The Nun, Part 19 summary

What happens

1. Madame Madin confirms Suzanne’s wish to join the marquis but reports fever and pain after her Easter visit to Mass.
2. She lists the clothes she gathers for Suzanne, whose gratitude turns to tears over the daughter’s bodices.
3. She warns that several people are becoming unavailable and that public interest in their situation is fading.
4. Suzanne fears she cannot recover and writes a long account of her suffering, which Madame Madin and the doctor forbid.
5. Madame Madin gives Suzanne embroidery to occupy her and asks the marquis to limit both writing and work.
6. Remembering her husband’s accurate fear of death, Madame Madin postpones her own departure to attend Suzanne’s next medical visit.

In this part

What to notice

Suzanne explains why she keeps writing despite her weakness. Her need to record suffering conflicts with her carers’ efforts to protect her health.

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