As a matter of fact I think you are partly right, too; but if the inclination for the freedom you insist I take is wanting, then what?
I don't wish to marry, Boots; I am not in love, therefore the prospect of home and kids is premature and vague, isn't it ?" "As long as it's a prospect or a possibility I don't care how vague it is," said the other cordially.

"Will you admit it's a possibility?
That's all I ask." "If it will please you, yes, I will admit it.

I have altered certain ideas, Boots; I cannot, just now, conceive of any circumstances under which I should feel justified in marrying, but such circumstances might arise; I'll say that much." Yet until that moment he had not dreamed of admitting as much to anybody, even to himself; but Lansing's logic, his own loneliness, his disappointment in Gerald, had combined to make him doubt his own methods of procedure.

Too, the interview with Alixe Ruthven had not only knocked all complacency and conceit out of him, but had made him so self-distrustful that he was in a mood to listen respectfully to his peers on any question.
He was wondering now whether Boots had recognised Alixe when he had blundered into the room that night.

He had never asked the question; he was very much inclined to, now.