He had served without distinction in two campaigns, he lived extravagantly, and was supposed to be something of a philanderer.

Indeed, not long ago, an announcement of his engagement to a lady of station had been confidently expected; but the affair had, for some unknown reason, suddenly fallen through.

Mrs.Lansing was puzzled about him.

If the man were looking for a wealthy wife, why should he be attracted, as she thought he was, by Sylvia, who had practically nothing.
"I'd really rather have you remain with us; but of course I can't object to your going," she said.
"I knew you would be nice about it," Sylvia exclaimed.

"I must have a talk with Herbert; you said he would be home this evening." Lansing's business occasionally prevented his nightly return from the nearest large town, but he arrived some hours later, and after dinner Sylvia found him in his smoking-room.