That gentleman had carried so many points in his life by simply waiting, that he was nothing daunted by the obstacles which the caprice of the young lady presented to the immediate accomplishment of his plans.

And those which he once deliberately formed, were never abandoned for trifles.
So when Aunt Becky and Miss Gertrude at length agreed on an armistice--the conditions being that the question of Mr.Dangerfield's bliss or misery was to stand over for judgment until the general's return, which could not now be deferred more than two or three weeks--the amorous swain, on being apprised of the terms by Aunt Rebecca, acquiesced with alacrity, in a handsome, neat, and gallant little speech, and kissed Aunt Rebecca's slender and jewelled hand, with a low bow and a grim smile, all which she received very graciously.
Of course, Dangerfield knew pretty well how matters stood; he was not a man to live in a dream; facts were his daily bread.

He knew to a month how old he was, and pretty exactly how time had dealt with his personal charms.

He had a very exact and cynical appreciation of the terms on which Miss Chattesworth would--if at all--become and continue to be his wife.

But he wanted her--she suited him exactly, and all he needed to make his kingdom sure, when he had obtained her, was his legal rights.
He was no Petruchio; neither was it his theory to rule by love.