You're always doing something for your friends." Madame Merle smiled straight at her host.

"It's less characteristic than your comment upon it which is perfectly insincere.

I don't, however, make a crime of that," she added, "because if you don't believe what you say there's no reason why you should.

I don't ruin myself for my friends; I don't deserve your praise.

I care greatly for myself." "Exactly; but yourself includes so many other selves--so much of every one else and of everything.