"One in particular?" he demanded aggressively.
"No one you need fear," replied Monte. "In a way, it's because of him that your own chances have improved."
"How?"
"It has given her an opportunity to compare him with you."
"Are you at liberty to tell me about him?"
"Yes; I think I have that right," replied Monte; "I'll not be violating any confidences, because what I know about him I know from the man himself. Furthermore, it was I who introduced him to her."
"Oh—a friend of yours."
"Not a friend, exactly; an acquaintance of long standing would be more accurate. I've been in touch with him all my life, but it's only lately I've felt that I was really getting to know him."
"Is he here in Nice now?" inquired Peter.
"No," answered Monte slowly. "He went away a little while ago. He went suddenly—God knows where. I don't think he will ever come back."