Chapter 3 Summary

The priest writes in his journal that the Dean of Blangermont chides him for allowing himself to come under debt. It seems the townspeople have been gossiping about the priest and Mme Pamyre, the grocer's wife, has taken it upon herself to share these complaints with the dean. After the incident with the three bottles of wine, the priest decided to no longer trade with the Pamyres but instead do business at another store, another fact that has riled Mme Pamyre.

The dean goes on to lecture the priest concerning an outburst of the priest's against business and business owners. The dean explains the young priest has no right to voice such opinions and should simply follow the opinions of his elders even if it means ignoring injustice. However, the dean adds that the topic should be addressed if it is brought up...