Chapter 1 Summary

Madame Aubain has an extraordinary maidservant, Félicité. She can do everything from housework to bridling a horse to caring for poultry, and she works for a very low wage.

Madame Aubain is a widow who was left with so much debt when her husband died that she has moved into a less expensive house and sold all her other properties to pay off debt. She has retained two farms for the income that provides a livelihood for her and her family.

The house is described in detail in this chapter. While it is well furnished, the parlor smells a little musty, since it is a partial basement. Madame sits in the parlor all day. Her very large bedroom has patterned wallpaper. A portrait of her late husband dominates this room. The bedroom and drawing room are also on this floor but on...