Description

On a sunny hillside above a quiet French village, Myrtile watches three strangers walk down the narrow path to her family's stone cottage. Jean Sargot, a rough‑handed farmer, and his loud companion seem ordinary, but the third—Pierre Leschamps—arrives in an out‑of‑place black coat and heavy gold chain, his uneasy bearing sending a chill through the girl. Myrtile's pale skin and deep‑blue eyes set her apart, and the widow worries about her health as the visitors ask for wine and a seat.

The modest gathering on the verandah becomes a quiet test of loyalties, with the villagers offering hospitality while eyeing the enigmatic guest. Myrtile is urged to set aside her books and join the conversation, though her intuition warns that Pierre's arrival may upset the fragile balance of the community. The scene hints at old grudges and hidden histories, promising a mystery that will stretch far beyond the simple farmstead.