Of him and of Lady Fanny, Bernard Dale was the only son.

Daughters they had had; some were dead, some married, and one living with them among the card-tables.

Of his parents Bernard had latterly not seen much; not more, that is, than duty and a due attention to the fifth commandment required of him.

He also was making a career for himself, having obtained a commission in the Engineers, and being known to all his compeers as the nephew of an earl, and as the heir to a property of three thousand a year.

And when I say that Bernard Dale was not inclined to throw away any of these advantages, I by no means intend to speak in his dispraise.