"She hasn't in externals," he thought, "the provincial air that one might expect, although her ideas are not only provincial, but prim, obtained, no doubt, from some goody-good books that she has read in the remote region wherein she has developed so remarkably.

She has some stilted ideal of womanhood which she is seeking to attain, and the more unnatural the ideal, the more attractive, no doubt, it appears to her." It did not occur to him that he was explaining Madge on more theories than one, and that they were not exactly harmonious.

Having finished his meal, he sought for Miss Wildmere, and soon found her in a shady corner, reading a light, semi-philosophical work, thus distinguishing and honoring the day in her choice of literature.

He proposed to read to her, but the book was soon forgotten in animated talk on his part.
She could skilfully play the role of a good listener when she chose, and could, therefore, be a delightful companion.

Her color came and went under words and compliments that at times were rather ardent and pronounced.