In front of their tents the Jesus-lovers sat and watched, their faces hard and contemptuous. They did not speak to one another, they watched for sin, and their faces condemned the whole proceeding.
– John Steinbeck
The Grapes of Wrath, Chapter 24. There is effective use of irony here as the Jesus-lovers watch the Saturday night dancing get under way at Weedpatch camp. Instead of joining in the fun and relaxation like everyone else, they frown on the proceedings and watch out for sin. Steinbeck is poking fun at their expense, portraying them as rather ridiculous people with "hard and contemptuous" faces.