What happens at the funeral?

Soldiers arrive at the funeral because of the number of people in attendance. They question Mama, especially over the fact that the casket is closed. Mama explains that her Great-Aunt Birte died of typhus, and even goes to the casket to open it. In mentioning typus, a deadly and contagious disease, Mama causes the soldier to back away...... but not before he slaps her. n