Of course he could live on it,--and as during the winter months of the year a home was found for him free of cost, he could keep hunters, and live as rich men live. But he was a poor, embarrassed man, without prospects,--until this fine ducal prospect became opened to him by the want of that cradle at Matching Priory.
But the prospect was no doubt very distant. Lady Glencora might yet have as many sons as Hecuba. Or she might die, and some other more fortunate lady might become the mother of his cousin's heir. Or the Duke might marry and have a son. And, moreover, his cousin was only one year older than himself, and the great prize, if it came his way, might not come for forty years as yet. Nevertheless his hand might now be acceptable in quarters where it would certainly be rejected had Lady Glencora possessed that cradle up-stairs. We cannot but suppose that he must have made some calculations of this nature.

Of course he could live on six hundred a year; but he was a poor man, without prospects - until this fine ducal prospect became opened to him by the lack of an occupied cradle at Matching Priory.
But the prospect was very distant. Lady Glencora might yet have many sons. Or she might die, and some other more fortunate lady might bear sons in her place. Or the Duke might yet marry and have a son. Moreover, Jeffrey's cousin was only one year older than himself, and the great prize might not come for forty years.
Nevertheless his hand might now be acceptable, where it would certainly be rejected if Lady Glencora had filled that cradle. He must have made some calculations of this nature.
