His younger half-brother, who, as far as the great world was concerned, had none of his elder brother's advantages, had been endowed with some fortune from his mother, and,--in an evil hour for both of them,--had lent the politician money.

As one consequence of this transaction, they had not spoken to each other for years.

On this quarrel Mrs.Roby was always harping with her own husband,--not taking his part.

Her Roby, her Dick, had indeed the means of supporting her with a fair comfort, but had, of his own, no power of introducing her to that sort of society for which her soul craved.

But Mr.Thomas Roby was a great man,--though unfortunately poor,--and moved in high circles.