Chapter 3 Summary

Paul is sent away to school, and Félicité takes Virginie to catechism every day. Félicité is greatly moved by the stories, particularly of the Passion. A stained glass window has the Holy Ghost looking down on the Virgin, another the Virgin kneeling before the baby Jesus. This is all new to Félicité because her own religion was neglected in your youth. She participates along with the little girl in all the activities related to the training. She fasts along with Virginie, goes to communion with her and observes the special days. She is puzzled about exactly what the Holy Ghost is because sometimes it is a bird, sometimes a fire and sometimes a breath.

She prepares for Virginie's first communion with much excitement, and she is deeply moved by the children's ceremony, feeling that she is participating as well. The...