Each day had found him in the society of the two girls, and even an hour like one of those just passed compelled him to feel the superiority of Madge.

His best hope already for Stella was that she would change when surrounded by better influences--that her faultless taste in externals would eventually create repugnance to modes of thought and action unsuitable in a higher plane of life.

He did not question his love for her, but he felt this morning that it was a love which was becoming disenchanted early, and into which the elements of patience and tolerance might have to enter largely.

Should he marry her to-day he could not, as Madge had said, and with the first glow of affection, believe her perfect.

He even sighed as he thought of the future.
His heart was very tender toward Madge, but it was with an affection that seemed to him partly fraternal, and partly a regard for one different, better, purer than himself.