And now I remember how you said at the time we read it together that the scene where that good priest forgave the rascally Jean Valjean for stealing his silver candlesticks and spoons, after he had been so kind to him made a great impression on your mind.
But, see here, Hugh, are you comparing that sneak Nick Lang to Jean Valjean, the ex-convict ?" "Yes, in a way," the other replied.

"The man who had been released from the galleys, after he had served his term for stealing a loaf of bread was despised by society, which shut the door in his face.
He was like a wild beast, you remember, and hated everyone.

Well, by degrees, Nick is finding himself in just about the same position.
Everybody looks on him as being thoroughly bad; and so he tells himself that since he's got the name he might as well have the game." "I suppose that's about the way it goes," Thad admitted.
"There's no doubt of it," Hugh told him.

"Several times I remember we had an idea Nick meant to reform; but he went back to his old ways suddenly.

I think people must have nagged him, and made him feel ugly.