You said the circle may be smaller, but it may be unbroken still.

Will you not do a great thing once, and win a woman's gratitude, and the thanks of the world, by trying to save one who makes us think better of humanity?
Will you not have the name of Nahoum Pasha linked with his--with his who thought you were his friend?
Will you not save him ?" He got slowly to his feet, a strange look in his eyes.

"Your words are useless.

I will not save him for your sake; I will not save him for the world's sake; I will not save him--" A cry of pain and grief broke from her, and she buried her face in her hands.
"-- I will not save him for any other sake than his own." He paused.

Slowly, as dazed as though she had received a blow, Hylda raised her face and her hands dropped in her lap.
"For any other sake than his own!" Her eyes gazed at him in a bewildered, piteous way.