Still, we have the illusion of freedom; therefore don't, like me to-day, be without the memory of that illusion.

I was either, at the right time, too stupid or too intelligent to have it, and now I'm a case of reaction against the mistake.

Do what you like so long as you don't make it.

For it WAS a mistake.

Live, live!" Such is the gist of Strether's appeal to the impressed youth, whom he likes and whom he desires to befriend; the word "mistake" occurs several times, it will be seen, in the course of his remarks--which gives the measure of the signal warning he feels attached to his case.