I watched his deportment in silence.

At length he spoke: "Sister," said he, in an accent mournful and mild, "I have acted poorly my part in this world.

What thinkest thou?
Shall I not do better in the next ?" I could make no answer.

The mildness of his tone astonished and encouraged me.

I continued to regard him with wistful and anxious looks.
"I think," resumed he, "I will try.