He was greedy and anxious to increase his store, never willing to lose that which he possessed, fond of pleasure, but very careful of himself in the enjoyment of it, handsome, every inch an English gentleman in appearance, and therefore popular with men and women of his own class who were not near enough to him to know him well, given to but few words, proud of his name, and rank, and place, well versed in the business of the world, a match for most men in money matters, not ignorant, though he rarely opened a book, selfish, and utterly regardless of the feelings of all those with whom he came in contact.

Such were Sir Hugh Clavering and his brother the captain.
Sir Hugh took Florence in to dinner, and when the soup had been eaten made an attempt to talk to her.

"How long have you been here, Miss Burton ?" "Nearly a week," said Florence.
"Ah; you came to the wedding; I was sorry I couldn't be here.

It went off very well, I suppose ?" "Very well indeed, I think." "They're tiresome things in general--weddings.

Don't you think so ?" "Oh, dear, no--except that some person one loves is always being taken away." "You'll be the next person to be taken away yourself; I suppose ?" "I must be the next person at home, because I am the last that is left.
All my sisters are married." "And how many are there ?" "There are five married." "Good heavens--five!" "And they are all married to men in the same profession as Harry." "Quite a family affair," said Sir Hugh.