Chapter Nine Summary

The following day, Cincinnatus awakes to another commotion. Marthe has arrived, and she has brought her entire family along with all of their furniture. Marthe's father is there, as well as her brothers, who are identical twins. Marthe's mother's parents are also there, and three female cousins aren't allowed entry for some unknown reason. Marthe's children, Diomedon and Pauline, are also part of the gathering, and Marthe brings a solicitous male companion.

Among the furniture brought into the cell are chairs, parts of walls, a fishbowl containing a goldfish, a tricycle, a table, and a mirrored wardrobe that permanently reflects a corner of Cincinnatus's bedroom. Marthe's father begins to lecture Cincinnatus. Marthe talks quietly with her companion, who asks her if she's cold, and she chides her son for misbehavior. The lawyer comes in and sits in one corner. Marthe's father...