Part 3 Summary

The children approach their home in the pony cart, moving more quickly than Mother had expected now that M. Jouy's weight is no longer slowing them down. They find Mother opening her private cedar chest. The children have never been permitted to see what is inside the chest and so they watch reverently, unseen, from the road as Mother opens the chest and withdraws her wedding veil. The wind lifts the veil. As it rises into the air, its destruction becomes apparent. It is not the veil that floats in the wind: the veil has been eaten by countless moths that now take flight, having been liberated from the chest.

Beatrice is horrified. Knowing her mother's temper, she is about to suggest they turn back and come home tomorrow. However, young Mimi is already running toward her mother, impressed that Mother wore a...