"If we are, unfortunately, talked about, then it is our solemn, bounden duty to put ourselves right in the eyes of our friends--and of society.

If I for instance, my dear, heard anything affecting my--let me say, moral-character, I should take steps, the most stringent, drastic, and forceful steps, to put matters to the test.

I would not remain under a stigma--no, not for one minute!" "I hope you will never have occasion to rehabilitate your moral character, Mrs.Folliot," remarked Mary, bending closely over her work.
"Such a necessity would indeed be dreadful." "And yet you do not insist--yes, insist!--on Dr.Ransford's taking strong steps to clear himself!" exclaimed Mrs.Folliot.

"Now that, indeed, is a dreadful necessity!" "Dr.Ransford," answered Mary, "is quite able to defend and to take care of himself.

It is not for me to tell him what to do, or even to advise him what to do.