Who was there, among them all, that was comparable to Mrs Dale and her daughters?
He detested both George and John.
He loathed the earl.

As to the countess herself, he was perfectly indifferent, regarding her as a woman whom it was well to know, but as one only to be known as the mistress of Courcy Castle and a house in London.

As to the daughters, he had ridiculed them all from time to time--even Alexandrina, whom he now professed to love.

Perhaps in some sort of way he had a weak fondness for her;--but it was a fondness that had never touched his heart.

He could measure the whole thing at its worth,--Courcy Castle with its privileges, Lady Dumbello, Lady Clandidlem, and the whole of it.