In this manner he became the very ideal of the vicious element, though not accounted by them as one of their number.
Bernard was also equally successful in winning favor with the better element of citizens.

Though a good Catholic at heart, he divided his time among all denominations, thus solving the most difficult problem for a Negro leader to solve; for the religious feeling was so intense that it was carried into almost every branch of human activity.
Having won the criminal and religious circles, he thought to go forth and conquer the social world and secure its support.

He decided to enter society and pay marked attention to that young lady that would most increase his popularity.

We shall soon see how this would-be conqueror stood the very first fire.
His life had been one of such isolation that he had not at all moved in social circles before this, and no young woman had ever made more than a passing impression on him.
There was in Norfolk a reading circle composed of the brightest, most talented young men and women of the city.

Upon taking a short vacation, this circle always gave a reception which was attended by persons of the highest culture in the city.