Men said that Bernard Merefleet, the gold-king, was curiously changed when once more he went among them.

Something of the old grimness which had earned for him his _sobriquet_ yet clung to his manner.

But he was undeniably softer than of yore.

There was an odd gentleness about him.
Women said that he was marvellously improved.

Among such as had known him in New York he became a favourite, little as he attempted to court favour.
Towards the end of the year he went down to the Midlands to stay with his friend Perry Clinton.