But I want you to try.
Think what it would mean to your sister, to some pure friend in whom you have implicit trust.

Oh, I know what the world would say--the well-fed, well-clothed, well-housed, sneering world--but it is to you I appeal for some slight mercy.

You have also suffered, and grown weak, and, because you told me your story first, I dare now to tell mine.

I was a soul on the brink, and--God forgive me!--not afraid of the rocks below.

Like one stupefied I looked down, hated myself and laughed.".