text:  On the very day following his return to England before he even visited his desolate country-house he sent for Lord Robert Stanley and made him the confidant of his indignation--avowed his former good intentions in his favour--betrayed all Mary's--all _Mr Everard Sparks's_ disparaging opposition; and ended by enquiring whether since whichever of his daughters became Lady Robert Stanley would become sole heiress to his property his lordship could make up his mind to accept Selina as a wife? Proud as he was the General almost condescended to plead the cause of his deformed daughter: enlarging upon her excellences of character and still more upon her aversion to society which would secure the self-love of her husband against any public remarks on her want of personal attractions