Chapter II.—The Great AdventureAt eighteen years of age, Dora was undoubtedly one of the prettiest girls in Bordeaux. With her mother's perfect colouring, she had aristocratic clear-cut features and beautiful serene grey eyes. She carried herself proudly, and from early childhood days there had been a certain dignity about her which discouraged patronage from anyone.
Of a much stronger character than her mother, she had plenty of courage and a determined will. Afraid of no one, upon occasions she did not hesitate to speak her mind, never, however, in any argument losing her temper. With a general contempt for authority and convention, she complied with rules and regulations only because it profited her to do so.
Outwardly of a cold and reserved nature, and making few friends at the conve
