Yet his appreciation of Tony in espousing her, was rather marred by Sir Lukin's report of him as a desperate admirer of beautiful woman.

It might be for her beauty only, not for her spiritual qualities! At present he did not seem aware of their existence.

But, to be entirely just, she had hardly exhibited them or a sign of them during the first interview: and sitting with his hostess alone, he had seized the occasion to say, that he was the happiest of men.

He said it with the nearest approach to fervour she had noticed.

Perhaps the very fact of his not producing a highly favourable impression, should be set to plead on his behalf.