Part 1, Storm In June: Chapter 27 Summary

Gabriel Corte and Florence find a luxury hotel that is still intact, with hot water, cocktails and a full staff. They are again recognized by people here and treated in the celebrated manner they have come to expect. Inattentive to all the loss and ravaged people they have seen, Corte sheds a tear over the art that is dying along with France.

Florence, her makeup a mess and her age showing, asks her maid to prepare a facial and arrange for her hair and nails to be done. She bravely plans her clothing and and contemplates the huge impact these events will have for generations.

Corte, too, is concerned about the future and about what will become of "Art." He knows there will be changes and dreads having to change his own personal style a...