"Just like the vanity of a fellow like that," he argued, "not to be willing to believe himself beaten." He had drawn the whole situation in his mind entirely to his own satisfaction.

If Claudius could only be removed, any other man would have as good a chance.

The other man is Barker--therefore, remove Claudius at once.

Remove him! Away with him! Let his place know him no more! Mr.Barker sat unmoved in his chair; but he contemplated the nail on the middle finger of his left hand with absorbed interest, even bringing it nearer the light in order to obtain a better view.
He was one of those men who are seldom altogether unprepared.

His mind was of the Napoleonic order, on a very small scale; with him to think of the end was to plan the means, and in the days that had followed the memorable night wherein the idea had struck him that he might marry the Countess in the teeth of Dr.Claudius, a project had grown up in his mind whereby he hoped now to effect his purpose.