There did seem to him to be a certain amount of justice in the idea; but then, unfortunately, it could not be carried out.

If there were nothing else against it but the existence of the young lady at Chesterton, that alone would have been sufficient.

And then, though Maria Shand was very well, though, no doubt, she would make a true and loving wife to any husband, though there had been a pretty touch of feeling about the Thomson's 'Seasons,'-- still, still, she was not all that he fancied that a wife should be.

He was quite willing to give L500 for Dick; but after that he thought that he would have had almost enough of the Shands.

He could not marry Maria, and so he must say plainly if called upon to declare himself in the matter.