Father Pirrone comes from a small town, more than a four-hour cart ride from Palermo. His father was overseer for two properties owned by the abbey; when he died, his widow and three children were not left in poverty. He owned a house and an almond grove near the entrance to the village. At age 16, Father Pirrone left the village to attend seminary. He returns occasionally, such as in February 1861, when he travels home to mark the 15-year anniversary of the death of his father.

Father Pirrone arrives in the village. He is greeted by his happy family, including his mother, sisters, and nephews. He feels assailed by “sweet happy memories” (145). The sight of an Italian tricolor cockade worn by his nephew, however, makes him irritated. Father Pirrone attends Mass and then visits his father’s grave, which moves him to tears. He dines with his family and, after, meets with his friends in his old bedroom. The meeting includes an aging herbalist named Don Pietrino and the Shirò brothers. When the conversation turns to politics, the locals are upset by what news Father Pirrone brings them. He talks about the “atheistic and rapacious” (147) state of the newly unified Italy.