He had been on a borderline long enough.

Here was his chance to rise at a bound, and he determined to succeed if success were humanly possible.
As the song came to an end, he walked into the drawing-room and shook hands all round, Mary being particularly warm in her welcome.
"You are very late," said the old lady.

"Was there much of a Court at Ballarook ?" "Only the usual troubles.

You know what those courts are.

By the way, Miss Grant, I came over the famous crossing-place where we got turned out, and nearly had another swim for it.