She had never acknowledged anything, even to herself, as to Harry Annesley.

She had never told herself that it would be possible that he should ask her any such question.

She had a wild, dreamy, fearful feeling that, although it would be possible to her to refuse her cousin, it would be impossible that she should marry any other while he should still be desirous of making her his wife.

And now Captain Scarborough had threatened Harry Annesley, not indeed by name, but still clearly enough.

Any dream of her own in that direction must be a vain dream.
As Harry Annesley is going to be what is generally called the hero of this story, it is necessary that something should be said of the particulars of his life and existence up to this period.