He had always been greatly drawn to Valentine, attracted by the latter's exceptional clarity of character, and he was scarcely less interested in Julian.

Nor did the considerable difference between his age and the ages of the two youths in any way interfere with their pleasant intercourse.

For Levillier had a heart that was ageless.

The corroding years did not act as acid upon it.

All his sympathies were as keen, all his power of enjoyment was as great, as when he had been a delightfully gay and delightfully pleasant boy at school.