As he said to his brother John, no harm had been done, and he might have better luck next time.

But there was an inmate of Courcy Castle who was somewhat more pertinacious in his search after love and wealth.

This was no other than Mr Moffat: a gentleman whose ambition was not satisfied by the cares of his Barchester contest, or the possession of one affianced bride.
Mr Moffat was, as we have said, a man of wealth; but we all know, from the lessons of early youth, how the love of money increases and gains strength by its own success.

Nor was he a man of so mean a spirit as to be satisfied with mere wealth.

He desired also place and station, and gracious countenance among the great ones of the earth.
Hence had come his adherence to the de Courcys; hence his seat in Parliament; and hence, also, his perhaps ill-considered match with Miss Gresham.
There is no doubt but that the privilege of matrimony offers opportunities to money-loving young men which ought not to be lightly abused.