And from here and there, through Bessy and Colonel Pepper, and Blair, who faithfully hunted him up, Lane learned of the unfavorable light in which he was held.

Society, in the persons of the younger matrons, took exception to Lane's queer conduct and hinted of mental unbalance.

The young rakes and libertines avoided him, and there was not a slacker among them who could meet his eye across cafe or billiard room.
Yet despite the peculiar species of ignominy and disgrace that Middleville gossips heaped upon Lane's head and the slow, steady decline of his speaking acquaintance with the elite, there were some who always greeted him and spoke if he gave them a chance.

Helen Wrapp never failed of a green flashing glance of mockery and enticement.

She smiled, she beckoned, she once called him to her car and asked him to ride with her, to come to see her.