As they carried on along and met more people Furlong did and did not know, he found himself asking was there any point in being alive without helping one another? Was it possible to carry on along through all the years, the decades, through an entire life, without once being brave enough to go against what was there and yet call yourself a Christian, and face yourself in the mirror?

At the end of Chapter 7, Furlong walks Sarah through town and back to his house, asking himself this moral question, which serves as the central theme of the story and Furlong’s purpose. Raised by the kind and supportive Mrs. Wilson and Ned, Furlong is deeply compassionate, a trait that sets him apart from many people in his community. None of the people who pass Furlong and Sarah offer help, leading Furlong to question whether a person’s life can be considered meaningful if they aren’t courageous enough to better the lives of those around them.

Until this point in the story, he has felt guilty and ashamed for not coming to Sarah’s aid sooner. Washing his hands is a symbol of this guilt; the gesture is an attempt to cleanse himself, not of dirt, but of shame rooted in his Christian values. Most importantly, in this moment, he realizes the contradiction of ignoring injustices while claiming to be a true Christian. Through this newfound sense of liberation and fulfillment, he finally discovers life’s purpose—a question he has wrestled with throughout the story. 

He thought of Mrs. Wilson, of her daily kindnesses, of how she had corrected and encouraged him, of the small things she had said and done and had refused to do and say and what she must have known, the things which, when added up, amounted to a life.

This quote highlights Furlong’s realization that small actions can shape a person’s identity and define their life’s purpose. After rescuing Sarah from the coal shed at the end of Chapter 7, he realizes how seemingly insignificant gestures, or “small things,” can have a profound impact. The proof for Furlong’s belief can be found in numerous examples throughout the book: Mrs. Wilson’s encouragement, harmful rumors and gossip in church, late-night conversations and arguments with Eileen, neighborly favors, giving Christmas bonuses, and asking what Sarah’s real name is. All of these actions, however insignificant they may seem, carry meaning and add up to shape a person’s life.  

Do you mind telling me where this road will take me?’ "This road?" The man put down the hook and leant on the handle, and stared in at him. "This road will take you wherever you want to go, son."

After Furlong’s troubling experience at the convent, he finds himself both physically and mentally lost. He drives away in a panic, overwhelmed by what he’s seen, and unsure of where to go next—both literally and figuratively. The man’s response about the road, which implies that Furlong is fully in control of the direction he takes, mirrors his situation with Sarah and the convent: it’s not about fate, but rather about the decisions Furlong makes moving forward. He can choose to ignore what he witnessed, or he can choose to take action. If he doesn’t help Sarah, he will be burdened with guilt and shame, and if he rescues her, he will be burdened by the potential consequences of getting involved—possibly becoming the subject of town gossip, risking his daughters’ futures of attending St. Margaret’s school, and jeopardizing the reputation of his coal business. Ultimately, Furlong is metaphorically asking what will happen if he takes a stand and confronts the convent, and the response reveals he has more control over the outcome than he realizes. 

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