In his present poverty-stricken condition he would move heaven and earth to bring about her marriage to this rich man.

Her father never had been very scrupulous where money was concerned, and the pinch of want was not likely to make him more so.
Nor, we may be sure, did all this escape the jealous eye of Elizabeth.
Things looked black for her, but she did not intend to throw up the cards on that account.

Only it was time to lead trumps.

In other words, Beatrice must be fatally compromised in the eyes of Owen Davies, if by any means this could be brought about.

So far things had gone well for her schemes.