The Donkey Ride Sir Louis, when left to himself, was slightly dismayed and somewhat discouraged; but he was not induced to give up his object.

The first effort of his mind was made in conjecturing what private motive Dr Thorne could possibly have in wishing to debar his niece from marrying a rich young baronet.

That the objection was personal to himself, Sir Louis did not for a moment imagine.

Could it be that the doctor did not wish that his niece should be richer, and grander, and altogether bigger than himself?
Or was it possible that his guardian was anxious to prevent him from marrying from some view of the reversion of the large fortune?
That there was some such reason, Sir Louis was well sure; but let it be what it might, he would get the better of the doctor.

"He knew," so he said to himself, "what stuff girls were made of.