The chapter opens with Liudas reflecting on the chaotic night of St Laurence’s indulgences. He remembers a hostile exchange with the vicar of Šilučiai, admitting that the vicar’s behavior was tactless and could have provoked him. The next day Liudas re‑examines his lingering memories of Liucė, the priest’s adopted daughter, recalling how his heart raced when she spoke to him, how he clumsily brushed his hand against hers, and how he resented his own nervousness and foolishness. He imagines a perfect coffee‑receiving scene with her, but the fantasies remain innocent and naïve.

Later, Liudas receives a letter from Petryla inviting him to leave the seminary a day early to visit the priest’s house. He accepts, expecting both priests and Liucė to be present. On the journey Liudas prepares himself like for a crucial exam, but his confidence wavers halfway as doubts flood him.

Arriving at Petryla’s homestead, Liudas is greeted warmly. Petryla introduces the young vicar Zigmas Trikauskas, a recent graduate of three courses at the St Petersburg Theological Academy, now assigned to the parish. Trikauskas is described as handsome, well‑educated, and full of pride, carrying a silver‑handled cane, a pistol with monograms, and a collection of opera librettos. He instantly takes an interest in Liucė, who lives in the klebon’s house; she is the orphaned daughter of the klebon’s late sister, raised by the klebon after her father’s death, educated in a Vilnius gymnasium, and talented at piano and opera singing. Their relationship is playful, with Trikauskas arranging concerts in the parish hall and flirting openly with Liucė.

The local klebon Kimša, an elderly priest who has long overseen the parish, observes Trikauskas’s ambition and subtly uses his weaknesses to keep him in line, eventually praising him as an exemplary priest. Kimša is also the guardian of Liucė, a fact Liudas learns during the evening.

During the indulgences, Liudas and Liucė share an awkward, almost intimate moment in the garden; Liudas tries to seize her hand, but she pulls away and laughs, leaving him embarrassed and ashamed. The encounter ends with Liudas feeling foolish and humiliated.

A village gathering follows, where Petryla’s family, the clerk Jonelaitis, and various young seminarians discuss the future of Lithuanian culture. A student raises the issue of Lithuanian intellectuals versus the clergy’s influence, invoking figures such as Valančius, Baranauskas and Maironis, and argues that the church has historically impeded Lithuanian progress. The debate becomes noisy; Liudas, uncomfortable, tries to steer the conversation back to the merits of the clergy, citing Valančius, Baranauskas and Maironis, but is rebuked by the student who points out the church’s role in perpetuating oppression. The discussion illustrates the growing nationalistic tension among the villagers.

After the debate, Trikauskas, Liucė, Kimša and the guests depart. Liudas attempts a final, clumsy greeting with Liucė, who presses his hand, smirks, and dismisses him with a mocking “fi!” The moment leaves Liudas mortified. He wanders the garden, watches the villagers argue about harvests, and hears the klebon’s guests discuss wine production. Exhausted, he returns to his carriage, carrying a box of biscuits, and departs for home, his thoughts filled with a mix of shame, lingering desire, and the awareness that his path forward is fraught with both personal and cultural obstacles.