They seem airy, devoid of any weight, and almost as fantastic as those monstrous heaps of structures which are piled up and which are falling so noiselessly in the sky.

But while the others are falling this one stands, and a live light reddens against the deep blue--and it is just as strange a sight as if a human hand were to kindle a light in the clouds.
Turning their heads in that direction, the women look on with frightened eyes.
"Do you see," says one of them.

"It is even worse than a light on a cemetery.

Who needs a light among the tombstones ?" "It is getting cold toward night and the sailor must have thrown some branches into the fireplace, that's all.

At least, I think so," says Mariet.
"And I think that the abbot should have gone there with holy water long ago." "Or with the gendarmes! If that isn't the devil himself, it is surely one of his assistants." "It is impossible to live peacefully with such neighbours close by." "I am afraid for the children." "And for your soul ?" Two elderly women rise silently and go away.