Tess - " I didn't understand your meaning till it was too late." Alec - "That's what every woman says." Tess - "... Did it never strike your mind that what every woman says some women may feel?" Alec (laughing) - "Very well... I am sorry to wound you. I did wrong - I admit it... Well you are absudly melancholy, Tess. I have no reason for flattering you now, and I can say plainly that you need not be so sad. You can hold your beauty against any woman of these parts gentle or simple; I say it to you as a practical man and well-wisher. If you are wise you will show to the world more than you do before it fades ... "
