to unexpected consequences. The opening of the novel presents a vibrant scene during a dinner among friends at a riverside inn near Paris. A sudden storm disrupts the evening, creating a tense atmosphere where the characters reflect on the chaotic forces of nature and how they can parallel emotional upheaval in their lives. One character, Barnsthert, philosophizes about the unpredictable nature of passions, likening them to a destructive wind—“La Rafale.” This sets the stage for the introduction of the comtesse Henri de Lormeril, whose repressed desires surface when she shows interest in the young tutor M. Daniel. The narration hints at deeper themes of loss and survival as the characters grapple with their emotions in a world that often considers them irrelevant due to their age. (This is an automatically generated summary.)