While attending Emmanuel’s boarding school, Steve “Bleat” Blodgette’s mother suddenly visits to break the news that his father is going to marry a rich woman. Mrs. Blodgette weeps sorrowfully and encourages her son to be brave, but he is unfazed by the new development in the family. Her overly emotional reactions get on his nerves, and he strikes her across the face. Steve is surprised by his own action, and Dr. Kew, Emmanuel’s Headmaster, comes into the room and invites them to prayer time. Mrs. Blodgette does not mention what just happened, and Steve feels terrible and makes amends by staying close with her until she leaves.

The next day, Dr. Kew calls Steve into his office to tell him his mother had a nervous breakdown, and they talk about what happened yesterday. Dr. Kew leaves him with the advice to follow God and be a man. Steve recalls how he was given the nickname “Bleat” by fellow students for being a jokester who provokes and talks back to the teachers. Steve also thinks back to his confirmation three years ago and the strong sense of religious redemption he found in it. Now heading to the chapel for confession, he wells up with emotion while hearing the prayers and music. He stays behind after everyone else leaves and prays for forgiveness for his actions against his mother, who he sometimes wishes were dead. Unlike his momentous confirmation, Steve is unable to achieve peace through prayer or confession.  

It is dark outside by the time Steve leaves the chapel, and he thinks back to his reputation for being the bad boy and jokester. He takes a dirty wheelbarrow filled with cow manure from outside and brings it into the sacred chapel. He makes a huge mess, and the groundskeeper catches him in the act. By the Headmaster’s orders, all the students and staff ignore Steve after his last prank. Dr. Kew expels Steve on the note that he fears for his Christian soul. A teacher drives Steve back to his home in New York City, and his mother tearfully welcomes him home.