Madame Tellier's House

Madame Tellier's house, a local brothel, is located in the Normandy countryside. Madame Tellier originally inherited the house from her uncle. They overtook and maintained the business afterwards, and established their reputations in the community. Unlike in other cities, in the countryside, Madame Tellier's business and profession are respected and appreciated. Indeed, her house is a fixture in the community. Five women work there, and a selection of six to eight men frequent the establishment. The house is also outfitted with a taproom, run by an employee named Frederic. The first and third sections of the short story take place in and around the house.

Virville

Virville is the village where Madame Tellier and her brother, Joseph Rivet, grew up. In the narrative present, Joseph lives here with his wife and daughter, Constance. He also owns and runs a carpenter's workshop here as well.

When Constance...