Theodore Dreiser. Financier (№ 277876)

- I want you to be my wife. And you know it. Better tell me when we get married?
What are you saying? she exclaimed. - In my life never heard anything like it. It's not happening.
Why? he asked.
- Because... because I'm older than you. It all would have seemed strange. And I was recently widowed.
- Oh, recently or long ago - what does it matter! - irritably replied Frank. - The only thing I don't like you, it's your eternal "What people will say". "People" don't build your life. And my even more. First of all think about yourself. You must arrange his life. Did you make that between you and your desire was what others think?
- But I have no such desire, - with a smile interrupted Lillian.