I am quite sure there isn't a better fellow than father anywhere in the county." The countess sighed.

Her opinion of the poor squire was very different from Frank's.

"It is no use now," said she, "looking back to that which cannot be cured.

The first commoner in Barsetshire should hold a position--I will not of course say equal to that of a peer." "Oh dear no; of course not," said Frank; and a bystander might have thought that there was a touch of satire in his tone.
"No, not equal to that of a peer; but still of very paramount importance.

Of course my first ambition is bound up in Porlock." "Of course," said Frank, thinking how very weak was the staff on which his aunt's ambition rested; for Lord Porlock's youthful career had not been such as to give unmitigated satisfaction to his parents.
"Is bound up in Porlock:" and then the countess plumed herself; but the mother sighed.