Chapter 7 Summary

Chapter Seven opens in Anne's dining room where a dinner party is in progress. Chilled salmon is served on an expensive silver platter by well-dressed servants. Anne is aware that Chauvin prowls around the perimeter of her house. In the kitchen, the servants are preparing food. Anne's husband sits across the table from her and looks at her with disapproval and confusion. Anne's dress is crooked and her breasts are partially exposed, she has a drooping magnolia pinned on her dress, she is obviously drunk and very quiet. Anne has arrived very late, keeping many guests waiting, and the servants quietly comment on Anne's scandalous behavior. Someone makes apologies for Anne.

Light conversation passes between the guests. Anne is too drunk to effectively participate and her attention is obviously elsewhere. The guests eat the food with avarice while Chauvin prowls along the beach...