She was far too wise ever to express such a wish openly, none the less it was deeply engraven on her heart.
They were warmly attached to each other and Lady Carruthers fancied that she already saw some signs of liking on the part of Marion for Basil.
While Miss Hautville pursued her quiet, ordinary course of education under Lady Carruthers' roof, Basil went through Eton and Oxford; at both places he gained high honors and at both places he succeeded in puzzling his tutors and masters.

He was of such a peculiar disposition; chivalrous, romantic, brave, yet with something about him--they could not define what, but quite unlike other boys.
He did not evince any taste for any particular branch of study; he had no inclination for the navy, for serving his country as his father had done before him.

In fact, it was difficult to tell in what direction his taste really lay.

Still, he left college with high honors, and his masters prophesied great things for him.
"He will make himself famous some day," they wrote to his anxious mother.

"In the mean time, let him see something of the world, and you will know in what direction his talent lies." So, crowded with honors, he came home to Ulverston.