The sweat started on his forehead.

He was compelled to look into his black volume and study it.

His desire was to act humanely and generously; but the question inevitably recurred: "How can I utterly dash my prospects in the world ?" It would be impossible to bring Dahlia to great houses; and he liked great houses and the charm of mixing among delicately-bred women.

On the other hand, lawyers have married beneath them--married cooks, housemaids, governesses, and so forth.

And what has a lawyer to do with a dainty lady, who will constantly distract him with finicking civilities and speculations in unprofitable regions?
What he does want is a woman amiable as a surface of parchment, serviceable as his inkstand; one who will be like the wig in which he closes his forensic term, disreputable from overwear, but suited to the purpose.
"Ah! if I meant to be nothing but a lawyer!" Edward stopped the flow of this current in Dahlia's favour.