Hope is dead; and when that is dead what does it signify that the body die also?
Yet in these last hours that we shall spend together I would at least have your esteem.

I would have you forget my past harshness and the wrongs that I may have done you down to that miserable affair of your sweetheart's letter, yesterday.

I would have you realize that if I am vile, I am but such as a vile world hath made me.

And tomorrow when we go forth together, I would have you see in me at least a man in whose company you are not ashamed to die." Again the lad shuddered.
"Shall I tell you my story, Kenneth?
I have a strong desire to go over this poor life of mine again in memory, and by giving my thoughts utterance it may be that they will take more vivid shape.

For the rest my tale may wile away a little of the time that's left, and when you have heard me you shall judge me, Kenneth.