It was a great hit, in the second generation of an
earldom, to convert the coronet into that of a marquis; but
the son of the old chancellor lived in stirring times, and
cruised for his object with the same devoted patience with
which Lord Anson watched for the galleon. It came at last, as
everything does if men are firm and calm. The present
marquis, through his ancestry and his first wife, was allied
with the highest houses of the realm and looked their peer.
He might have been selected as the personification of
aristocracy: so noble was his appearance, so distinguished his
manner; his bow gained every eye, his smile every heart. He
was also very accomplished, and not ill-informed; had read a
little, and thought a little, and was in every respect a most
superior man; alike famed for his favour by the fair, and the
constancy of his homage to the charming Lady Marney.
Lord Deloraine was not very rich; but he was not embarrassed,
and had the appearance of princely wealth; a splendid family
mansion with a courtyard; a noble country-seat with a
magnificent park, including a quite celebrated lake, but with
very few farms attached to it. He however held a good patent
place which had been conferred on his descendants by the old
chancellor, and this brought in annually some thousands.
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