He laughed at the little sisterly revelations the ladies confided concerning her too heartily for them to have any fear that she was other than a toy to him.

Few women are aware with how much ease sentimental men can laugh outwardly at what is internal torment.

They had apprised him of their wish to know what her origin was, and of her peculiar reserve on that topic: whereat he assured them that she would have no secrets from him.

His conduct of affairs was so open that none could have supposed the gallant cornet entangled in a maze of sentiment.

For, veritably, this girl was the last sort of girl to please his fancy; and he saw not a little of fair ladies: by virtue of his heroic antecedents, he was himself well seen of them.