I owe him, not only the little learning I have, but the little good that is left in me.

I owe to him apparently, also, whatever chance of bettering my prospects may arise from my visit to Laughton." "Notwithstanding our intimacy, we have, like most young men not related, spoken so little of our family matters that I do not now understand how you are cousin to Susan, nor what, to my surprise and delight, brought you hither three days ago." "Faith, my story is easier to explain than your own, William.

Here goes!" But as Ardworth's recital partially involves references to family matters not yet sufficiently known to the reader, we must be pardoned if we assume to ourselves his task of narrator, and necessarily enlarge on his details.
The branch of the illustrious family of St.John represented by Sir Miles, diverged from the parent stem of the Lords of Bletshoe.

With them it placed at the summit of its pedigree the name of William de St.John, the Conqueror's favourite and trusted warrior, and Oliva de Filgiers.
With them it blazoned the latter alliance, which gave to Sir Oliver St.
John the lands of Bletshoe by the hand of Margaret Beauchamp (by her second marriage with the Duke of Somerset), grandmother to Henry VII.

In the following generation, the younger son of a younger son had founded, partly by offices of state, partly by marriage with a wealthy heiress, a house of his own; and in the reign of James the First, the St.Johns of Laughton ranked amongst the chief gentlemen of Hampshire.