Meaulnes is resting in his chosen room as evening approaches, feeling the gentle anxiety that accompanies the end of a perfect day. After tidying his quarters and laying out his belongings, he notices a flickering light in the adjoining room. Upon investigating, he discovers a distressed young man with a fine, aquiline face pacing back and forth, dressed in a traveling cloak with gold buttons.
The stranger notices Meaulnes and immediately confides in him, choking back tears as he reveals that his fiancée has failed to arrive, bringing a tragic end to the celebration. Overwhelmed by grief and unable to finish his explanation, the young man declares his intention to leave and begins packing his belongings, which include a pistol and a toilet kit. Meaulnes quietly retreats, leaving him alone in the room.
Downstairs, a general sense of confusion and urgency has gripped the estate. The remaining guests are hastily finishing their meal and preparing to leave because the expected wedding has been called off. A young country boy informs Meaulnes that everyone has decided to depart after waiting until the final limit for the betrothed couple. Although Meaulnes feels a twinge of melancholy, he remains ready to return home, knowing he has experienced the full wonder of his adventure.
Outside in the deepening darkness, the atmosphere of grace and magic has dissolved into disorder as intoxicated guests sing rowdy tavern songs. Meaulnes briefly crosses paths with Frantz de Galais, who vanishes into the night wrapped in his cape. Inside the abandoned room, the candle gutters out near a note explaining that the bride has fled and that Frantz no longer wishes to live. Meaulnes changes back into his old school clothes, and amidst the chaos of carriages and lanterns in the courtyard, he departs from the mysterious domain.