The strongest argument against the statement seemed to lie in the fact that there were a few faintly grey streaks in his thick and silky hair.

For the rest, whatever he chose to say of himself, he was still within the limits of what one may call second youth.

He was only between fifteen and sixteen years older than Veronica, and such a difference of age between man and wife does not generally begin to be felt as a disadvantage until the man is nearly sixty.

He was not at all a worn-out dandy, with no illusions, and no constitution to speak of; for circumstances, as well as his own sober tastes, had caused him to lead a quiet and restful life, admirably adapted to his sound but delicately organized nature.

He was decidedly good-looking, especially in a city where beauty is almost the exclusive distinction of the other sex.