"Shall the sinner not choose the keeper of his sins?" said the man huskily.
"Who has been the keeper all these years? Who has given you peace?"
"I have had no keeper; I have had no peace these many years."
"How many years?" The Abbe's voice was low and even, and showed no feeling, but his eyes were keenly inquiring and intent.
"Seven years."
"Is the sin that held you back from the comfort of the Church a great one?"
"The greatest, save one."
"What would be the greatest?"
"To curse God."
"The next?"