Summary

In Chapter 30, returning to Marais Salant after “more than a year” away, Pascal worried how to explain his absence (162). At his father’s, he was devastated to learn Jean Pierre had died. At Fatima’s, he discovered his mother had left the island after his “inexplicable disappearance” (164).

Pascal found Maria, Marthe, and Lazare at the Arche de la Nouvelle Alliance. They were devoting themselves to distributing his teachings. Along with Pascal’s disciples, they wanted “to make an event” of his return (166). They informed Pascal Judas was now president of the Regional Council and gave “orders to the police and gendarmes to maintain law and order” (167).

In Chapter 31, Pascal visited Albertine where she lived with her six children. She welcomed him back. She had been so heartbroken by his departure, she explained, she had slept with another man and become pregnant with her...