Still there was much, not only in the manner, at once modest and dignified, but in the character of Catherine, which was proud and high-spirited, to give colour to the suspicion.
Beaufort, a man naturally careless of forms, paid her a marked and punctilious respect; and his attachment was evidently one not only of passion, but of confidence and esteem.

Time developed in her mental qualities far superior to those of Beaufort, and for these she had ample leisure of cultivation.

To the influence derived from her mind and person she added that of a frank, affectionate, and winning disposition; their children cemented the bond between them.

Mr.Beaufort was passionately attached to field sports.

He lived the greater part of the year with Catherine, at the beautiful cottage to which he had built hunting stables that were the admiration of the county; and though the cottage was near London, the pleasures of the metropolis seldom allured him for more than a few days--generally but a few hours-at a time; and he--always hurried back with renewed relish to what he considered his home.
Whatever the connection between Catherine and himself (and of the true nature of that connection, the Introductory Chapter has made the reader more enlightened than the world), her influence had, at least, weaned from all excesses, and many follies, a man who, before he knew her, had seemed likely, from the extreme joviality and carelessness of his nature, and a very imperfect education, to contract whatever vices were most in fashion as preservatives against ennui.