Ethics disavows the practice, though philosophy sustains it.

Perhaps in this instance Maurice was philosophical, not ethical.

Perhaps he wanted to hear the woman's voice again, which was excusable.

Perhaps it was neither the one nor the other, but fate, which directed his footsteps.
Certain it is that the subsequent adventures would never have happened had he gone about his business, as he should have done.
"Who is this who stares at us ?" asked Beauvais, with a piercing glance and a startled movement of his shoulders.
"A disciple of Pallas and a pupil of Mars," was the answer.

"I have been recruiting, Colonel.