He was an open suitor who would take no rebuff, and had laughingly told her so.

After his refusal, instead of going away in despondency or in a half-tragic mood, he had good-naturedly declared his intentions, and spent the remainder of the evening in such lively chat that she had been pleased and amused by his tactics.

Since that time he had made himself useful, was always ready to be an escort with a liberal purse, and never annoyed her with sentiment.

She understood him, and he was aware that she did.

He took his chances for the future, and was always on hand to avail himself of any mood or emergency which he could turn to his advantage.