His appearance was that of a gentleman, and yet one whose life was a fast one.
He was well dressed, in fact almost flashily attired, wore a diamond in his front shirt, another upon the little finger of his left hand, and a heavy watch chain crossed his vest front.
He appeared to be a man of forty, and his face was handsome, his eyes piercing, yet a certain cold look, added to recklessness and a cynical smile were not prepossessing.
"You did not expect to see me again, Ruby?" he said in a voice that was tinged with a sneer.
"I believed you dead," she whispered, for she seemed scarcely able to articulate.
"Yes, for so I sent you word."
"You sent me word," she said repeating his words.
"Yes, I got a pal of mine to come and see you, and tell you how I had been smashed up in a railway accident.
"The smash-up was true, and I had my leg broken, and lay for weeks in agony; but I got well, and here I am."
"Oh why did you do me this cruel wrong?" she groaned.