He felt that he possessed all the qualities necessary to make him a leader among the Dales gentlemen.

He foresaw, through them, social influence and political power; and he had an ambition to make his reign in the house of Sandal the era of a new and far more splendid dynasty.
He had been lying in the shade, drinking iced coffee, and smoking.

But as Sophia read, he sat upright, and a look of speculation came into his eyes.

"There is no use weeping, my love," he said languidly, "you will only dim your beauty, and that will do neither your father nor me any good.

Let us go to Sandal.