Chapter 16: The Truth Revealed
The truth about Emma's financial situation was eventually discovered. Charles learned about her enormous debts and the auction that had sold their possessions. He was shocked that Emma had hidden such important information from him.
Lheureux, the merchant who had caused so much of Emma's trouble, continued his business as usual, profiting from others' misfortunes just as he had from Emma's. There was no justice for Charles—Emma was dead, and the damage was already done.
Charles tried to pay Emma's debts, but without Emma's income and with his own medical practice declining, he could not afford it. The stress and grief began to destroy his health as well.
The revelation of Emma's secrets showed Charles how completely he had failed to understand his wife. He realized that he had never truly known her, and this knowledge was more painful than the financial ruin that now threatened to destroy him.