You are Tom's friend." Murrell bit his lip, and then laughed as his mind conjured up a picture of the cherished Tom.

Suddenly he reached out and rested his hand on hers.

He lived in the shadow of chance not always kind, his pleasures were intoxicating drafts snatched in the midst of dangers, and here was youth, sweet and perfect, that only needed awakening.
"Betty--if I might think--" he began, but his tongue stumbled.

His love-making was usually of a savage sort, but some quality in the girl held him in check.

The words he had spoken many times before forsook him.