Chapter 6, Quarrels Summary and Analysis

When the "new" Martin joins the village, it is not enough to be accepted by his wife. He has to deal with the usual human relations and roles as heir to the family estate, nephew to Pierre, and as a villager and farmer. Arnaud becomes a merchant in grain, wine and other products, as well as a farmer. He is involved in buying, and leasing land that he inherits from his father Sanxi, deceased before "Martin" returns. Arnaud sells parcels of the family lands, known as "propres," which is against Basque family custom.

When Pierre, the false Martin's uncle and now father-in-law, finds out that Martin is dealing with ancestral lands in the village of Hendaye, Pierre becomes angry. This involves land in Artigat, and also in the Basque country, in the Labourd region, the original home of the...