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The Man Who Knew Too Much | Gilbert K. Chesterton | |
VIII. The Vengeance Of The Statue |
Page 4 of 13 |
"Good God!" cried March, "shall we never get to the bottom of your mines and countermines?" After a silence Fisher answered in a lower voice, looking his friend in the eyes. "Did you think there was nothing but evil at the bottom of them?" he asked, gently. "Did you think I had found nothing but filth in the deep seas into which fate has thrown me? Believe me, you never know the best about men till you know the worst about them. It does not dispose of their strange human souls to know that they were exhibited to the world as impossibly impeccable wax works, who never looked after a woman or knew the meaning of a bribe. Even in a palace, life can be lived well; and even in a Parliament, life can be lived with occasional efforts to live it well. I tell you it is as true of these rich fools and rascals as it is true of every poor footpad and pickpocket; that only God knows how good they have tried to be. God alone knows what the conscience can survive, or how a man who has lost his honor will still try to save his soul." There was another silence, and March sat staring at the table and Fisher at the sea. Then Fisher suddenly sprang to his feet and caught up his hat and stick with all his new alertness and even pugnacity. |
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The Man Who Knew Too Much Gilbert K. Chesterton |
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