Conscience was the barmaid of the Victorian soul. Recognizing that human beings were fallible and that their failings, though regrettable, must be humored, conscience would permit, rather ungraciously perhaps, the indulgence of a number of carefully selected desires.

Summary

This quote suggests that in the Victorian era, conscience played a crucial role in regulating moral behavior. It acknowledges that humans are flawed and makes allowances for their weaknesses. Conscience, metaphorically referred to as a barmaid, is depicted as permitting certain desires to be fulfilled, albeit reluctantly and selectively. This implies that individuals were expected to adhere to strict moral codes but were also allowed some leniency for certain indulgences. Overall, the quote highlights the complexity and pragmatism with which the concept of conscience was approached during the Victorian period.

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