She had his ability, but she was gentle-born, which he was not, one who could mix with and be welcomed by the highest in the world, and this without the slightest question.

If not beautiful, she was very distinguished; she had presence and what the French call "the air." Further, she would be one of the richest women in England.

Considered from his point of view, therefore, it was but natural that he should desire her to make a brilliant marriage and found a great family, which he would thus have originated--at any rate, to some extent.

Night and day he longed that this should come about, and it was the reason why the young Lord Mounteroy was visiting Hawk's Hall.
Mounteroy had met Isobel at a dinner-party in London the other day and admired her.

He had told an old lady--a kind of society tout--who had repeated it to Sir John, that he wished to get married, and that Isobel Blake was the sort of girl he would like to marry.