He seemed, indeed, to have been imbued with the gift of success.

He had floated immense loans where other men had failed; he had sustained the credit of his country on a high level through more than one serious financial crisis; he had pulled down or built up as his judgment or fancy had dictated; and all the time the man's relaxations, apart from the actual trend of great affairs, had been few and slight.

Then had come his acquaintance with Linda's school-friend.

He looked back through the years.

At first he had scarcely noticed her visits.