I am going to work.

I will give up society.

I will take my profession seriously, if only you will encourage me." Did he mean what he said?
When he came away he used at this period to ask himself that question, and was astonished at the length he had gone.

With any other girl in the world, he would have been taken at his word, and either encouraged to go on, or snubbed on the spot.

But Iris received these advances as if they were a confession of weakness.
"Why do you want me to encourage you ?" she asked.