The mere possibility of lending him the money would not have occurred to me.
A man of modest fortune does not go about playing Monte Cristo.

He gives away a few guineas in charity; but he keeps the bulk of his fortune to himself.

The death sentence, I vow, has compensations.

It enables a man to play Monte Cristo or any other avatar of Providence with impunity, and to-day I have discovered it to be the most fascinating game in the world.
When Latimer recovers his equilibrium and regards the transaction in the dry light of reason, he will diagnose a sure symptom of megalomania, and will pity me in his heart for a poor devil.
I have seen Eleanor Faversham, and she has released me from my engagement with such grace, dignity, and sweet womanliness that I wonder how I could have railed at her thousand virtues.
"It's honourable of you to give me this opportunity of breaking it off, Simon," she said, "but I care enough for you to be willing to take my chance of illness." "You do care for me ?" I asked.
She raised astonished eyes.

"If I didn't, do you suppose I should have engaged myself to you?
If I married you I should swear to cherish you in sickness and in health.