The narrative unfolds in a coastal town during the early 19th century, where a group of friends reminisces about the town's past. An elderly woman recounts a poignant story from her youth involving a French governess, Mademoiselle V, and a mysterious man, a former member of the Committee of Public Safety during the French Revolution. The story begins with the arrival of the man, who is seeking obscurity and a new life after the turmoil of his past. He encounters Mademoiselle V, who is horrified to see him, recognizing him as the man responsible for the execution of her family during the Revolution. Despite her initial fear and disdain, their interactions reveal a complex emotional landscape. The man, now living in exile, expresses regret for the past but maintains that his actions were driven by a sense of duty. As they continue to meet, Mademoiselle V grapples with her feelings towards him. She is torn between her hatred for his past actions and a growing sympathy for his current plight. The tension escalates with the renewal of hostilities between France and England, which heightens the scrutiny on foreigners in the town. The man proposes marriage as a means of escape for both, suggesting they could start anew in Canada. Mademoiselle V is initially shocked by the proposal but finds herself increasingly drawn to him. However, her internal conflict intensifies as she receives a letter from a friend, reminding her of the atrocities committed by the man she is considering marrying. This leads her to question her decision and ultimately decide to flee rather than marry him. In a twist of fate, both characters unknowingly board the same coach to leave the town, each believing they are making a separate choice. The man, feeling the weight of their shared history, decides to release her from their engagement, believing it would be wrong to bind her to a past that haunts them both. The story concludes with Mademoiselle V returning to her life as a governess, forever marked by her experiences. She reflects on her lost love and the man who was both her family's executioner and her would-be husband, leaving her to ponder the complexities of love, duty, and the scars of history.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1903 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama