It would not have displeased him to learn that this refulgent being had actually used a double in his big scenes, or had been guilty of mere human behaviour at odd moments.

Probably, after all, he had been just a preacher.

"Uncle Sylvester used to want me to be a preacher," he said, with apparent irrelevance, "even if he was his own worst enemy." He added presently, as the girl remained silent, "I always say my prayers at night." He felt vaguely that this might raise him to the place of the other who had been adored.

He was wishing to be thought well of by this girl.
She was aroused from her musing by his confession.

"You do?
Now ain't that just like you?
I'd have bet you did that.