No one has ever helped me more, and beneath this mask of artificiality she is really a noble-hearted woman.

I do not understand the necessity for people to lead false lives.

Is it this way in all society--Eastern society, I mean?
Do men and women there continually scheme and flirt, smile and stab, forever assuming parts like so many play-actors ?" "It is far too common," he admitted, touched by her naive questioning.
"What is known as fashionable social life has become an almost pitiful sham, and you can scarcely conceive the relief it is to meet with one utterly uncontaminated by its miserable deceits, its shallow make-believes.

It is no wonder you shock the nerves of such people; the deed is easily accomplished." "But I do not mean to." And she looked at him gravely, striving to make him comprehend.

"I try so hard to be--be commonplace, and--and satisfied.