On his return Martin says, "You and only you are answerable for this dishonor befallen me.
In the novella, The Wife of Martin Guerre, author Janet Lewis illustrates and portrays the message that during the sixteenth centenary, the cap d" hostal was regarded as a representative of the church. On Martin's return to his land, he discovers that a rogue has been playing the part of Martin Guerre for the previous three years and therefore finds that Bertrande has committed adultery which in turn, dishonors Martins family and himself. Thus, Martin holds Bertrande responsible and declares that she answerable for the dishonor that had befallen upon both him and his family name. It is at this time in the novel that the love in which Bertrande has for Arnaud is true whilst for Martin it is not.
As eight years passed and there was no sign of Martin Guerre hope to see him once again became less evident. During the absence of Martin Guerre a rogue or imposter came to take his place within the household and resumed the title of cap d" hostal. The uncle and brothers of Arnaud du Tihl, the imposter of Martin were ashamed as he had brought dishonor upon his family, as like Bertrande who has brought shame upon the Guerre household. Bertrande feels mixed emotion when confronted by Arnaud and is amazed by his composure. However, from the first entrance of the soldier, we are aware of the outcome, as we immediately establish his identity as being the true Martin Guerre. .
Upon this, Martin accuses Bertrande in front of the Toulouse Court that she had committed adultery and therefore brought shame upon his name. During Martin's absence Bertrande along with other family members at times doubted Arnaud true identity however were sometimes willing to "continue to be deceived" as it would benefit the majority. Thus at time, Bertrande acknowledges the fact that she has sinned and even ponder on the thought that a "sin on [her] soul for the good for the good of the household" may be necessary in order to maintain and reestablish happiness.
