Summary
Claude Frollo watches Esmeralda from the heights of Notre Dame. His fiery and passionate gaze beholds not only the gypsy girl but also her assistant, a young man, who sits apart with the little goat. Frollo is perplexed by the identity of the young man. The archdeacon notices that Quasimodo is looking tenderly at the gyspy. Frollo descends to the street but the gypsy has left to entertain the ladies. Frollo is shocked to recognize that her assistant is his former pupil Pierre Gringoire. He calls Gringoire into the church and angrily questions him about his present occupation and is shocked to learn that the gypsy girl is Gringoire's wife. Gringoire assures his former master that he has not had physical intercourse with the gypsy and relates the strange details of their marriage. He tells Frollo that the amulet that the gypsy wears contains some clue to her parentage and that she believes that if her virtue is compromised the amulet will lose its power. The priest is visibly excited to learn that the gypsy has never had intercourse with a man and prompts Gringoire to tell him all he knows of the girl's wandering past. The priest is disturbed when Gringoire explains that the girl believes herself to be disliked by only two people, the Sachette of the Tour-Roland and a priest who casts mean looks at her. Gringoire goes on to observe that he loves the goat and the little animal is nearly as obedient to him as the gypsy. He explains the simple training that allows the goat to seemingly perform miracles. He further explains that the girl had recently taught the goat to spell the word "Phoebus" and the priest ponders its meaning. When Gringoire asks why the priest is so interested in the girl, Frollo blushes and admonishes Gringoire to avoid contact with her at the peril of his soul.
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