Section 7-Volume 1, Part 5, Section 1-Volume 1, Part 5, Section 4 Summary

When winter arrives, Marcel dreads Philippe's arrival. Christophe still grieves for Michael and is often drunk in the streets; however, he manages to meet with the fathers and even purchases a book to thank Anna Bella for her help. Marcel's aunts argue with Cecile about presenting Marie properly at the upcoming opera, but Cecile finds it foolish until Marcel shows interest in attending. Marie is happier about her situation since her brother will accompany her. Christophe takes Bubbles in the week before the opera because of how badly Dolly had beaten him, but when he allows Bubbles to sit in the classroom with his students, many of the boys leave until the classroom is empty by midweek. Marcel convinces Christophe that the class will not return until Bubbles is removed, and...