And his encounters with Sylvia had moreover encouraged the belief that she viewed life broadly and tolerantly.
There was little for a man of Bassett's tastes to do at Waupegan.

Most of the loungers at the Casino were elderly men who played bridge, which he despised; and he cared little for fishing or boating.

Tennis and golf did not tempt him.

His wife had practically ceased to be a figure in the social life of the colony; Marian was away, and Blackford's leisure was spent with boys of his own age.

Morton Bassett was lonely.
It thus happened that he looked forward with growing interest to Sylvia's daily visits to his house.