Black - “We are Caught in an Ambush”
Francois elucidates, “Because it was pitch black they couldn’t see anything. The butcher left is, Monsieur Seurel hurried home to bed.” The blackness is ascribed to darkness which conceals the wounds which Francois and Meaulnes withstand after the ambush. Had it not been dark, their injury would have been visible. They darkness saves them from providing explanations about their unfortunate encounter.
Hat - “The Boarder”
Millie states, "In any case,' she said, to cheer me up, brushing my child's outfit with her hand, 'even if the hat had arrived. I would certainly have had to devote Sunday to adjusting it.” Millie’s resolution to modifying the hat confirms that she minds her impression. The hat is significant during the winter, and she improves it with adornments which make it more appealing. Thus, Millie uses the embellished hat to assert her refined taste.
