The baron has position but he has not wealth, Mr.Cleek.

Athalie is ambitious.

She loves luxury, riches, a life of fashion--all the things that boundless money can give; and when Monsieur Merode--who is young, handsome, and said to be fabulously wealthy--showed a distinct preference for her over all the other marriageable girls he met, she was flattered out of her silly wits.

Before they left Monte Carlo for Paris everybody could see that he had only to ask her hand, to have it bestowed upon him.

For although the baron never has cared for the man, Athalie rules him, and her every caprice is humoured.
"But for all he was so ardent a lover, Monsieur Merode was slow in coming to the important point.