easy matter to conform, in outward
appearance, to the society he was in. This he never failed to do. When with
the Waltons, he was a pattern of generosity, and a pitying angel. When with
the gambler, or the _roue_, he was equally at home--a debauchee, or a
handler of cards.

With the intuitive perception of woman, Ellen saw through his character at
once; and, though she treated him with civility, never gave him any
encouragement. Blinded by her fortune, and construing her reserve into the
bashfulness of a first passion, being too vain to acknowledge the inability
of his powers of fascination to carry all before them, he gave himself up
to hope, and already counted on the half of the Walton estate as his own,
and spent many a shilling of his small funds on the strength of the
anticipation.

When he saw that the bottom of his purse would soon be reached, he sought
an opportunity, declared himself in love, and asked the hand of Miss
Walton. The General to whom he had always appeared a "fine fellow," would
leave his daughter to decide the matter. Thus referred, he lost no time in
making Ellen the recipient of his "tale of love." All his theatrical powers
were called in action; his eloquence commanded; but the impressions made
were far different from those intended. Though the outward semblance was
complete, Ellen saw that the passion was feigned, and a still deeper
dislike took possession of her feelings. But with gentle delicacy, she told
him his passion was not returned.

"Then," said he, "let me win your love. I am sure your heart will yield
when you are convinced of the depth of the devotedness of my affection."

"Do not flatter yourself with a vain hope. I feel that I shall never be
able to love you; and it is in kindness that I tell you so at once."

"Ah, adorable, angelic being! One so kind, so considerate, so good, is too
pure, too near akin to heaven, for man to possess. I only ask to be your
friend."

"As such, you shall ever be welcome."

"Thanks! thanks! May I but prove worthy of your friendship!"

Thus terminated his first attempt to win Ellen. His fall from the lover to
a friend was the first step in a plot already matured. As a friend, he
could ever have access to the heiress, and be received more familiarly than
in any other capacity, save as an acknowledged lover. This familiarity
would give him the opportunity of ingratiating himself into her affections,
of which, finally, he felt certain.

He b