Behind the gay smile there must have been a quick and resourceful brain, daring to scheme, intrepid in execution.

Within the fair breast there must have been a heart resolute, indomitable, devoid of weak scruple.

Mark the last.

It is the scruple that keeps the reader and his humble servant from being greater men than they are.
"Yes," says Etta, allowing Paul to take her perfectly gloved hand in his great, steady grasp; "yes, I have my answer ready." They were alone in the plashy solitude of an inner conservatory, between the songs of the great singers.

She was half afraid of this strong man, for he had strange ways with him--not uncouth, but unusual and somewhat surprising in a finnicking, emotionless generation.
"And what is it ?" whispers Paul eagerly.