The drummer's voice became instantly angry:
"With the señora?"
Father Benicio held up a hand.
"I should loathe to think that. In fact, it would be impossible for me to think it. I have known Dolores for years, as her confessor. God in His providence has seen fit to visit her sweetness and gentleness with great distresses...." The priest's voice wavered. For a moment he ceased talking, and then explained simply: "I meant you had received other women into your life, Señor Strawbridge."
Strawbridge laid his hands down in his lap and moistened his lips. The silence became uncomfortable.
"Well, ... yes ... naturally."
"You have persistently sinned."
"Oh, I ... I haven't been so bad about women," defended the drummer, earnestly; "just one now and then. I'm willing to put my record against most men's. I think you'd say I was a pretty decent sort of chap."
The priest looked at him.
"You seduced a woman now and then—and don't think you have sinned...."