"Young lady, I will get to your part in this in a moment. For now, be still and seek the Lord's forgiveness."
"But, Reverend Crane, I have something to confess. This is my fault. I'm the one who compelled them to do those things."
"You? Very well, explain yourself."
"I told them about kissing. It was something I remembered. I must have made it sound so good they felt the need to try it. So you see, it's my fault."
"Is this what happened?" Helena and John nodded once again. Reverend Crane scanned the other children's faces, his gaze coming to rest on Prudence. "My child, you appear troubled. Do you have something to add to this account?"
Prudence's entire body trembled with fear. She could only shake her head in reply. "Prudence, you know lying in any form violates The Way. To lie in God's house will most certainly earn you a place in the fiery pit. Tell me, do you have something to add?"
"I told her not to do it, Reverend. I told her it was wicked, but she wouldn't listen to me," Prudence said. She fell to her knees and buried her face in her hands.
"Prudence, don't!" Samantha shouted.
Reverend Crane dismounted from the podium and went down the aisle to kneel beside Prudence. He put a hand on her back, patting it gently. "There now, my child, confess your sins and receive the Lord's forgiveness. Tell me what happened."
Prudence told him everything.