But the unkindness to them all, dear! Think of it!" "Why say 'to them all'?
Wouldn't it be simpler to say 'the unkindness to Mallard' ?" She looked up into his face.
"Why does love make a man speak so bitterly and untruthfully?
Nothing could make me do _you_ such a wrong." "Because you are so pure of heart and mind that nothing but truth can be upon your lips.

If I were not very near madness, I could never speak so to you.

My own dear love, think only of what I suffer day after day! And what folly is it that would keep us apart! Suppose they had none but conscientious motives; in that case, these people take upon themselves to say what is good for us, what we may be allowed and what not; they treat us as children.

Of course, it is all for _your_ protection.

I am not fit to be your husband, my beautiful girl! Tell me--who knows me better, Mallard or yourself ?" "No one knows you as I do, dearest, nor ever will." "And do you think me too vile a creature to call you my wife ?" "I need not answer that.