When Sam returns home, he has heard the gossip and laments the streak in human nature that lets such a thing happen, adding there is nothing they can do but weather the storm. She replies she has nothing to confess, though she is beginning to wonder whether maybe the devil is tempting her somehow, without her knowledge. Sam says he has to empty his traps on the other side of the mountain but will be back the next day. That evening, inside the church, Blitch takes up the collection while the congregration sings a hymn. Starting his sermon, Blitch stresses the need for personal salvation and calls on those who have not yet been baptized to come forward.
Several candidates appear.
Then Blitch singles out Susannah, as the others stare at her accusingly. An hour later, back at her house, Susannah recalls a folklike song that reflects her loneliness and sorrow. She defends herself vigorously, saying that the community has put her through hell all week. Feeling a conflict between his human understanding and his rigid religious convictions, Blitch finds himself drawn to her and puts his arm around her. Her energy to resist is spent, and she allows him to lead her inside the house.