In a surprising turn, the narrator finds herself standing in a small stone circle, with a coppery-bronze octagon at its center, engraved with the name Mademoiselle Oliphant. This site marks "Point zero of the roads of France," the reference point for measuring distances across the country. The significance of this spot symbolizes the start of a journey or new beginning, as indicated by St. Clair's words.
"It's the beginning of everything," he says with a smile, welcoming Anna to Paris. This moment signifies a fresh chapter filled with possibility and adventure, as Paris becomes the backdrop for the story's unfolding. The scene captures the sense of anticipation and discovery in the narrative.