An old Catholic priest named Father Macdowell sits in his office to read. He is somewhat exasperated from the day. His day-to-day life is very mundane as he typically just sits and listens to many people's confessions. As he reads, the house girl of his church walks in and explains that there's a girl there to see him about a sick call. Father Macdowell walks out to see a girl who explains that her sister is sick with pneumonia and that she wants him to see her. She also explains that she wants him to anoint her sister and hear her confession. However, her sister's husband is not Catholic and does not want him there. The two set out from the church. The girl's name is Jane Stanhope and she explains that her sister married a man named John Williams. They are very happy together, but John hates church people. As they walk through the night to the home, Miss Stanhope explains that her sister wanted to see a priest. Father Macdowell has some difficulty walking because he is very tired and getting old. When they arrive, John tells them to leave because he doesn't like priests. Father Macdowell pushes past John, in search for his sick wife. Miss Stanhope tells John to mind his own business and he gets frustrated about the situation. John won't allow Father Macdowell into the room himself, so they all go into his wife's room together. Mrs. Williams looks scared as they walk in because she is afraid to die. Father Macdowell tells her that she's going to get well and that he wants to hear her confession. John complains that Mrs. Williams family didn't want her and that religion isn't going to help her. Father Macdowell asks for alone time and John refuses. He says that he believes John to be a good person and won't threaten him, even though he could. Mrs. Williams asks Father Macdowell to pray for her and he does. She explains that she and her husband are very happy together and that she gave up much to be with him. She is very sick and afraid of dying. John gets mad at the priest because Father Macdowell is hard of hearing and has to raise his voice slightly. The priest asks for a glass of water and John reluctantly agrees to get it. Father Macdowell asks Mrs. Williams about her faith and then John returns with the water. The priest tells the husband not to be harsh and blesses the two of them. When he leaves, Miss Stanhope thanks him and apologizes for John's behavior. The priest explains that it was alright and the he was glad to meet John. However, as he walks away, he thinks about whether or not his presence may have disrupted the happy couple and it makes him sad to think about.