But his brilliant and daring editorials, not only on the pestiferous
politics of San Francisco, but upon national topics, soon attracted
the attention of the men; who, moreover, were fascinated by his
conversation during his occasional visits to the Union Club. Several
times he was cornered, royally treated to the best the cellar
afforded, and upon one occasion talked for two hours, prodded merely
with a question when he showed a tendency to drop into revery. But as
a matter of fact he liked to talk, knowing that he could outshine
other intelligent men, and a responsive palate put him in good humor
with all men and inspired him with unwonted desire to please.

Husbands spoke of him enthusiastically at home and wives determined to
know him. They besieged Alexina Ballinger. Why had she not done her
duty? Langdon Masters had lived in her house for weeks. Mrs. Ballinger
replied that she had barely seen the man. He rarely honored them at
dinner, sat up until four in the morning with her son-in-law (if she
were not mistaken he and Alexander Groome were two of a feather),
breakfasted at all hours, and then went directly to the city. What
possible use could such a man be to Society? He had barely looked at
Sally, much less the uxoriously married Maria, and might have been
merely an inconsiderate boarder who had given nothing but unimpaired
Virginian manners in return for so much upsetting of a household. No
doubt the servants would have rebelled had he not tipped them
immoderately. "Moreover," she concluded, "he is quite unlike our men,
if he _is_ a Southerner. And not handsome at all. His hair is black
but he wears it too short, and he had no mustache, nor even
sideboards. His face has deep lines and his eyes are like steel. He
rarely smiles and I don't believe he ever laughed in his life."