His exploits
as a lion-hunter were well known, and it was reported that human blood
was on his hands. It was soon discovered that he had a queer power over
animals, so that in his presence they were seized with unaccountable
terror. He succeeded in surrounding himself with an atmosphere of the
fabulous, and nothing that was told of him was too extravagant for
belief. But unpleasant stories were circulated also, and someone related
that he had been turned out of a club in Vienna for cheating at cards.
He played many games, but here, as at Oxford, it was found that he was
an unscrupulous opponent. And those old rumours followed him that he took
strange drugs. He was supposed to have odious vices, and people whispered
to one another of scandals that had been with difficulty suppressed. No
one quite understood on what terms he was with his wife, and it was
vaguely asserted that he was at times brutally cruel to her. Susie's
heart sank when she heard this; but on the few occasions upon which she
caught sight of Margaret, she seemed in the highest spirits.
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