Part 1, Storm In June: Chapters 5 and 6 Summary

Paris is shutting down in preparation for the bombing. The Michauds, a husband and wife who are both employed at the same bank, are not wealthy but have a loving marriage. They wait to learn from the branch director, Monsieur Corbin, what they are to do. Corbin has a beneficial relationship with the Count de Furieres, and Madame Michaud entertains her husband with tales of their meetings and their "sour smiles." The Count invites Corbin to dinner parties, in exchange for which he is given ample credit at the bank, but he hopes to get into the coveted "jockey club," with the Count's help. Corbin who, for the most part hates women, has a dancer girlfriend, Arlette Corail, who "entertains" him at work. The dancer is arguing with Corbin about how she is...