Nic Lavilette was now an important person in his own sight and in the sight of others in Bonaventure.

In him the pomp of his family took an individual form.
Earlier than the appointed time, Ferrol turned the key and stepped inside the big despoiled hallway of the old farmhouse.

His footsteps sounded hollow in the empty rooms.

Already dust had gathered, and an air of desertion and decay filled the place in spite of the solid timbers and sound floors and window-sills.

He took out his watch; it was ten minutes to nine.