Sir Patrick, to his thinking, had been altogether unjustifiable in accepting an enduring title, knowing that he would leave behind him no property adequate for its support.

A baronet, so thought Roger Carbury, should be a rich man, rich enough to grace the rank which he assumed to wear.

A title, according to Roger's doctrine on such subjects, could make no man a gentleman, but, if improperly worn, might degrade a man who would otherwise be a gentleman.

He thought that a gentleman, born and bred, acknowledged as such without doubt, could not be made more than a gentleman by all the titles which the Queen could give.

With these old-fashioned notions Roger hated the title which had fallen upon a branch of his family.