But then his position was so unfortunate! Had it not been for Florence Burton he would have been long since at her feet; for, to give Harry Clavering his due, he could be quick enough at swearing to a passion.

He was one of those men to whom love-making comes so readily that it is a pity that they should ever marry.

He was ever making love to women, usually meaning no harm.

He made love to Cecilia Burton over her children's beds, and that discreet matron liked it.

But it was a love-making without danger.