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 !"