"I cannot wonder.

I remember to have very often thought that there are few forms of sentimentality more absurd than that which deceives a man into the idea that he can with impunity play at being a brother to a young and beautiful woman.

I have always thought so, and I suppose that in whatever remains of my indolent intelligence I think so still.

But intelligence is not always so reliable as instinct.

I am not young enough nor foolish enough either, to propose that we should swear eternal brother-and-sisterhood--or perhaps I am not old enough, who can tell?
Yet I feel how perfectly safe it would be for either of us." The steel had been thrust home, and could go no farther.