It is better to die than to go mad." "You'll do that anyway when your time comes, Bickley, I mean decease, of course," interrupted Bastin.

"And who knows, perhaps all this is an opportunity given by Providence to open your eyes, which, I must say, are singularly blind.

You think you know everything there is to learn, but the fact is that like the rest of us, you know nothing at all, and good man though you are, obstinately refuse to admit the truth and to seek support elsewhere.

For my part I believe that you are afraid of falling in love with that Glittering Lady and of being convinced by her that you are wrong in your most unsatisfactory conclusions." "I am out-voted anyway," said Bickley, "and for the rest, Bastin, look after yourself and leave me alone.

I will add that on the whole I think you are both right, and that it is wisest for us to stop where we are, for after all we can only die once." "I am not so sure, Bickley.