E. R. Punshon

“ With his perpetual smile that his cold and evil eyes so strangely contradicted, he said to him:
“Well, what have you and Ella been talking about?”
“Why do you ask?” growled Dunn.
“Because she looks upset,” answered Deede Dawson. “Oh, don't be shy about it. Shall I give you a little good advice?”
“What?”
“Never shave.”
“Why not?”
“Because that thick growth of hair hiding your face gives you an air of mystery and romance no woman could possibly resist. You're a perpetual puzzle, and to pique a woman's curiosity is the surest way to interest her. ”

“ Her strength was nothing to his and he stood up and put his arm around her and strained her to him in an embrace so passionate and powerful she could not have resisted it though she had wished to.
But no thought of resistance came to her, since for the moment she had lost all consciousness of everything save the strange thrill of his bright, clear eyes looking so closely into hers, of his strong arms holding her so firmly. ”

“ Dunn seemed almost choking with fury. He half-lifted one hand and let it fall again.
“If ever I get hold of that young Rupert Dunsmore,” he said with a little gasp for breath. “If ever I come face to face with him—man to man—”
“Dear me!” smiled Deede Dawson, lifting his eyebrows. “I'm treading on sore toes, it seems. What's the trouble between you?”
“Never you mind,” replied Dunn roughly. “That's my business. But no man ever had a worse enemy than he's been to me.”
“Has he, though?” said Deede Dawson, who seemed very interested and even a little excited. “What did he do?” ”