If Walderhurst's infant son had lived, or if Osborn had been a refined, even if dull, fellow, there are ten chances to one his lordship would have chosen no second marchioness.
Captain Osborn's life in India had not ended in his making no further debts.

He was not a man to put the brake on in the matter of self-indulgence.

He got into debt so long as a shred of credit remained to him, and afterwards he tried to add to his resources by cards and betting at races.

He made and lost by turn, and was in a desperate state when he got his leave.

He applied for it because he had conceived the idea that his going home as a married man might be a good thing for him.
Hester, it seemed not at all improbable, might accomplish something with Walderhurst.