Near midday, when it was time to leave, Pelletier and Espinoza dared to ask the only question they thought really mattered: could she help them get in touch with Archimboldi? Mrs. Bubis's eyes lit up. As if she had were at the scene of a fire, Pelletier told Liz Norton later. Not a raging blaze, but a fire that was about to go out, after burning for months. Her no came as a slight shake of the head that made Pelletier and Espinoza abruptly aware of the futility of their plea.
-- Pelletier and Espinoza (The Part About the Critics)

Importance: This passage encapsulates the elusive nature of Archimboldi, the central figure whose mystery propels the critics' quest. The imagery of a dying fire evokes a sense of diminishing hope and the gradual extinguishment of their fervent pursuit. Mrs. Bubis’s reaction, her eyes lighting up only to then convey refusal with a subtle shake of the head, underscores the...