He had persuaded himself that his love for Claudia could be nothing but the outcome of a natural bond between them that must produce a like feeling in her.

He had attributed to her the depth and intensity of emotion that he found in himself.

He had seen in her not merely a girl of more than common quickness, and perhaps more than common capacity, but a great nature ready to respond to a great passion in another.

She had much to give to the man she loved; but Stafford asked even more than was hers to bestow.

He had deceived himself, and the delusion was still upon him.