That is always a good one, and it excuses a man from 'being a man' if necessary," he said to himself, rolling a cigarette.
"Well, that's done, and she won't get much encouragement out of it.

Oh, wait.

I omitted something.

To keep from giving her a hold on me I shall do well to let her know that a serious and sustained liaison with me is impossible 'for family reasons.' And that's enough for one time." He folded the letter and scrawled the address.
Then he held the sealed envelope in his hand and reflected.
"Of course I am a fool to answer her.

Who knows what situations a thing like this is going to lead to?
I am well aware that whoever she be, a woman is an incubator of sorrow and annoyance.