"Self-preservation, that's the thing; that's the first law," he said.

"And more: if the only girl I ever loved, ever really loved--loved from the crown of her head to the sole of her feet--were here to-day, and Christine stood beside her, little plebeian with a big heart, by Heaven, I'd choose Christine.

I can trust her, though she is a little liar.

She loves, and she'll stick; and she's true where she loves.

Yes; if all the women in the world stood beside Christine this morning, I'd look them all over, from duchess to danseuse, and I'd say, 'Christine Lavilette, I'm a scoundrel.