will arise from the very elevation of his views above those of the
common herd, for in every respect I would have him superior to his
age. Ever mindful of the delicate attentions due to the weak, he will
be gentle to all women, but not prone lightly to fall in love with
any; for love will seem to him too serious to turn into a game.

"Thus it might happen that he would spend his life in ignorance of
true love, while all the time possessing those qualities most fitted
to inspire it. But if ever he find the ideal woman who has haunted his
waking dreams, if he meet with a nature capable of understanding his
own, one who could fill his soul and pour sunlight over his life,
could shine as a star through the mists of this chill and gloomy
world, lend fresh charm to existence, and draw music from the hitherto
silent chords of his being--needless to say, he would recognize and
welcome his good fortune.

"And she, too, would be happy. Never, by word or look, would he wound
the tender heart which abandoned itself to him, with the blind trust
of a child reposing in its mother's arms. For were the vision
shattered, it would be the wreck of her inner life. To the mighty
waters of love she would confide her all!

"The man I picture must belong, in expression, in attitude, in gait,
in his way of performing alike the smallest and the greatest actions,
to that race of the truly great who are always simple and natural. He
need not be good-looking, but his hands must be beautiful. His upper
lip will curl with a careless, ironic smile for the general public,
whilst he reserves for those he loves the heavenly, radiant glance in
which he puts his soul."