Summary

Madame Tellier's brother, Joseph Rivet, lived in Virville, where their family was from. He had a daughter named Constance. Madame Tellier was her godmother. Now that Constance was 12, she was being confirmed. Because their "old parents were dead," Madame Tellier could not refuse Joseph's invitation to the confirmation (13). Unbeknownst to his sister, Joseph wanted to remain in her good graces so that she would include Constance in her will.

Joseph was unbothered by Madame Tellier's profession, though he never told anyone else about it.

Though Madame Tellier wanted to attend the confirmation, she was unsure what to do about the house or her girls. She decided "to take them all with her," and give Frederic "a holiday" (14).

The six women rode all together. They were enjoying one another's company, until a couple joined them at the station. The couple appeared bothered, or impressed...