The first one was always erected at the foot of the hill, the second
in front of the post-office, and the third in the middle of the street.
This position occasioned some rivalry among the women and they finally
decided upon Madame Aubain's yard.

Felicite's fever grew worse. She was sorry that she could not do
anything for the altar. If she could, at least, have contributed
something towards it! Then she thought of the parrot. Her neighbours
objected that it would not be proper. But the cure gave his consent
and she was so grateful for it that she begged him to accept after her
death, her only treasure, Loulou. From Tuesday until Saturday, the day
before the event, she coughed more frequently. In the evening her face
was contracted, her lips stuck to her gums and she began to vomit; and
on the following day, she felt so low that she called for a priest.

Three neighbours surrounded her when the dominie administered the
Extreme Unction. Afterwards she said that she wished to speak to Fabu.

He arrived in his Sunday clothes, very ill at ease among the funereal
surroundings.

"Forgive me," she said, making an effort to extend her arm, "I believed
it was you who killed him!"

What did such accusations mean? Suspect a man like him of murder! And
Fabu became excited and was about to make trouble.

"Don't you see she is not in her right mind?"

From time to time Felicite spoke to shadows. The women left her and