There was the Belgravia-cum-Pimlico life, the scene of which might extend itself to South Kensington, enveloping the parks and coming round over Park Lane, and through Grosvenor Square and Berkeley Square back to Piccadilly.

Within this he might live with lords and countesses and rich folk generally, going out to the very best dinner-parties, avoiding stupid people, having everything the world could give, except a wife and family and home of his own.

All this he could achieve by the work which would certainly fall in his way, and by means of that position in the world which he had already attained by his wits.

And the wife, with the family and house of his own, might be forthcoming, should it ever come in his way to form an attachment with a wealthy woman.

He knew how dangerous were the charms of such a life as this to a man growing old among the flesh-pots, without any one to depend upon him.