Not being trained to believe that the only end and aim of a woman's life was a good match, she was a little disturbed, when the first pleasing excitement was over, to discover that her fortune was her chief attraction.
It was impossible for her to help seeing, hearing, guessing this from a significant glance, a stray word, a slight hint here and there, and the quick instinct of a woman felt even before it understood the self-interest which chilled for her so many opening friendships.

In her eyes love was a very sacred thing, hardly to be thought of till it came, reverently received and cherished faithfully to the end.

Therefore, it is not strange that she shrank from hearing it flippantly discussed and marriage treated as a bargain to be haggled over, with little thought of its high duties, great responsibilities, and tender joys.

Many things perplexed her, and sometimes a doubt of all that till now she had believed and trusted made her feel as if at sea without a compass, for the new world was so unlike the one she had been living in that it bewildered while it charmed the novice.
Dr.Alec understood the mood in which he found her and did his best to warn without saddening by too much worldly wisdom.
"You are something besides an heiress to those who know and love you, so take heart, my girl, and hold fast to the faith that is in you.

There is a touchstone for all these things, and whatever does not ring true, doubt and avoid.