But he was so kind, tender, and respectful, that Iola had no idea he knew her race affiliations.

She knew from unmistakable signs that Dr.Gresham had learned to love her, and that he had power to call forth the warmest affection of her soul; but she fought with her own heart and repressed its rising love.

She felt that it was best for his sake that they should not marry.

When she saw the evidences of his increasing love she regretted that she had not informed him at the first of the barrier that lay between them; it might have saved him unnecessary suffering.
Thinking thus, Iola resolved, at whatever cost of pain it might be to herself, to explain to Dr.Gresham what she meant by the insurmountable barrier.

Iola, after a continuous strain upon her nervous system for months, began to suffer from general debility and nervous depression.
Dr.Gresham saw the increasing pallor on Iola's cheek and the loss of buoyancy in her step.