"You knocked the props out from under my philosophy. I've had enough hypocritical eyewash. I had to prove you. Well, I have."
She was quiet for some time. Then she said, "I understand, Duke. I'm glad. And now what, for you?"
He shrugged wryly.
"I don't know. I can still take Caron's other ship and escape. But I don't think I want to. I think perhaps I'll stick around and give virtue another whirl."
Smoothing back his sleek fair hair, he shot her a sparkling look from under his hands.
"I won't," he added softly, "even mind going to Sunday School, if you were the teacher."