Though, by the expression of the earl's face, Mr.Menteith clearly saw that, whether he had thought it or not, the result would have been just the same.

He smiled a little to himself, but he did not dispute the matter.

He knew that one of the best qualities the earl possessed--most blessed and useful to him, as it is to every human being--was the power of making up his own mind, and acting upon it with that quiet resolution which is quite distinct from obstinacy--obstinacy, usually the last strong-hold of cowards, and the blustering self-defense of fools.
"There is but one objection to your plan, Lord Cairnforth.

Miss Cardross is young--twenty-six, I think." "Twenty-five and a half." "She may not remain always Miss Cardross.

She may marry; and we can not tell what sort of man her husband may be, or how fit to be trusted with so large a property." "So good a woman is not likely to choose a man unworthy of her," said Lord Cairnforth, after a pause.