Mr.Lancaster was spoken of too pointedly; and there was mention of too many yacht-parties and entertainments in which their names appeared together.
In fact, the forces exerted, against Alice Yorke had begun to tell.

Her mother, overawed by her husband's determination, had reluctantly abandoned her dreams of a foreign title with its attendant honors to herself, and, of late, had turned all her energies to furthering the suit of Mr.Lancaster.It would be a great establishment that he would give Alice, and no name in the country stood higher.

He was the soul of honor, personal and commercial; and in an age when many were endeavoring to amass great fortunes and make a dazzling display, he was content to live modestly, and was known for his broad-minded philanthropy.

What did it matter that he was considerably older than Alice?
reflected Mrs.
Yorke.

Mrs.Creamer and half the mothers she knew would give their eyes to secure him for their daughters; and certainly he had shown that he knew how to enter into Alice's feelings.
Even Mr.Yorke had begun to favor Mr.Lancaster after Mrs.Yorke had skilfully pointed out that Alice's next most attentive admirer was Ferdy Wickersham.
"Why, I thought he was still trying to get that Caldwell girl," said he.
"You know he cannot get her; she is married," replied Mrs.Yorke.
"I guess that would make precious little difference to that young man, if she would say the word.