pure spouse of that immaculate Mother. . . . It is not
always easy to understand these mysteries: one can
only be humble and grateful.5
'Jesus Christ, the Shepherd, the Lamb, and the
Victim. . . .' chimed the bells, 'the Shepherd, the
Lamb, and the Victim. . . /
Marie was thinking as she walked by her son:
'May my child's Communion bring me faith and
courage, so that I can say to our blessed Lord with
an honest, courageous and truthful heart, "I leave all
to thy infinite wisdom and mercy. . . ." *
Christophe suddenly slipped his hand into hers.
'Jesus Christ, the Shepherd, the Lamb, and the
Victim. . . .' chimed the bells, cthe Shepherd, the
Lamb, and the Victim. . , .'
And now they were mounting the steps of the
church.
'Jesus Christ, the Shepherd, the Lamb, and the
Victim. . . .'
And there was Goundran upon the church porch,
very seemly and grave in his best Sunday clothes,
and beside him Elise who was heavy with child so
must wear a long cloak for modesty's sake, even
although her eyes must proclaim the great joy that
would presently quicken within her. And near
Goundran stood several young fishermen friends;
big, brown-skinned fellows with a smattering of faith
and more than a smattering of superstition. They
had come because they believed that good luck
followed those who attended a First Communion;
that their presence would please Mary-Star-of-the-Sea.
'Jesus Christ, the Shepherd, the Lamb, and the
Victim. . . .'
And there was Madame Perron's young brother.
He was hurrying after his sister and niece, despite
the fact that when he was up north he refused to
believe in God or the devil; despite the fact, too,
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