[ Charitable instincts are not what Jopson expects from Irving, which very well may be the point. But he is quick to respond in turn, with a shake of his head. ]
I don't think you deserve this. But what I think doesn't really matter. I can't speak to know the mind of God, or his angels, or why this is our afterlife, except that this is where we are. There's nothing I'm sure of but what I've seen with my own eyes. What I am telling you, sir, is that I've not been tortured, and I've not seen anyone punished for what you and I might consider temptation. What I've seen people punished for is resisting judgement, and for greater flaws of character than wanting to be happy.
[ What he does think is that maybe this is a test, of Irving's humility, of his kindness, of his temperament. A test he's already failing. But he doesn't put that thought into words. He knows better. ]
Mr. Hickey is here, in the same position as you, and if I had a choice in the matter I wouldn't put you nowhere near the same rung, I can promise you that.
no subject
I don't think you deserve this. But what I think doesn't really matter. I can't speak to know the mind of God, or his angels, or why this is our afterlife, except that this is where we are. There's nothing I'm sure of but what I've seen with my own eyes. What I am telling you, sir, is that I've not been tortured, and I've not seen anyone punished for what you and I might consider temptation. What I've seen people punished for is resisting judgement, and for greater flaws of character than wanting to be happy.
[ What he does think is that maybe this is a test, of Irving's humility, of his kindness, of his temperament. A test he's already failing. But he doesn't put that thought into words. He knows better. ]
Mr. Hickey is here, in the same position as you, and if I had a choice in the matter I wouldn't put you nowhere near the same rung, I can promise you that.