Chapter 39, The Onyx Ashtray Summary

Louis suffers a minor stroke, and Léonie and Thérèse visit him in hospital. Thérèse breaks down in tears, and the two girls are asked to leave because they are causing a disturbance. Later, the priest pays the family a visit to offer his sympathy. The priest hesitates and then accepts a cigarette from Madeleine. Thérèse judges the priest harshly, thinking to herself that he is worldly. She watches, full of criticism, as Madeleine leans forward and asks what will happen to the shrine. The priest emphasizes that he will do what the bishop and the church deem correct. When the priest leaves, Madeleine downs two quick shots of whisky. Madeleine thinks that the priest would rather have the entire situation hushed up. This...