Why do you think it has such a big impact on Félicité when Mme. Aubain embraces her?

When Mme. Aubain embraces Félicité, the two of them share their grief over the loss of Virginie as equals. It is the first time that Mme. Aubain really accords Félicité real humanity and human feeling. She has always slighted Felicite's feelings and even her capacity for feeling things as she does until now. By embracing Félicité, she not only recognizes her as a fellow human, but also gives credence to her love for Virginie. Félicité has had very few experiences of sympathy and compassion in her life, although she has loved many people truly and powerfully. This is one of the few instances where Félicité is a recipient of affection as well as a giver.