"I never liked any one as I do her. I am ashamed of myself when I think of her purity."
"The purity of … Had she been pure she would have remained in her convent."
"If you had heard her speak of her temptations…."
"I do not want to hear her temptations. But it was you who tempted her to leave her convent. I cannot but think that you should marry her. There is nothing for you but marriage. You must change your life. Think of the constant sin you are living in."
"But I don't believe in sin."
With a gesture that declared a non-admission of such a state of soul,
John hesitated, and then he said—
"The beastliness of it!"
"We have to live," said Mike, "since nature has so willed it, but I fully realize the knightliness of your revolt against the principle of life."
John continued his admonitions, and Mike an amused and appreciative listener.
"At all events, I wish you would promise not to indulge in improper conversation when I am present. It is dependent upon me to beg of you to oblige me in this. It will add greatly to your dignity to refrain; but that is your concern; I am thinking now only of myself. Will you promise me this?"