And I shan't be able to bear it if I know you read all the contempt that will be poured on me.' 'I'm sure I shall be glad enough to avoid it; but other people, our friends, read it.

That's the worst.' 'You know that their praise would be valueless, so have strength to disregard the blame.

Let our friends read and talk as much as they like.
Can't you console yourself with the thought that I am not contemptible, though I may have been forced to do poor work ?' 'People don't look at it in that way.' 'But, darling,' he took her hands strongly in his own, 'I want you to disregard other people.

You and I are surely everything to each other?
Are you ashamed of me, of me myself ?' 'No, not ashamed of you.

But I am sensitive to people's talk and opinions.' 'But that means they make you feel ashamed of me.