She could not quite forget the early vows and promises exchanged between them, nor conquer the often-fractured illusions that he might still behave himself.
On the other hand, Polk Lynde, marauder, social adventurer, a bucaneer of the affections, was not so easily to be put aside, delayed, and gainsaid.

Not unlike Cowperwood, he was a man of real force, and his methods, in so far as women were concerned, were even more daring.
Long trifling with the sex had taught him that they were coy, uncertain, foolishly inconsistent in their moods, even with regard to what they most desired.

If one contemplated victory, it had frequently to be taken with an iron hand.
From this attitude on his part had sprung his rather dark fame.

Aileen felt it on the day that she took lunch with him.

His solemn, dark eyes were treacherously sweet.