There was never a second kiss, however, in these casual
meetings and partings. The first, in springtime, had found Patty
a child, surprised, unprepared. She was a woman now; for it does
not take years to achieve that miracle; months will do it, or
days, or even hours. Her summer's experience with Cephas Cole had
wonderfully broadened her powers, giving her an assurance sadly
lacking before, as well as a knowledge of detail, a certain
finished skill in the management of a lover, which she could ably
use on any one who happened to come along. And, at the moment,
any one who happened to come along served the purpose admirably,
Philip Perry as well as Marquis Wilson.
Young Perry's interest in Patty, as we have seen, began with his
alienation from Ellen Wilson, the first object of his affections,
and it was not at the outset at all of a sentimental nature.
Philip was a pillar of the church, and Ellen had proved so
entirely lacking in the religious sense, so self-satisfied as to
her standing with the heavenly powers, that Philip dared not
expose himself longer to her society, lest he find himself
"unequally yoked together with an unbeliever," thus defying the
scriptural admonition as to marriage.
Patty, though somewhat lacking in the qualities that go to the
making of trustworthy saints, was not, like Ellen, wholly given
over to the fleshpots and would prove a valuable convert, Philip
thought; one who would reflect great credit upon him if he
succeeded in inducing her to subscribe to the stern creed of the
day.
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