"Not much, sonny; not much. But, of course, your religious views predisposed people to believe the worst."
"Yes, I suppose so. It is a curious world."
"Well, it is in some respects; but in the long run people generally get what they deserve."
"You think so?"
"I am sure of it. There is a moral order that never varies. Don't you make any mistake, my boy. God is at the head of affairs, though you may think the world is run without a head."
"I don't know that I have ever said that."
"Well, not in so many words, perhaps. But you've drifted a long way. I've been awfully sorry. I'm sorry still. But you'll get back. I've never lost faith in you. You've always been better than your philosophy. But I'm not going to blame you."
"You need not be afraid that I shall be offended."
"No, 'tisn't that. I know what it is to doubt, myself. I fancy sometimes it's only the people who never think who never doubt. The way into the Kingdom is through tribulation. So long as a man is honest in his doubts, I don't mind. It is the blatant scepticism of ignorance that one resents. I am sure you have been anxious to find the truth."
"I am still."