Edith Wharton quote about silence from House of Mirth - They're all alike, you know: they hold their tongues for years, and you think you're safe, but when their opportunity comes they remember everything.
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They're all alike, you know: they hold their tongues for years, and you think you're safe, but when their opportunity comes they remember everything.
 Edith Wharton, House of Mirth (1905). copy citation

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Author Edith Wharton
Source House of Mirth
Topic silence gossip
Date 1905
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/284/284-h/284-h.htm

Context

“Oh, you know what I mean—of course there isn't anything, REALLY; but I suppose she brought in Prince Varigliano—and Lord Hubert—and there was some story of your having borrowed money of old Ned Van Alstyne: did you ever?"
"He is my father's cousin," Miss Bart interposed.
"Well, of course she left THAT out. It seems Ned told Carry Fisher; and she told Bertha, naturally. They're all alike, you know: they hold their tongues for years, and you think you're safe, but when their opportunity comes they remember everything."
Lily had grown pale: her voice had a harsh note in it. "It was some money I lost at bridge at the Van Osburghs'. I repaid it, of course."
"Ah, well, they wouldn't remember that; besides, it was the idea of the gambling debt that frightened Percy.” source

Meaning and analysis

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