Had I dared too much?
Had I ventured too far?
I knew not, yet spoke my next words boldly, realizing that any retreat now would be impossible.
"Thou knowest little of men at such a moment; even careless hearts learn fear of God as they face the end.

Holy Mother! but 't would even pale your black face, and put a stopper on that ribald tongue, were grim Death stalking at your very heels.

You may smile now, making reckless mock of the sacraments, but that hour will come when you will be as a child at the knee of Mother Church.

Ay, I was with the Chevalier to-day; 'twas the coming of that negro huckster which took me from his side before, and I seek now to complete the gracious work which then had well begun.

Surely thou wilt not stand between a dying man and his last confession!" "Nay; not I.