The first man who had approached her with display of feeling and energy and youthful self-confidence; handsome too, it seemed to her.

Her womanhood went eagerly to meet him.
Since then she had made careful study of his faults.

Each conversation had revealed to her new weakness and follies.

With the result that her love had grown to a reality.
He was so human, and a youth of all but monastic seclusion had prepared her to love the man who aimed with frank energy at the joys of life.
A taint of pedantry would have repelled her.

She did not ask for high intellect or great attainments; but vivacity, courage, determination to succeed, were delightful to her senses.