Under every circumstance of his life he was a plotter and a planner, and had at all times some private speculation in view.

On the present occasion, in addition to his murderous design upon Miss Goodwin, he resolved to become a wife-hunter, for, being well acquainted, as he was, with the tone and temper of English society at its most celebrated watering places, and.

the matrimonial projects and intrigues which abound at them, he took it for granted that he might stand a chance of making a successful hit with a view to matrimony.

One thing struck him, however, which was, that he had no horse, and could not go there mounted, as a gentleman ought.

It is true his step-father had several horses, but not one of them beyond the character of a common hack.