If he had had a sister he would have adored her.

Not having one, he lavished on Nelly the feeling he would have given a sister; and hitherto he had been content with the ardour of his feelings.

What could a man wish for sweeter and prettier beside his hearth than little Nelly?
He had fallen in love with that plan of his mother's for him and Nell with lazy contentment.

He liked Nelly's society, and it did not occur to him that he would be just as well pleased with her daily companionship if he could have it without the tie between them becoming more than cousinly..