It was a brave letter of hers; it is clear she has given up all hope.

This is a bad business about the scoundrel Lebat.

I used to wonder why he came so often to the chateau on business that could have been done just as well by a messenger.

He saw how things were going, and thought that when the division of the estates came he might get a big slice.

However, it's most unfortunate that he should have had this interview with Marie in the prison.