about her and the Count de St. Alyre after their carriage accident. He tries to rent their rooms at the Belle Étoile inn but is refused, then questions a servant about the couple, learning only that they are the Count and Countess. He sends his own servant, St. Clair, to gather more information by befriending the Count's valet.
Chapter 5
III: Death and Love Together Mated
The narrator, restless and infatuated with the Countess de St. Alyre, prepares for supper while overhearing her sing a haunting chanson about death and love. He observes the tension between the Count and Countess, and his romantic fantasies intensify as he dresses meticulously in hopes of catching her attention.

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Prologue

The Room in the Dragon Volant

I: On the Road

II: The Innyard of the Belle Étoile

III: Death and Love Together Mated