No; he is the heir of Greshamsbury; he is your son, an earl's grandson.

It is only natural, after all, that he should throw a few foolish words at the doctor's niece.

But she! it is an offence not to be forgiven on her part that she should, however, unwillingly, have been forced to listen to them! Now understand me, Lady Arabella; if any of your family come to my house I shall be delighted to welcome them: if Mary should meet any of them elsewhere I shall be delighted to hear of it.
Should she tell me to-morrow that she was engaged to marry Frank, I should talk the matter over with her, quite coolly, solely with a view to her interest, as would be my duty; feeling, at the same time, that Frank would be lucky in having such a wife.

Now you know my mind, Lady Arabella.

It is so I should do my duty;--you can do yours as you may think fit." Lady Arabella had by this time perceived that she was not destined on this occasion to gain any great victory.