inability to do the shaving properly.

As David thought over his mother’s words — her outlook on life — his sister’s idle aims — the companionships she must have and the kind of talk to which she must listen — he grew more and more annoyed. He contrasted it all with the past. His mother, who had been so noble and fine, seemed to have lost individuality, to have become only a segment of a circle which it was henceforth to be her highest care to keep intact. Laura must become a part of the same sacred ring, and he, too, must join hands with those who formed it and make it his duty to keep others out.

There were also other circles guarded and protected by this one — circles within circles — each smaller and more exclusive than the last.