The Rescue at Montargis

This flow follows Monsieur de Corville’s movement from listener to active protector and the official effort that briefly restores Justine’s freedom.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

An Arrested Traveler

An Arrested Traveler An unexpected arrival Madame de Lorsange and Monsieur de Corville see a bound woman brought from a Lyon trial. Her appearance and the guards’ reluctance to condemn her prompt them to inquire. Curiosity becomes concern They arrange to hear the prisoner’s account and provide food and rest. The inn becomes a temporary place where Justine can speak without the immediate control of her captors.

The Long Testimony

The Long Testimony A record of misfortune Justine recounts the sequence of employers, captors, criminals, and officials who have harmed her. Her story gives Corville and Juliette a connected view of events that authorities have treated as separate accusations. Moral evidence The detailed account shows how often her efforts to act honestly preceded retaliation. Listening becomes a form of recognition that the courts and employers denied her.

Sisters Recognized

Sisters Recognized A question of identity Juliette hears a familiar name and realizes that the prisoner may be the sister she left behind. Justine recognizes Juliette in turn, and the sisters embrace after years apart. Relationship restored Their reunion interrupts Justine’s isolation and gives Juliette a direct connection to the costs of the life she chose. Their affection is immediate, though the circumstances around them remain legally dangerous.

Corville’s Intervention

Corville’s Intervention A protector acts Corville writes to the Lord Chancellor, pledges responsibility for Justine, and asks that she be held in his care rather than returned to prison. He personally addresses the guards and arranges her transfer. Influence as remedy His intervention uses the same social power that earlier helped protect powerful offenders, but now turns that power toward an accused person with little of her own.

Royal Exoneration

Royal Exoneration Public status restored Royal authority cancels the proceedings against Justine and grants her an annual allowance. Her injuries are treated, and the brand is removed. A limited justice The official reversal gives her a period of comfort but does not bring the perpetrators to account. The outcome is a real improvement, yet its dependence on powerful advocates underscores how uneven access to justice has been.

At the inn near Montargis

That evening at the inn

At the end of the account

Immediately after the reunion

Several days after arrival at Corville’s estate