Zoe at once became as conspicuous in the country-side as her father had been over so many years.

She was fresh, volatile, without affectation or pride, and had a temperament responsive to every phase of life's simple interests.

She took the attention of the young men a little bit as her due, but yet without conceit.

The gallants had come about her like bees, for there was Jean Jacques' many businesses and his reputation for wealth; and there was her own charm, concerning which there could be far less doubt than about Jean Jacques' magnificent solvency.
Zoe had gone heart-whole and with no especial preference for any young man, until the particular person came, the Man from Outside.
His name was Gerard Fynes, and his business was mumming.

He was a young lawyer turned actor, and he had lived in Montreal before he went on the stage.