She would not be likely to hear the details of the scandal
which had obliterated them, as it were, from the decent world.
The present man, though he had not openly been mixed up with the hideous
thing, had borne the brand because he had not proved himself to possess
any qualities likely to recommend him. It was generally understood that
he was a bad lot also. To such a man the allurements such a young
woman as Miss Vanderpoel would present would be extraordinary. It was
unfortunate that she should have been thrown in his way. At the same
time it was not possible to state the case clearly during one's first
call on a beautiful stranger.
"His going to America was rather spirited," said the mellow voice beside
him. "I thought only Americans took their fates in their hands in
that way. For a man of his class to face a rancher's life means
determination. It means the spirit----" with a low little laugh at the
leap of her imagination--"of the men who were Mount Dunstans in early
days and went forth to fight for what they meant to have. He went to
fight. He ought to have won. He will win some day."
"I do not know about fighting," Lord Westholt answered. Had the fellow
been telling her romantic stories? "The general impression was that he
went to America to amuse himself.
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