If John Aldous had betrayed no visible sign of inward vanquishment he at least was feeling its effect.

For years his writings had made him the target for a world of women, and many men.

The men he had regarded with indifferent toleration.

The women were his life--the "frail and ineffective creatures" who gave spice to his great adventure, and made his days anything but monotonous.

He was not unchivalrous.