Part 2 Chapter 16 Summary

The women, who pray while the counterattack is carried out, congratulate the men as they return. A birthday celebration is held in Fleury's honor and attended by Miriam, Louise, Harry and Lucy. Louise begins to see Fleury in a new light, admiring his bravery. She has sewed Fleury a green coat for his birthday, made from the billiard table covering, and he will soon wear this every day, along with a cap featuring a peacock feather in its brim. Louise, usually very attentive to her appearance, has been trying to hide the spots and boils that are appearing on her face. She is worried about her father, but Harry brushes her worries aside. Miriam advises Louise to talk to Dr. McNab, who believes the other doctor is just over-worked.

Miriam and Louise banter about each other's "conquests," and Louise notices that...