"I assumed that I despised him because he was selfish and calculating, and _such_ a snob! Now I find I don't mind his selfishness, and that I, too, am a snob." She smiled drearily.

"I suppose you feel the proper degree of contempt and aversion." "We are all snobs," answered Madelene tranquilly.

"It's one of the deepest dyes of the dirt we came from, the hardest to wash out." "Besides," pursued Adelaide, "he and I have both learned by experience--which has come too late; it always does." "Not at all," said Madelene briskly.

"Experience is never too late.

It's always invaluably useful in some way, no matter when it comes." Adelaide was annoyed by Madelene's lack of emotion.