When you went away to the woods you never left a penny for candles, nor for Masses to be said for your father's soul; yet you sold his horse and his little house, and spent the money in drink.

Not a cent for a candle, but--" "It's a lie," cried Pomfrette, shaking with rage from head to foot.
A long horror-stricken "Ah!" broke from the crowd.

The Cure's face became graver and colder.
"You have a bad heart," he answered, "and you give Pontiac an evil name.
I command you to come to Mass next Sunday, to repent and to hear your penance given from the altar.

For until--" "I'll go to no Mass till I'm carried to it," was the sullen, malevolent interruption.
The Cure turned upon the people.
"This is a blasphemer, an evil-hearted, shameless man," he said.

"Until he repents humbly, and bows his vicious spirit to holy Church, and his heart to the mercy of God, I command you to avoid him as you would a plague.