He was hard-headed, practical, in all he did.

She was sure that his profession came first with him.

He probably thought that a wife would be a useful accessory, and he was kind-hearted enough to be willing to do her a good turn at the same time that he provided for his own wants.
Violet's malicious declaration regarding a professional man's preference for a plain woman recurred to her at this point and made her feel a little cold.

She did not know very much about men, and she had to admit to herself that it might quite easily be the truth.

And then she thought of Hunt-Goring, reflecting with a shudder that that explanation would not account for his preference, if indeed what Max said were true and he actually did prefer her to Violet at whose feet he was so obviously worshipping.
She wondered if she ought to tell Max all about the man, and shuddered again at the bare thought.