The Project Gutenberg EBook of Flames, by Robert Smythe HichensThis eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it,give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online atwww.gutenberg.netTitle: FlamesAuthor: Robert Smythe HichensRelease Date: December 4, 2004 [EBook #14253]Language: English*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FLAMES ***Produced by Suzanne Shell, Beginners Projects, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading TeamFLAMESBY ROBERT HICHENSAUTHOR OF THE GARDEN OF ALLAH, ETC.COPYRIGHT, 1897, BY HERBERT S. STONE & CO.This edition published July, 1906, by Duffield & CompanyBOOK I—VALENTINECHAPTER ITHE SAINT OF VICTORIA STREETRefinement had more power over the soul of Valentine Cresswell than religion. It governed him with a curious ease ofsupremacy, and held him back without effort from most of the young man's sins. Each age has its special sins. Each agepasses them, like troops in review, before it decides what regiment it will join. Valentine had never decided to join anyregiment. The trumpets of vice rang in his ears in vain, mingled with the more classical music of his life as the retreatfrom the barracks of Seville mingled with the click of Carmen's castanets. But he heeded them not. If he listened to themsometimes, it was only to wonder at the harsh and blatant nature of their voices, only to pity ...
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