These events had occurred in those wander-years between twenty and thirty, which he had spent in travelling, hunting and writing, in the pursuit, alternately eager and fastidious, of as wide an experience as possible.

But all that was over.

These things concerned another man, in another world.

Politics and ambition had possessed him since, and women now appealed to other instincts in him--instincts rather of the diplomatist and intriguer than of the lover.

Of late years they had been his friends and instruments.