I should be as much bound to her, and to her alone, as if I were an Englishman myself." "Well, you have evidently thought it out and taken legal advice; and really, as far as the technical part of it goes, I suppose you have as good a chance as Lord Steepleton Kildare." Isaacs frowned, and his eyes flashed.

I saw at once that he considered the Irish officer a rival, and a dangerous one.

I did not think that if Isaacs had fair play and the same opportunities Kildare had much chance.
Besides there was a difficulty in the way.
"As far as religion is concerned, Lord Steepleton is not much better off than you, if he wants to marry Miss Westonhaugh.

The Kildares have been Roman Catholics since the memory of man, and they are very proud of it.
Theoretically, it is as hard for a Roman Catholic man to marry a Protestant woman, as for a Mussulman to wed a Christian of any denomination.

Harder, in fact, for your marriage depends upon the consent of the lady, and his upon the consent of the Church.