y little more of his past history
than this; he had labored for Fabens for a few weeks, and now a mutual
regard quite ripened to affection, was rising between him and Fanny.

George well knew her worth and happy fortune; he remembered that he was
poor in what the world called riches; yet, possessing a manly
self-respect, he considered himself as made in no way inferior on
account of his poverty; and observing that she reciprocated freely any
regard he gave her, he had the boldness at last to declare his
affection, and intimate the happiness it would pour into his heart and
life, some day to possess her as his wife; and it was not in her will,
nor in that of her parents, to return one word of discouragement;
although it was an opinion of theirs, to which he freely responded,
that the final decision should be deliberately weighed, and the union
set over to a time at which they would be better prepared for a happy
bridal and a happy life.

But the impressions left by Fairbanks on the mind of Fabens, after the
conversation in the harvest field, tended only to strengthen the Squire
in the opinion that his wife had misjudged the gentlemanly merchant;
and to elevate Fairbanks the more in his confidence and esteem. And
returning to the house that evening, Fanny remarked to her mother, that
she must have judged, too hastily: "for much as I have tasked my powers
of discernment," said she, "I cannot detect the first design or word,
which would lead me to suspect that Mr. Fairbanks is deceptive. True,
he rather addresses himself to one's self-esteem, and is open, and
ardent for a comparative stranger; but it must be a manly way of his,
which he forgets to hold in reserve; and I believe he is a gentleman.
I am sure, too, mother, that I have not allowed myself to feel
flattered by his words; nor could I ever regard him as nearer than a
friend. A true friend to us I believe he is. A face expressing so
much open goodness; a bearing so instinctively affable, could not
belong to a bad man."

Fairbanks was too clear-sighted not to read and know the hearts with
which he was making acquaintance; and his well-considered plans
suffered nothing for want of diligence on his part, in being brought to
a fulfilment. Nor did he stand or act alone.

Almon Frisbie was his clerk and confidant, and talked of a friendship
that began long before they left the Hudson; and he was prompt at any
moment to receive his counsels in sacred trust, and go