The ruffler paused a moment, as if awaiting a reply or a word of encouragement.

Then, as none came, he continued: "I am not one of your repentant sinners, Kenneth.

I have lived my life--God, what a life!--and as I have lived I shall die, unflinching and unchanged.

Dare one to presume that a few hours spent in whining prayers shall atone for years of reckless dissoluteness?
'Tis a doctrine of cravens, who, having lacked in life the strength to live as conscience bade them, lack in death the courage to stand by that life's deeds.

I am no such traitor to myself.