Domestic grounds of dissatisfaction ripened his resolve to be firm with young Mr.Marsh.

Mrs.Hibbert was extravagant; doubtless her son was playing the fool in the same direction.

After all, one could pay too much for the privilege of being snubbed by one's superior wife and step-son.

If Clifford were willing to "buckle to" at sober business (it was now too late for him to learn a profession), well and good; he should have an opening at which many a young fellow would jump.

Otherwise, let the fastidious gentleman pay his own tailor's bills.
Clifford's difficulties were complicated by his relations with Madeline Denyer.