Summary

In Chapter 4, on February 25, 1885, when Eugénie’s servant Louis brings her coffee, she hides her book “beneath her pillow” (41). The day after the salon, Eugénie found The Spirits’ Book at an occult bookshop. The bookseller was a friend of the author’s, and thought the book would enlighten Eugénie in many ways. Eugénie stayed up all night reading, and the book let her “glimpse . . . a different reality” (45). Its arguments and claims have helped her understand “who she is” (47).

Over the following days, Eugénie feels “an inner peace” (47). She has decided “she will be gone” by spring (47).

Eugénie’s grandmother compliments her on her recent good behavior, wondering if she has “met a boy” (47). Because she feels she can trust her grandmother, Eugénie considers telling her about the book. Suddenly, Eugénie disengages, staring at a space...