He lighted a cigar, and sat quiet for a few seconds.
"I suppose," he resumed, "you still believe what you used to teach?"
"Certainly; that is—yes, I believe it. But it isn't part of me as it was."
"Ah! but you think it's true?"
"I remain perfectly satisfied with the demonstration of its truth—only I have lost the faith that is above knowledge."
It was evidently only with an effort that Ayre repressed a sarcasm. Stafford saw his difficulty.
"You don't follow that?"
"I have heard it spoken of before. But, after all, it's beside the point. You believe the things so that, as far as honesty goes, you could still teach them?"
"Certainly I should believe every dogma I taught."
"Including the dogma that people ought to be good?"