Summary

In Chapter 8, on March 12, 1885, while Paris bustles with morning activity, Geneviève passes through the Salpêtrière’s courtyard. She did not sleep at all, having stayed up all night reading The Spirits’ Book. When she reaches the hospital chapel, she enters instead of passing. Inside, an old woman is praying. Although she has not changed her beliefs about God, Geneviève sees the church differently.

Eugénie wakes up, uncomfortable, dirty, and sore. Having been in solitary her entire time at the Salpêtrière, she understands what it is to be “deprived of all freedom, of all hope” for the first time (122). Then Geneviève enters, unexpectedly allowing Eugénie to shower and eat. Geneviève says they will talk afterwards.

The women walk in the garden in the rain. Eugénie is speechless when Geneviève gives her the...