She had passed her examination in the power of being a perfect hostess.

She had undoubted and expanding social talents.

Women did not dislike her; she was very vivid, very handsome, very rich.

What more could a man who in his innermost being had a supreme contempt for women, and a supreme belief in himself, desire?
He had even balanced the advantages of marrying a rich American girl, one like Miss Lutworth, for example.

But such beings were unproven, and might develop nerves and fads, which were of no consequence in the delightful creatures with whom he passed occasional leisure hours of recreation, but which in a wife would be a singular disadvantage.