I disliked Le Gaire; from the very first moment of gazing into his dark, sneering eyes I had felt antagonism, a disposition to quarrel; but now something more potent rose between us--the girl.

I was not blind to the man's attractions; I could easily understand how he could find way to a girl's heart.

But a man can judge a man best, and every instinct of my nature warned me against this fellow.

The very first sound of his voice had prejudiced me, and when I saw him I knew I was right--with him manliness was but veneer.

And Billie! The name sounded soft, sweet, womanly now and I longed to speak it in her presence.