But, remembering that the occupation of it gave him a certain standing in the county, whereas in Harwich he would have been only a superior tradesman, he gave up the idea.

It was replaced by another--to marry well.
Now John Blake was not an idealist, nor in any sense romantic; therefore, from marriage he expected little.

He did not even ask that his wife should be good-looking, knowing that any aspirations which he had towards beauty could be satisfied otherwise.

Nor did he seek money, being well aware that he could make this for himself.

What he desired were birth and associations.