The Curate and John sit down in the study by the fire. Thoughtfully they sit for awhile, smoking cigars in silence. John is taking in his surroundings, and finding the room very much to his liking. The walls are full of plaques and old books, and about the room there is enough clutter to make one feel at home.
The Curate is enjoying his cigar immensely, but he confesses to John that it brings back painful memories of his wasteful youth, when he spent too much money on such luxuries. Intrigued, John asks Mr. Armstrong to tell him about his youth, and how he ever came to be a clergyman. Although it is a long story, Mr. Armstrong agrees to tell it, for neither he nor John is in any kind of hurry. They must live in eternity.
