The best of them are half illusions.

Still," he added, as if arguing to himself, "if it weren't as real a feeling as I'm capable of, I shouldn't be changing my life on your account." "What do you mean ?" she inquired.
"I told you.

I'm taking a cottage.

I'm giving up my profession." "On my account ?" she asked, in amazement.
"Yes, on your account," he replied.

He explained his meaning no further.
"But I don't know you or your circumstances," she said at last, as he remained silent.
"You have no opinion about me one way or the other ?" "Yes, I suppose I have an opinion--" she hesitated.
He controlled his wish to ask her to explain herself, and much to his pleasure she went on, appearing to search her mind.
"I thought that you criticized me--perhaps disliked me.