The Well of Loneliness

Valérie stared at Stephen in amazement: "But. it's such an extraordinary thing you're asking! Are you sure you're right to take such a step? For myself I care nothing; why should I care? If you want to pretend that you're my lover, well, my dear, to be quite frank, I wish it were true -- I feel certain you'd make a most charming lover. All the same," and now her voice sounded anxious, "this is not a thing to be done lightly, Stephen. Aren't you being absurdly self-sacrificing? You can give the girl a very great deal."

Stephen shook her head: "I can't give her protection or happiness, and yet she won't leave me. There's only one way."