“ I never know what I mean in my telegrams—especially those I send from America. Clearness is too expensive. ”
Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady (1881). copy citation
| Author | Henry James |
|---|---|
| Source | The Portrait of a Lady |
| Topic | meaning cost clearness |
| Date | 1881 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2833/2833-h/2833-h.htm |
Context
“I shall do absolutely nothing with her, and she herself will do everything she chooses. She gave me notice of that.»
«What you meant then, in your telegram, was that her character's independent.»
«I never know what I mean in my telegrams—especially those I send from America. Clearness is too expensive. Come down to your father.»
«It's not yet a quarter to eight,» said Ralph.
«I must allow for his impatience,» Mrs. Touchett answered. Ralph knew what to think of his father's impatience; but, making no rejoinder, he offered his mother his arm.” source
«What you meant then, in your telegram, was that her character's independent.»
«I never know what I mean in my telegrams—especially those I send from America. Clearness is too expensive. Come down to your father.»
«It's not yet a quarter to eight,» said Ralph.
«I must allow for his impatience,» Mrs. Touchett answered. Ralph knew what to think of his father's impatience; but, making no rejoinder, he offered his mother his arm.” source
Meaning and analysis
