The wives of his friends were not inspiring to look upon.

His own wife had developed a cold, commonplace nature which to him was anything but pleasing.

What he knew of that under-world where grovel the beat-men of society (and he knew a great deal) had hardened his nature.

He looked upon most women with suspicion--a single eye to the utility of beauty and dress.

He followed them with a keen, suggestive glance.