In many respects their tastes were similar, especially in their love of music and polite literature, whilst his youthful enthusiasm gave to their common occupations a higher life and interest.
Discussion lost all character of dispute, and became merely an agreeable interchange of thought: it was no longer now of any importance to him to be always right; there was a peculiar kind of pleasure in giving up his opinion to hers.

He knew more out of books than she did, but she knew more of life--the mother of books, than he; and on this account she, on her part, proceeded as the older and guiding friend.

He felt himself happy from the influence and gentle guidance of an agreeable woman, and became more and more devoted to her from his soul.
Still there was a quietness and a charm about this connexion that made him never forbode danger in it.

He loved to be treated as a child by Elise, and he gave, therefore, free play to his naturally unsophisticated feelings.

Her gentle reproofs were a sort of luxury to him; he had a delight in sinning, in order to deserve them; and then, whilst listening to them, how gladly would he have pressed her dress, or her white and beautiful hand to his lips; there was even a sort of painfully agreeable sensation to him in his not daring to do so.
Whenever she approached, and he heard her light footsteps, or when he perceived the soft rose-odour which always accompanied her, it seemed to become infinitely warm around his heart.