What would he do if such a thing could happen to him at home?
But there such a thing could not happen, and so there is no use in supposing an impossible case.

At any rate I think I deserve sympathy.

Who could keep his presence of mind under such circumstances?
With us a young lady who loves one man can easily repel another suitor; but here it was very different, for how could I repel Layelah?
Could I turn upon her and say "Unhand me"?
Could I say "Away! I am another's"?
Of course I couldn't; and what's worse, if I had said such things Layelah would have smiled me down into silence.

The fact is, it doesn't do for women to take the initiative--it's not fair.

I had stood a good deal among the Kosekin.