Lord Nidderdale had half consented to renew his suit to Marie Melmotte. He had at any rate half promised to call at Melmotte's house on the Sunday with the object of so doing. As far as that promise had been given it was broken, for on the Sunday he was not seen in Bruton Street. Though not much given to severe thinking, he did feel that on this occasion there was need for thought. His father's property was not very large. His father and his grandfather had both been extravagant men, and he himself had done something towards adding to the family embarrassments. It had been an understood thing, since he had commenced life, that he was to marry an heiress. In such families as his, when such results have been achieved, it is generally understood that matters shall be put right by an heiress. It has become an institution, like primogeniture, and is almost as serviceable for maintaining the proper order of things. Rank squanders money; trade makes it;--and then trade purchases rank by re-gilding its splendour. 
Lord Nidderdale had half consented to renew his suit to Marie Melmotte, and had agreed to call at Melmotte's house on Sunday. However, he did not go to Bruton Street. Though not much given to severe thinking, he did feel that on this occasion there was need for thought.
His father's property was not large. His father and his grandfather had both been extravagant, and he had added to their debts. In such families as his, it is generally understood that matters shall be put right by marrying an heiress. Rank squanders money; trade makes it; and then trade purchases rank. 