Violet. Might we look at that piece of broken quartz again, with the weak little film across it? it seems such a strange lovely thing, like the self-sacrifice of a human being.
L. The self-sacrifice of a human being is not a lovely thing, Violet. It is often a necessary and noble thing; but no form nor degree of suicide can be ever lovely.
Violet. But self-sacrifice is not suicide!
L. What is it then?
Violet. Giving up one's self for another.
L. Well; and what do you mean by 'giving up one's self?'
Violet. Giving up one's tastes, one's feelings, one's time, one's happiness, and so on, to make others happy.
L. I hope you will never marry anybody, Violet, who expects you to make him happy in that way.
Violet (hesitating). In what way?
L. By giving up your tastes, and sacrificing your feelings, and happiness.