Your millionaire grocer is but a steppingstone; who knows but you may soon chum with dukes?
"Will Warburton"
George Gissing
He had come to the Netherlands desirous of smoothing over difficulties and of making a peaceful termination to that rebellion a steppingstone to his English throne.
"Project Gutenberg History of The Netherlands, 1555-1623, Complete"
John Lothrop Motley
It was because Holland was the threshold of England; because the two countries were one by danger and by destiny; because the naval expedition from Spain against England was already secretly preparing; because the deposed tyrant of Spain intended the Provinces, when again subjugated, as a steppingstone to the conquest of England; because the naval and military forces of Holland-her numerous ships, her hardy mariners, her vast wealth, her commodious sea-ports, close to the English coast-if made Spanish property would render Philip invincible by sea and land; and because the downfall of Holland and of Protestantism would be death to Elizabeth, and annihilation to England.
"Project Gutenberg History of The Netherlands, 1555-1623, Complete"
John Lothrop Motley