Katherine Varick was the only member of the party who knew that he was also seeking and finding it in the hidden souls of his fellow-seekers.

No, not exactly a bachelor host, for Lionel Varick was a widower.

Now and again he would remind himself that Varick had been no greater an adventurer than many a man who, when utterly impecunious, has married an heiress amid the hearty approval and acclamation of most of the people about them.

At the time of the marriage Varick had been nineteen, his wife five years older.

But Panton told himself that he would far prefer Lionel Varick were he a young woman.

"I don't like this place, and I don't care for your fine friend, Mr. Varick" Such was the very unpleasant observation which the speaker's unlucky host overheard.

It had taken place years ago, when Varick was still a very young man, and to a woman not of his own class.

Lionel Varick was no mean actor himself, and it was as connoisseur, as well as expert, that he admired the gift when it was practised by others.

Varick was such a thoroughly good fellow!