Probably you had rather there were no such thing, if it were practicable." "There is surely a great responsibility on any one who makes it the _end_ of life." This was milder again, and just when he had anticipated the opposite.
"A responsibility to himself, yes.

Well, when I say that I believe this course is the highest I can follow, I mean that I believe it employs all my best natural powers as no other would.

As for highest in the absolute sense, that is a different matter.

Possibly the life of a hospital nurse, of a sister of mercy--something of that kind--comes nearest to the ideal." She glanced at him, evidently in the same kind of doubt about his meaning as he had recently felt about hers.
"Why should you speak contemptuously of such people ?" "Contemptuously?
I speak sincerely.

In a world where pain is the most obvious fact, the task of mercy must surely take precedence of most others." "I am surprised to hear you say this." It was spoken in the tone most characteristic of her, that of a proud condescension.
"Why, Mrs.Baske ?" She hesitated a little, but made answer: "I don't mean that I think you unfeeling, but your interests seem to be so far from such simple things." "True." Again a long silence.