"I do believe that you would do what you say, Ann; but it isn't right to do evil that good may come." He did not appeal to her pity; he did not try to tell her what it cost him to refuse.

If he could have made her understand that, she might have been turned from her purpose.

He realised only the awful weakness and wickedness of his heart.

He seemed to see those appetites which, up to a few months before, had possessed him like demons, hovering near him in the air, and he seemed to see God holding them back from him, but only for so long as he resisted this temptation.
To her he said aloud: "I cannot do it, Ann.

In God's strength I cannot and will not do it." Within his heart he seemed to be shouting aloud to Heaven: "My God, I will not do it, I will not do it.