'Well, suppose he does?
It does not harm.

Besides, you've got nothing to hide.

I think your silence might lead him to suppose there was a nigger in your wood pile.' 'Oh, nonsense! But for thirty years my enemies and friends have been asking me questions about the _Leaves_: I'm tired of not answering questions.' It was very funny to see his face when he gave a humorous twist to the fling in his last phrase.

Then he relaxed and added: 'Anyway I love Symonds.

Who could fail to love a man who could write such a letter?
I suppose he will yet have to be answered, damn 'im!'" It is clear that these conversations considerably diminish the force of the declaration in Whitman's letter.