It is very frivolous and clever -- all froth but delightful froth . Did you like it ? '' Spencer balanced the novel reflectively on his slender brown hand . `` Well , yes , rather . But I do n't care for novels as a rule . I do n't understand them . The hero of this book , now -- do you believe that a man in love would act as he did ? '' `` I do n't know , '' said Violet amusedly . `` You ought to be a better judge than I . You are a man . '' `` I have never loved anybody , so I am in no position to decide , '' said Spencer . There was as little self-consciousness in his voice as if he were telling her a fact concerning the Loon Lake trouble . Violet rose to the occasion . `` You have an interesting experience to look forward to , '' she said . Spencer turned his deep-set grey eyes squarely upon her . `` I do n't know that . When I said I had never loved , I meant more than the love of a man for some particular woman . I meant love in every sense . I do not know what it is to have an affection for any human being . My parents died before I can remember .
My only living relative was a penurious old uncle who brought me up XXXXX shame 's sake and kicked me out on the world as soon as he could .
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