The group leaves the Longpré house and enters the schoolhouse. Gamache hangs back to admire Three Pines. He realizes that Francoeur will come there eventually, “and then no number of woodsmen, of huntsmen, of villagers, of demented poets, of glorious painters and innkeepers could stop what would happen” (235). Just as they are about to make their final connection. Gamache remembers the stained glass in the church across the street, which shows soldiers advancing to their death with the phrase, “They were our children” (236). He realizes that he made a mistake, and they should return after rest in the morning.

The next morning, the group goes to the bistro before resuming their work. The Chief asks if Gabri, Olivier, and Clara opened their Christmas gifts from Constance. Clara shows her handknit scarf with paintbrushes knit into the pattern. Gabri and Olivier open their packages to find mittens with crescent moons on them, which they realize represent their croissants. Gamache realizes that Constance left a gift for Myrna under the tree.

Myrna’s gift is a child’s blue tuque, or fitted knit cap. The tag on the inside has the initials “MA,” which Gamache guesses might mean “Mama,” if the hat belonged to Mrs.