Latour leaves Taos and visits Kit Carson's home to thank Mrs. Carson for her kindness to Magdalena, and to report on her new happiness. Although Mrs. Carson is an uneducated Mexican housewife, she is genuine and the Bishop admires her. She explains that Trinidad is rumored to be the son of Martinez. A foolish young man, Trinidad tried to have himself crucified during Holy Week, but he was so heavy that his weight caused the cross to fall over. This humiliation was compounded when he asked to be whipped, but fainted before a hundred lashes could be administered. The whipping caused his back to become infected, forcing him to be bedridden for a long time. According to Mrs. Carson, the parish asked him to not return the following Holy Week.
When he returns to Santa Fe, Latour learns his vicarate has been raised officially to a diocese, and that his presence is requested in Rome. Vaillant tells Latour that Martinez's conduct is scandalous, and that the Mexican is rumored to have debauched a pious girl rescued from the Indians. The Bishop has heard the story, but he says Martinez is getting too old to repeat such acts, and there is no alternative strong priest to replace Martinez in Taos. He does not want to risk losing devout Catholics by punishing their priest.
It is decided that Vaillant will stay in Santa Fe while Latour visits Rome. The Bishop hopes to bring back some French priests to assist, and expresses his desire to keep Vaillant with him in Santa Fe.
