"How did it happen?" cried Mr. Royden, deeply pained.
"By——"
The oath came out before Mark thought of it.
"I beg your pardon, sir," he added, with emotion, turning to the old clergyman. "I'm so in the habit of swearing, that I swear without knowing what I am about."
"My friend," replied Father Brighthopes, laying his hand kindly upon his shoulder, "I forgive you, from the bottom of my heart. But it is not of me you should ask pardon. I know the slavery of habit. It is only by resolutely breaking its chains that we can be free."
"An oath must shock you," muttered Mark, penitently.
"True, my friend. I look upon profanity as awful, in view of the stern commandment, 'Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.' But, if you take an oath, it matters little whether I hear it. Not against me, but against God and your own soul, is the sin."
"I never thought about the sin being so very great."
"At least," said the old man, kindly, "swearing is not wise. You purchase no pleasure, I am sure, by an idle oath."
"Well, but it is not so easy to break off the habit," replied Mark.