He seemed to be crushed by the heroic achievement.

It was the only phase of our interview during which, by voice and manner and attitude, he appeared to me like a beaten man.

His own bravery at the reception had gone for naught.

He was overwhelmed by the hideous insolence of it.
"I shall never get that man's voice out of my ears as long as I live," he said hoarsely.
After a while he added: "I wonder whether there is any rest or purification for me this side of the grave." I said tentatively, for we had never discussed matters of religion: "If you believe in Christ, you must believe in the promise regarding the sins that be as scarlet." But he turned it aside.

"In the olden days, men like me turned monk and found salvation in fasting and penance.