He was the second son, and his eldest brother had died when his heir was a month old.

This heir had cut out Mrs.Bertram's husband from the family place, with its riches and honors.

He himself had died soon after, and had left his widow with three children and twelve hundred a year.
The children were a son and two daughters.

The son's name was Loftus, the girls were called Catherine and Mabel.

Loftus was handsome in person, and very every-day in mind.