He purposed giving Nickie the opportunities.

He needed a handy man about the house; Nickie was to have the job.

He would be expected to bathe every day, to shave every day, and observe the decencies of the well-ordered home.
"And you are prepared to believe you can reform me ?" said Nickie the Kid.
"I am not only prepared to believe it--I am determined to believe it," said the young clergyman, thumping the table.
Nickie smiled again.

"I submit myself to the experiment" he said, "but promise nothing.

I don't think you will succeed.