Clara avoids company for some time. Her uncle tells her that Theresa de Stolberg is still alive, and Henry is with her. This news suggests to her that the voice in the temple that announced Theresa’s death was either not a spiritual entity or, if it was, it was not benevolent.

Clara remains in a deep depression, and her uncle pressures her to move with him to France or Italy. She eventually consents but wants to see her brother before she leaves. Her uncle finally tells her that Theodore still intends to kill her and Henry. The compulsion has driven him more than once to break his chains and escape from prison. He argues that even if seeing her restored his sanity, Wieland would then have to confront the reality of having killed his wife and children. At least now, he is insulated by his conviction that he was acting on the word of God.

Clara gives up her plan to see her brother. However, in her contemplation of the events that led her to this point, she remembers her diary. It remains at her house and contains all the most intimate details of her life. She decides to go back for it.