Oh, for the love of God, someone stop this! Abitha thought, and turned away. She searched the crowd, hoping to find some outrage there, some desire to end this senseless torment. A few were crying, but most watched grimly, their faces stolid and righteous. There were some, yes, like Goody and Ansel, whose faces betrayed their inner vileness, but most appeared transported, almost in rapture, as though sharing this moment with God Himself, their hands clasped to their breasts, staring upward into the firmament, their lips moving in silent communion with their Lord and savior. Abitha could see
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