But it was quite clear to her,--more so even than to poor John Morton,--that the lady was conducting herself now as though she were fettered by no bonds, and it seemed to Lady Penwether also that the lady was very anxious to contract other bonds.

She knew her brother well.

He was always in love with somebody; but as he had hitherto failed of success where marriage was desirable, so had he avoided disaster when it was not.
He was one of those men who are generally supposed to be averse to matrimony.

Lady Penwether and some other relatives were anxious that he should take a wife;--but his sister was by no means anxious that he should take such a one as Arabella Trefoil.

Therefore she thought that she might judiciously ask Mr.Morton a few questions.