8. What does penitent mean in this story?

The word penitent can be found in Chapter Seven.

When my ablutions were completed, I was put into clean linen of the stiffest character, like a young penitent into sackcloth, and was trussed up in my tightest and fearfullest suit.

In this context, a penitent would be someone under censure by the church, who is seeking forgiveness.

Yes