The Red and the Black Part 2, Chapter 40 Summary

Tranquility

  • Julien's defense lawyer finally shows up, but Julien just tells him what he's been telling everyone else: he shot Madame de Rênal with the intent to kill. The lawyer thinks Julien is crazy.
  • Things are looking good for Julien nonetheless. More than half of the jurors selected for his trial are people that the vicar-general has some influence over.
  • Meanwhile, Madame de Rênal has realized that she still loves Julien. She writes a letter to the judge saying that she forgives Julien and doesn't want him killed for his actions.