self-discouragement

Updated: May 21, 2025

Of course, papa has stayed over in Springfield for something; only he's usually so careful about telegraphing us if he changes his plans " She faltered, and let the book drop. Matt picked it up for her, and began to look at the time-table, at first to hide the pain he felt at the self-discouragement in which she ended, and then to see if he might not somehow be useful to her.

William Dean Howells - The Quality of Mercy