Chapter 8 Summary

While Au Bonheur des Dames is expanding, and the Rue du Dix-Décembre road is under construction, Au Vieil Elbeuf is dreary and empty. When Denise and Pépé join the Baudu's for dinner, they talk about the large shop across the street, and Denise defends it. Baudu gets angry at the hopelessness of competing, but he hopes that when the road is finished, his business will increase. Baudu realizes that Denise is on the side of the big shop, and invites her to return to work there without it coming between them this time.

Colomban and Geneviève's marriage is postponed again because Baudu's pride will not allow him to pass on an almost bankrupt business to them. Madame Baudu guesses why her daughter is so sad. When Denise and Geneviève are alone, Geneviève breaks down, her hair coming undone...