But I know what I say about him is true.

Ye gods! Haven't I felt myself the same swelling pride in my broadmindedness?
When a man is going on my journey he does not palter with truth.
Though I held myself aloof, as I say, from practically all my fellow creatures here, I have not been cut off from the outside world.

My sisters, like this French court in Algiers, have accepted my statement with polite incredulity.

Their letters have been full of love, half-veiled reproach, anxiety as to their social position, and an insane desire to come and take care of me.

This I have forbidden them to do.
The pain they would have inflicted on themselves, dear souls, would have far outweighed the comfort I might have gained from their ministrations.
Then I have had piteous letters from Dale.
".