It's mostly a matter of training.

And I am too old, now.

I must have the real or nothing.

An illusion that won't convince is a palpable lie, and that's what grand opera is to me when little Barillo throws a fit, clutches mighty Tetralani in his arms (also in a fit), and tells her how passionately he adores her." Again Ruth measured his thoughts by comparison of externals and in accordance with her belief in the established.

Who was he that he should be right and all the cultured world wrong?
His words and thoughts made no impression upon her.