Meanwhile the deliberations have begun.

The majority of the members are chatting together, or looking at a little group composed of three peasants and a woman, who are standing a little apart from the others.

Here alone the matter in hand is being really discussed.

The woman is explaining, with tears in her eyes, and with a vast amount of useless repetition, that her "old man," who is Elder for the time being, is very ill, and cannot fulfil his duties.
"But he has not yet served a year, and he'll get better," remarks one peasant, evidently the youngest of the little group.
"Who knows ?" replies the woman, sobbing.

"It is the will of God, but I don't believe that he'll ever put his foot to the ground again.