Part 2, Dolce: Chapters 5, 6 and 7 Summary

Madeleine Sabarie is married and has a small child by Benoit, though she still misses Jean-Marie. A German officer of French ancestry arrives. He is named Kurt Bonnet and is billeted to their farm. Madeleine knows Benoit will not be happy with his presence. Benoit, a humble farmer, is jealous of Madeleine's interest in manners and fashion or anything outside the farm. Bonnet is young and can be cruel or kind, depending upon how "things struck him," and mercilessly shot lagging French soldiers during the retreat but has an ironic compassion for animals. Otherwise, any kindness is dependent upon how people affect him. He sees this scene with Madeleine as similar to Flemish art. Cecile and Benoit return home, Cecile proud and glad to be in her Sunday clothing.

In Chapter 6, the villagers in Bussy are beginning...