Charteris interested him vastly.

He had a proud, reserved and somewhat haughty nature.

Many people thought him exclusive, but Robert soon learned that his fastidiousness was due to a certain shy quality, and a natural taste for the best in everything.

Under his apparent coldness lay a brave and staunch nature and an absolute integrity.
Robert's interest in Charteris was heightened by the delicate cloud of romance that floated about him, a cloud that rose from the hints thrown forth now and then by Zebedee Crane.

The young French lady in Quebec who loved him was as beautiful as the dawn and she had the spirit of a queen.