Man's prime is that period when the widest experience and the keenest perception meet.
Millicent Chyne had lulled herself into a false security.

She had taken it for granted that Jack would succeed, and would return rich and prosperous within a few months.

Upon this pleasant certainty Sir John had cast a doubt, and she could hardly treat his words with contempt.
She had almost forgotten Guy Oscard's letter.

Across a hemisphere Jack Meredith was a stronger influence in her life than Oscard.
While she sat on the terrace and flirted with the baron she reflected hurriedly over the situation.

She was, she argued to herself, not in any way engaged to Guy Oscard.