Young, vivacious, impulsive, and undisciplined, without the restraining influence of a mother's love or the guidance of a father's hand, Leroy found himself, when his college days were over, in the dangerous position of a young man with vast possessions, abundant leisure, unsettled principles, and uncontrolled desires.

He had no other object than to extract from life its most seductive draughts of ease and pleasure.

His companion, who sat opposite him on the verandah, quietly smoking a cigar, was a remote cousin, a few years older than himself, the warmth of whose Southern temperament had been modified by an infusion of Northern blood.
Eugene was careless, liberal, and impatient of details, while his companion and cousin, Alfred Lorraine, was selfish, eager, keen, and alert; also hard, cold, methodical, and ever ready to grasp the main chance.

Yet, notwithstanding the difference between them, they had formed a warm friendship for each other.
"Alfred," said Eugene, "I am going to be married." Lorraine opened his eyes with sudden wonder, and exclaimed: "Well, that's the latest thing out! Who is the fortunate lady who has bound you with her silken fetters?
Is it one of those beautiful Creole girls who were visiting Augustine's plantation last winter?
I watched you during our visit there and thought that you could not be proof against their attractions.

Which is your choice?
It would puzzle me to judge between the two.