How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
From that moment on, he spoke only French to those about him, and this sudden relaxing of his rule alarmed his household more than anything else about his condition. (9.2.7)
Toward his death, Archbishop Latour only speaks French to the people around him. It looks like his memory is slipping and his first language is all he can remember. This is enough to disturb his servants, since it seems to confirm the idea that he's slipping into death.
Quote #8
When a priest had received bad news from home, or was ill, Father Latour would converse with him in his own language; but at other times he required that all conversation in his house be in Spanish or English. (9.2.7)
Toward the end of his life, Father Latour is only interested in speaking French. His only exception is when someone comes to him needing help with a problem. This suggests that Latour actually has the power to speak Spanish and English, but he chooses not to. Maybe he figures that now that death is coming for him, he might as well be comfortable in both body and mind.
Quote #9
The Mexicans were always Mexicans, the Indians were always Indians. (9.5.11)
Father Latour knows that there are some aspects of life in New Mexico that he'll never be able to change or understand. He's surrounded mostly by Mexican and Native American people, and he knows deep down that there's little point in trying to change these people. They'll always have their own beliefs and their own culture, and all Latour can really do is keep them from acting immorally in the eyes of his God.