She did not idealize him, but in the highest effect she realized him; she did him justice, and she would not have believed that she did him more than justice if she had sometimes known him to do himself less.
"A Hazard of New Fortunes, Part Fifth"
William Dean Howells
He was also able to idealize the situation when his wife no longer even wished to do so.
"A Fearful Responsibility and Other Stories"
William D. Howells
"But suppose it is a mistake; suppose you find me something different from what you fancy me-I tell you every day that you idealize me-that I cannot live up to your conception of me!
"The Locusts' Years"
Mary Helen Fee