‘What makes it a sin? It’s not mentioned in the ten commandments,’ said Charley.
‘Surely it’s against the will of God, Charley dear.’
‘He hasn’t said anything about it, anyhow. And why should I have a thing forced upon me whether I will or not, and then be pulled up for throwing it away when I found it troublesome?’
‘Surely I don’t quite understand you, Charley.’
‘Well, if I must be more explicit—I was never asked whether I chose to be made or not. I never had the conditions laid before me. Here I am, and I can’t help myself—so far, I mean, as that here I am.’
‘But life is a good thing,’ said Mary, evidently struggling with an almost overpowering horror.
‘I don’t know that. My impression is that if I had been asked—’
‘But that couldn’t be, you know.’
‘Then it wasn’t fair. But why couldn’t I be made for a moment or two, long enough to have the thing laid before me, and be asked whether I would accept it or not? My impression is that I would have said—No, thank you; that is, if it was fairly put.’
I hastened to offer a remark, in the hope of softening the pain such flippancy must cause her.