 Pierre discovers that his theories about his brother's illegitimacy are correct when he discovers his mother has hid and lied about an incriminating portrait of Maréchal and his love letters to her, some of which she burns when she realizes Pierre is learning of her past infidelity.This investigation sparks violent reactions in Pierre, whose external appearance vis-a-vis his mother visibly changes.In his anguish, most notably shown during family meals, he tortures her with allusions to the past that he has now uncovered.