He would force him to endorse Mr.Abbott and his kindness, force him to grant Joan her books and the right to study, if she chose.

Why in Heaven's name should she creep through rain and snow and shadows to the refuge in the pines?
He was dangerously excited with the fever of the old crusader in his veins.

And then he thought of the trust in Joan's eyes when his tongue rambled, and went cold with shame.

He must learn to tell the truth.
He would practice for his own sake--and for the sake of Joan.
With a sense of shock he realized that he had been very far away.

Adam was choking and wheezing and gasping himself into weakness.
"For God's sake," exclaimed Kenny with a feeling of guilt, "what's the matter?
Are you laughing or choking ?" "I'm laughing," said Adam, shaking with mirth.