don't-give-a-hoot manner? In addition to all that he had money which he knew how to spend and motor cars which he knew how to run and yachts which he knew how to sail and a social position that was unimpeachable. In the best circles of our city they discussed the scandals in which he played a leading role, but did not disbar him from the social gatherings -- although mothers anxiously watched their chicks when the dance wore on and couples started sitting 'em out under the trees. In such cases they usually remembered that the dear little innocent had forgotten her handkerchief or a wrap or that the breeze was entirely too cool for a dark, unchaperoned out-of-doors.
There was nothing crude about Norvel's lovemaking. He scorned the easy hurdles and voluntarily chose the hard ones. That was his shibboleth--the attainment of the forbidden; be it bitter or be it sweet. It was the getting he enjoyed, not the possession. Wherein he ran strictly true to psychological form.
All that until Alice Dorrance came into his life. Then--gaflooey! He sent out an S. O. S. for all the virtues which he had deserted at various and sundry times in his speckled past and enlisted them three-fold under his new banner. He could pass the corner of Main and Elm streets on a windy day without taking his eyes down from the clouds-- which, believe me, is an achievement.
He fell in love with Alice so hard that he was almost pitiful. I didn't believe th
