But there was a time when I understood no better than the average youngster who gaily asks some nice woman to trust her future in his hands--without a second thought as to whether he's fit for such a trust.

And that was just the time when a little understanding would have given happiness to the woman I loved best on earth." He spoke rather wearily, but contrived a smile as Nan entered, carrying a cup of coffee in her hand.
"My compliments, Nan.

Your coffee equals that of any Frenchwoman." "A reversion to type.

Don't forget that Angele de Varincourt is always at the back of me." St.John laughed and drank his coffee appreciatively, and after a little further desultory conversation took his departure, leaving the two girls alone together.
"Isn't he a perfect old dear ?" said Nan.
"Yes," agreed Penelope.

"He is.