"
"I do not expect or desire success in the American sense of the word. A
frugal, existence is all I want. I shall endeavor to obtain that. By
giving lessons, for example."
"And had you hoped to be in any degree supported by me in that
direction?" asked the careful and practical American.
"No! - I did not come to you for that. I have not the slightest
intention of burdening my old acquaintances by presuming on our former
relations."
"Good!" said Elkinson honestly.
"I know them too well for that," said I, perhaps a bit scornfully.
"You know what it would signify for them, don't you? You can easily put
yourself in their position. You defy public opinion for the sake of a
woman, but you can't expect that your former friends should do it for
your sake."
"If I had thought that they were friends, I should perhaps expect it.
But I know that they are not friends, only acquaintances, and I demand
nothing of them."
The judge looked at me a while, not without kindliness. He seemed to
feel a certain respect for my stoicism.
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