No opposition of mere circumstances could have created the feeling; it was the sense of an inward separation taking form outwardly.

For Richard was now but too well convinced that he had no power of persuasion equal to the task of making Dorothy see things as he saw them.

The dividing influence of imperfect opposing goods is potent as that of warring good and evil, with this important difference, that the former is but for a season, and will one day bind as strongly as it parted, while the latter is essential, absolute, impassible, eternal.
To Dorothy, Richard seemed guilty of overweening arrogance and its attendant, presumption; she could not see the form ethereal to which he bowed.

To Richard, Dorothy appeared the dupe of superstition; he could not see the god that dwelt within the idol.

To Dorothy, Richard seemed to be one who gave the holy name of truth to nothing but the offspring of his own vain fancy.