- When Whitfield heard that Addie was dying, he rushed over to the Bundren farm to ask for Anse’s forgiveness (for sleeping with his wife).
- He is prepared to confess his and Addie’s sin to Anse and, for practice, confesses to God, asking for forgiveness. He desperately hopes that Addie hasn’t already spilled the beans.
- Upon his arrival on the farm, he learns that Addie has already passed away. He figures that confessing to God was enough, so he shouldn’t have to tell Anse about the affair.