The situation now was simplified Julien was in love with Reine, and was vainly combating his overpowering passion.

What reason had he for concealing his love?
What motive or reasoning had induced him, when he was already secretly enamored of the girl, to push Claudet in front and interfere to procure her acceptance of him as a fiance?
This point alone remained obscure.
Was Julien carrying out certain theories of the respect due his position in society, and did he fear to contract a misalliance by marrying a mere farmer's daughter?
Or did he, with his usual timidity and distrust of himself, dread being refused by Reine, and, half through pride, half through backward ness, keep away for fear of a humiliating rejection?
With de Buxieres's proud and suspicious nature, each of these suppositions was equally likely.

The conclusion most undeniable was, that notwithstanding his set ideas and his moral cowardice, Julien had an ardent and over powering love for Mademoiselle Vincart.

As to Reine herself, Claudet was more than ever convinced that she had a secret inclination toward somebody, although she had denied the charge.

But for whom was her preference?
Claudet knew the neighborhood too well to believe the existence of any rival worth talking about, other than his cousin de Buxieres.