He thought that an oath, if it were only big enough, would frighten away Human Nature, instead of serving only as a challenge to it.

Accordingly, each reformation was more intemperate than the last, to be duly followed by a greater swing of the pendulum in the opposite direction.
Being now in a thoroughly reckless mood, he went the pace rather hotly.
Then, one evening, without any previous warning, I had a note from him.
"Come round and see me on Thursday.

It is my wedding eve." I went.

He was once more "tidying up." All his drawers were open, and on the table were piled packs of cards, betting books, and much written paper, all, as before, in course of demolition.
I smiled: I could not help it, and, no way abashed, he laughed his usual hearty, honest laugh.
"I know," he exclaimed gaily, "but this is not the same as the others." Then, laying his hand on my shoulder, and speaking with the sudden seriousness that comes so readily to shallow natures, he said, "God has heard my prayer, old friend.

He knows I am weak.