He has seen and become acquainted with Lucy in Paris, under sanction of her weak-minded and foolish mother.

The girl herself admitted that her engagement to him was with her consent.
Dunroe, already aware of his attentions to her, becomes jealous, and on meeting him in London quarrels with him, that is to say, forces him, I should think, into one;--not that the fellow seems at all to be a coward either,--but why the devil did not the hot-headed young scoundrel take steadier aim, and send the bullet through his heart or brain?
Had he pinked him, it would have saved me much vexation and trouble." He then passed to another train of thought--"Thomas Gourlay,--plain Thomas Gourlay--what the devil could the corpse-like hag mean by that?
Is it possible that this insane scoundrel will come to light in spite of me?
Would to Heaven that I could ascertain his whereabouts, and get him into my power once more.

I would take care to put him in a place of safety." He then touched his horse with the spurs, and proceeded to Red Hall at a quicker pace..