Nothing could be gained by such a proceeding.

Pouring samples of its purity into the tainted waters of the pool, would neither prove the former, nor cleanse the latter.
"But, in order to free my own mind from the poison of your suggestions and the shame of the fact that they were made to me, I must answer, in the abstract, one statement in your letter.

Please understand that I answer it completely in the abstract.

You have dared to apply it to my husband and to me.

I do not admit that it applies.