Chapter 7
The week after Saint Laurence’s indulgences, Liudas Vasaris is haunted by memories of Liucė, the priest’s “pet” (adopted daughter of the deceased sister). He recalls his first encounter with her, the nervous excitement, shame, and lingering anger at his own clumsy attempts to impress her. Vasaris repeatedly rehearses a corrected coffee‑serving scene with Liucė in his imagination, treating it as innocent romance.
Petryla sends Vasaris a letter inviting him to leave the rectory early for a farewell and to travel together the next morning. Vasaris accepts, assuming both priests and Liucė will be present.
The narrative provides Liucė’s backstory: orphaned after her father’s death, raised by the priest, educated in Vilnius, and rumored to be of non‑Lithuanian origin. She prefers life in the rectory over arranged marriages. Her close friendship with the newly arrived vicar Zigmas Trikauskas (a former St. Petersburg theological student) is described; Trikauskas brings opera librettos, a silver‑handled baton, and piano skills, and he and Liucė share evenings playing piano and singing arias.
During the indulgence celebrations, Liucė gives a striking impression to a young novice who touches her hand and becomes speech‑less, hinting at a mutual attraction. Petryla’s invitation promises that the “guests” for the farewell will include the two priests and Liucė.
Liudas travels with his mother, carrying pastries, to Petryla’s home. Upon arrival, he is greeted by Petryla, his elderly parents, and the village children. A long dialogue unfolds about future clergy, years of service, and the upcoming ordination of sub‑deacons.
A mixed crowd gathers: the parish priest Kimša, vicar Trikauskas, a student from Moscow, several clergy, and Liucė. The guests debate the role of the Lithuanian clergy in national culture, citing historical figures (Valančius, Baranauskas, Maironis, Basanavičius) and contrasting Protestant and Catholic contributions. Vasaris tries to stay neutral, repeatedly mentioning the clergy’s contributions to the nation.
The party continues with music, drinking, and convivial banter. When Liucė finally greets Vasaris, she shakes his hand firmly, laughs, and remarks that she barely noticed his earlier departure. Vasaris attempts a polite gesture, but Liucė’s sudden, ambiguous advance—pressing her body against his, whispering “please let…”, then recoiling with a “fi!”—leaves him bewildered and deeply embarrassed. He retreats to the garden, searches for fallen apples, and is questioned by Petryla about his melancholy. A student offers a cynical view of the clergy’s dwindling creative spirit.
The chapter ends with Vasaris feeling a profound sense of shame and isolation, his hopes for a second meeting with Liucė shattered, as the indulgence festivities fade into the evening’s quiet.