I am always coming across them.

Such as this: _No one is more incapable of affection than a profligate._ This, in my judgement, is a ludicrous error, though it is the statement of no less a moral physician than Lacordaire.

If by affection you mean 'sustained, pure, disinterested emotion,' such as patriotism--well and good; but affection!--the two most affectionate persons I have ever known were thoroughly dissolute; and I mean by affection, not a slobbering sentimental passion of a purely sensual type, but an affection quite untainted, to all appearances leading them to make considerable sacrifices for the sake of it, and causing them the acutest misery when not reciprocated.

In so far as profligates are selfish brutal natures, as they often are, it is true; but that is not the case with half of them.

They are not unfrequently people of infirm will, strong affections, and a violent animal nature.