Well, I repeat, that is pride, and quite sufficient to account for it all.

It is the moral attitude that matters.

There may be other things too---" Father Francis looked up sharply.
"Oh! the old story!" he said sneeringly.
"If you tell me on your word of honour that there is no woman in the case, or no particular programme of sin you propose to work out, I shall believe you.

But it is an old story, as you say." "I swear to you there is not," cried the other.
"Thank God then!" said Percy.

"There are fewer obstacles to a return of faith." There was silence for a moment after that.