Summary

During the forty days of quarantine, Rivka are Ester are only able to sustain themselves due to the household servants’ practice of stocking firewood and oil, and Rivka’s previous habit of purchasing extra flour. “The temerity of [Ester’s] body stunned her: no matter how she counseled it to accept its own inevitable defeat, it refused” (456). On the fortieth day, Bescós stands with his back to the house, “as though awaiting someone” (456). Rivka tells Ester with “a note in her voice Ester hadn’t heard before,” that she “won’t step out of the door until he assures safe passage” (456). Bescós announces to people in the street: “two Jewesses hiding behind a painted cross. Why didn’t they die, if the sickness was there? If you wish to see sorcery, look in that window” (456). Referring to Ester: she “believes herself to...