The Ladies' Paradise

Content Warning: This section mentions suicidal ideation, attempted suicide, and death.

Denise learns that Colomban ran away with Clara, leaving behind a note “written in the studied terms of a man about to commit suicide” (361). His disappearance does not help Genevieve’s health. Denise goes to the Baudu family’s store, which her uncle recently mortgaged and is in terrible condition. Madame Baudu is crying; Baudu enters, saying that Genevieve is asleep and complaining about Colomban’s betrayal. He blames himself for postponing the marriage so many times, though Denise assures him that Colomban had been tempted to leave for a long time. Baudu blames The Ladies’ Paradise for taking everything from him, including his store and his daughter.

When Genevieve calls out, Baudu and Denise rush to her. Her body has wasted away due to her sickness, but Denise’s presence comforts her. When Baudu leaves them alone, Denise assures Genevieve that Clara will grow bored of Colomban. Eventually, she hints, Colomban “may still come back” (366). But Genevieve knows that the relationship is over. She shows her withered body to Denise, suggesting that she no longer has anything to offer Colomban. She asks Denise to tell Colomban that she forgives him.