“When a man is not loved, it is no use for him to say that he could be a better fellow⁠—could do anything⁠—I mean, if he were sure of being loved in return.”

“Not of the least use in the world for him to say he could be better. Might, could, would⁠—they are contemptible auxiliaries.”

“I don’t see how a man is to be good for much unless he has some one woman to love him dearly.”

“I think the goodness should come before he expects that.”

“You know better, Mary. Women don’t love men for their goodness.”

“Perhaps not. But if they love them, they never think them bad.”

“It is hardly fair to say I am bad.”

“I said nothing at all about you.”