And the doctor had four daughters.

The two elder were married, including that Blanche with whom Lord Lufton was to have fallen in love at the vicar's wedding.

A Devonshire squire had done this in the lord's place; but on marrying her it was necessary that he should have a few thousand pounds, two or three perhaps, and the old doctor had managed that they should be forthcoming.

The elder also had not been sent away from the paternal mansion quite empty-handed.

There were, therefore, at the time of the doctor's death two children left at home, of whom one only, Lucy, the younger, will come much across us in the course of our story.
Mark stayed for ten days at Exeter, he and the Devonshire squire having been named as executors in the will.