He was a finely made, sinewy man, with clearly cut, regular features.

If he had not been affected with horses on the brain he would doubtless have been personally popular with the women.

As it was, the serene and hippic gloom of the handsome horse-breeder daunted the daughters of Eve, and they failed to make up their minds about the exact value of him, socially considered.

Alfred Hardyman was nevertheless a remarkable man in his way.

He had been offered the customary alternatives submitted to the younger sons of the nobility--the Church or the diplomatic service--and had refused the one and the other.