"Yes, I think you expect too much."
"She is affectionate, and that will make up for many deficiencies. And what is more, I can see plainly enough that her heart is interested. The brightening of her cheek, the peculiar expression of her eye, not to be mistaken, when certain subjects are glanced at, convince me that I have only to woo to win her."
"What do you think of Caroline Gay?" asked his friend.
"Well, really, I can hardly tell what to think of her. She has intelligence, good sense, and correct views on almost every subject. But she is the antipodes of Melvina in feeling. If she were not so calm and cold, I could love her; but I do not want a stoic for a wife. I want a heart that will leap to my own, and send its emotion to the cheek and eye."
"I am afraid you will not find an angel in this world," his friend said, smiling.
"No, nor do I want an angel. But I want as perfect a woman as I can get."
"You will have to take Melvina, then, for she has three exceeding good qualities, at least, overshadowing all others."
"And what are they?"
"Beauty."
"Well?"