Of course, a certain element will do all in its power to make the silence a permanent thing.

Even if it is made permanent, Dick, you'll stick, won't you ?" "No." "What ?" "I shall not even try to stick against any permanent silence," replied Prescott slowly.
"I thought you had more fight in you than that," muttered Greg in a tone of astonishment.
"I think I have enough fight," Dick replied with some warmth.
"And I honestly believe I have enough in me to make at least a moderately capable officer of the Army.

But, Greg, I'm not going to make a stubborn, senseless effort, all through life, to stay among comrades who don't want me, and who will make it plain enough that they do not consider me fit to be of their number.
Greg, in such an atmosphere I couldn't bring out the best that is in me.

I couldn't make the most of my own life, or do the best by those who are dear to me." There was an almost imperceptible catch in Dick Prescott's voice.
He was thinking of Laura Bentley as the one for whom he had hoped to do all his best things in life.
"I don't know but you're right, old fellow.

But it's fearfully hard to decide such a matter off-hand," returned Greg.