You can depend upon us to stand by you in this." "Indeed, indeed," said Sylvia.
He looked at them and smiled very tenderly.
"Never was a man blessed with nobler friends who deserved so little of them," he said slowly.

"You heap coals of fire upon my head.

You shame me through and through.

But have you considered, Ned, that all may not depend upon my silence?
What if the provost-marshal, investigating now, were to come upon the real facts ?" "It is impossible that sufficient should be discovered to convict you." "How can you be sure of that?
And if it were possible, if it came to pass, what then would be my position?
You see, Ned! I must accept the punishment I have incurred lest a worse overtake me--to put it at its lowest.

I must voluntarily go forward and denounce myself before another denounces me.