He said all women were alike . I grew up with that notion . I did n't care much for anything -- nothing seemed worth while . Then I came here and met you . '' He paused again . Beatrice had listened with a gray look on her face . It would have startled him had he glanced up , but he did not , and after a moment 's silence the halting boyish voice went on : `` You have changed everything for me . I was nothing but a clod before . You are not the mother of my body , but you are of my soul . It was born of you . I shall always love and reverence you for it . You will always be my ideal . If I ever do anything worth while it will be because of you . In everything I shall ever attempt I shall try to do it as if you were to pass judgment upon it . You will be a lifelong inspiration to me . Oh , I am bungling this ! I ca n't tell you what I feel -- you are so pure , so good , so noble ! I shall reverence all women for your sake henceforth . '' `` And if , '' said Beatrice , in a very low voice , `` if I were false to your ideal of me -- if I were to do anything that would destroy your faith in me -- something weak or wicked -- '' `` But you could n't , '' he interrupted , flinging up his head and looking at her with his great dog-like eyes , `` you could n't ! '' `` But if I could ? ''
she persisted , gently , `` and XXXXX I did -- what then ? ''
after at before for if in of on to with