The teaching of one’s youth is never really forgotten. It may lie dormant for years, but even in old age it will return.
At fourteen years of age religion had been a very real thing to him, thanks to his mother’s influence, and he had striven to follow her teaching. He could remember that his nightly prayer was not merely the formal utterance of words, but was the expression of what was truly in his mind. Yes; as a boy he had honestly endeavored to lead a Christian life, and he had been neither a prig nor a hypocrite.
And for the last fifteen years his every thought had been of self. His only guide had been ambition, and its accompanying desire for wealth.
The brain has an odd way of turning to subjects that are out of keeping with one’s frame of mind, and Gaunt found himself wondering if Foster had sold the Amanti shares, and if the price had been a suitable one.
Why had those shares been bought? Because of his knowledge of the fraud.
There could be no doubt that if he intended to keep his vow, it was not possible for him to participate in such profits.
And thus it was brought acutely to his mind what his future life must be, unless he would perjure himself.
A follower of Christ in the City, and he laughed discordantly at the idea.
CHAPTER V
The Reverend Edward Drake lived in the East End of London. Although in Holy Orders, he held no living, nor yet a curacy; but busied himself in doing good according to his own ideas. His study was the only room in the house that was properly furnished, and on its walls were displayed many athletic trophies, which he had won at Oxford.