"If you really like and respect her."
"How am I to show myself generous, as you put it?"
"By keeping away from her."
"Because people gossip?"
"Because," said his mother sharply, "they'll think the girl is your mistress if you continue to decorate public resorts with her."
"Would—you think so, mother?"
"No. You happen to be my son. And you're truthful. Otherwise I'd think so."
"You would?"
"Certainly."
"That's rotten," he said, slowly.