Summary
The Marquis of Ravenel, a devoted fan of the spas at Enval, convinces his daughter Christiane and her husband, William Andermatt, to accompany him to these curative springs. Christiane, eager to overcome her inability to conceive, agrees to undergo a regimen of baths recommended by a doctor there. The couple's arrival coincides with the visit of Christiane’s extravagant brother, Gontran, and his companion, Paul Brétigny, who is nursing a broken heart. Their stay becomes more intriguing when they learn of Father Oriol, a wealthy local landowner, planning to remove a large rock obstructing his field, drawing the group to witness the spectacle.
A Surprising Discovery
Unexpectedly, a gushing spring emerges post-blast, catching everyone's interest. Seizing the opportunity, Andermatt considers the spring's potential medicinal qualities and proposes to Oriol a business venture aimed at rivaling existing spas. That evening, accompanied by Gontran, Andermatt visits the Oriol household to negotiate a deal.
The Art of Negotiation
Oriol, a master of haggling, treads carefully, not wanting to undervalue his newfound resource while also hoping to secure a fortune. To stoke Andermatt’s interest, he enlists Clovis, a beggar and nocturnal poacher, to pretend to treat his rheumatism with the spring water. This convincing act aims to demonstrate the spring’s healing powers, with Clovis receiving payment for his performance.
Strategic Plans and Deceptions
Unaware of the ruse, Andermatt eagerly buys into the plan, committing to pay Clovis and agreeing to a preliminary sales contract with Oriol. To further ingratiate himself with the Oriol family, Andermatt organizes a charity event, including a raffle with Oriol’s daughters and Christiane participating. Returning to Paris for business, Andermatt leaves Christiane behind to continue her treatments, while she, her family, Brétigny, and the Oriol sisters explore the enchanting countryside.
Intimate Confessions
During these excursions, Brétigny shares tales of his past romances with Christiane, and their friendship deepens into a flirtation. Christiane, intrigued, maintains a cautious distance, but one evening, returning from an outing, Brétigny expresses his growing affection by kissing her shawl. Despite her agitation, Christiane manages to rejoin the group calmly.
A Moonlit Decision
On a moonlit visit to nearby castle ruins, Brétigny finally wins Christiane’s heart. The next morning, Andermatt reappears, focused on finalizing the spring’s acquisition. After extensive negotiations, Andermatt’s company claims rights to the stream and surrounding land, with Oriol earning a share of future profits.
Fleeting Romance
Once business concludes, Andermatt returns to Paris, leaving Christiane and Brétigny to indulge in their romance. Yet, their joyous freedom is short-lived upon learning of Andermatt’s imminent return and his plans to bring Christiane to Paris again. Andermatt arrives with business partners, secures the spring deal, and is named company president, despite Oriol’s objections. The new spa is christened Mont-Oriol.
Bittersweet Farewell
Brétigny bids a sorrowful goodbye to Christiane, lamenting that their bond will diminish once in Paris, while Christiane dreams of clandestinely continuing the affair. However, her plans take a turn when the day of Mont-Oriol’s dedication arrives the following July, and she is visibly pregnant. She, her family, and Brétigny attend the opening of the three springs named after Christiane and Oriol’s daughters, Charlotte and Louise.
Health and Business Complications
Clovis, despite his previous "cure," resumes his ailing act, threatening the spa’s reputation by claiming the waters worsened his condition. Andermatt negotiates with Clovis to undergo annual treatments, presenting it as proof of the spa’s efficacy. The day concludes with an operetta and fireworks, though an early launch disrupts the event, prompting Andermatt to discuss financial matters with Gontran.
A New Proposal
Andermatt suggests Gontran marry an Oriol daughter to alleviate his debts, convincing him of...
(This entire section contains 836 words.)
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the benefits. Gontran agrees, choosing to court Charlotte, the prettier sister, during the evening ball. Meanwhile, Christiane seizes the opportunity to revisit the road where she last parted with Brétigny, yearning for a repeat of his romantic gestures but is disappointed by her changed appearance.
Shifting Affections
As Gontran woos Charlotte, rumors spread, and Christiane and Brétigny worry about her reputation. Reassured by Gontran’s intentions to wed her, they are content until Oriol’s reluctance to offer a valuable dowry forces Gontran to pivot, targeting Louise instead. After romantic maneuvers, Gontran secures both a dowry and Louise’s hand.
Unforeseen Outcomes
Unaware of the deceit, Brétigny’s affection for Charlotte blossoms into love, leading to an unexpected proposal. Signing an agreement for financial stability, he wins Oriol’s consent for marriage. The news shocks Christiane into labor, culminating in the birth of a daughter.
New Beginnings
Initially rejecting her child, Christiane eventually embraces motherhood upon seeing her baby. With no available wet nurse, the doctor’s wife aids in her recovery, providing Christiane insights into Brétigny and Charlotte’s courtship. Though distressed, Christiane recovers, and when Brétigny visits, she is more entranced by her daughter than their past, leaving him to silently observe the veiled cradle containing his offspring.
