I used to talk to you about Stella years ago. If I have the
substance I can forego the shadow, and I do feel that I can say to you
all that I could to a sensible and loving sister. Believe me, Madge,
I can never get over my old feeling for you, and I'm just as proud
of you as if your name was Madge Muir. I think your brave effort and
achievement at Santa Barbara simply magnificent. You have long had
the affection that I would give to a sister, and now that I understand
you, I feel for you all the respect that I could give to any woman."
"Those are kind, generous words, Graydon. I knew that you
misunderstood me, and I was only provoked at you, not angry."
"You had good reason to be provoked and much more. If you and Stella
understood each other in the same way, and--well--if she were only
out of that atmosphere in which she has been brought up, I could ask
nothing more."
"What atmosphere?"
"Wall Street atmosphere transferred to the domestic and social circle.
You have too much delicacy, Madge, to refer to what I know puzzles
you, and I admit that I do not fully understand it all, though I
know Stella's motive clearly enough. Her motive is worthy of all
commendation, but not her method.
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