I met Miss Treherne and her father.

They both inquired for the sick man, and I told Belle--for she seemed much interested--the nature of such malarial fevers, the acute forms they sometimes take, and the kind of treatment required.

She asked several questions, showing a keen understanding of my explanations, and then, after a moment's silence, said meditatively: "I think I like men better when they are doing responsible work; it is difficult to be idle--and important too." I saw very well that, with her, I should have to contend for a long time against those first few weeks of dalliance on the 'Fulvia'.
Clovelly joined us, and for the first time--if I had not been so egotistical it had appeared to me before--I guessed that his somewhat professional interest in Belle Treherne had developed into a very personal thing.

And with that thought came also the conception of what a powerful antagonist he would be.

For it improves some men to wear glasses; and Clovelly had a delightful, wheedling tongue.