CHAPTER XIV 173
" Possibly: yet why should I, if I can get sweet, fresh pleasure? And I may get it as sweet and fresh as the wild honey the bee gathers on the moor."
" It will sting-- it will taste bitter, sir."
" How do you know?-- you never tried it. How very serious-- how very solemn you look: and you are as ignorant of the matter as this cameo head "( taking one from the mantelpiece). " You have no right to preach to me, you neophyte, that have not passed the porch of life, and are absolutely unacquainted with its mysteries."
" I only remind you of your own words, sir: you said error brought remorse, and you pronounced remorse the poison of existence."
" And who talks of error now? I scarcely think the notion that flittered across my brain was an error. I believe it was an inspiration rather than a temptation: it was very genial, very soothing-- I know that. Here it comes again! It is no devil, I assure you; or if it be, it has put on the robes of an angel of light. I think I must admit so fair a guest when it asks entrance to my heart."
" Distrust it, sir; it is not a true angel."
" Once more, how do you know? By what instinct do you pretend to distinguish between a fallen seraph of the abyss and a messenger from the eternal throne-- between a guide and a seducer?"
" I judged by your countenance, sir, which was troubled when you said the suggestion had returned upon you. I feel sure it will work you more misery if you listen to it."
" Not at all-- it bears the most gracious message in the world: for the rest, you are not my conscience-keeper, so don ' t make yourself uneasy. Here, come in, bonny wanderer!"