ecame a constant and frequent visitor at the mansion of the Waltons,
and was ever received with cordiality. He let no opportunity pass
unimproved to carry out his design. Goodness, benevolence, charity, were
counterfeited most adroitly, until even Ellen began to think she had done
him injustice by her suspicions. This is a favorable moment for a lover.
Prove that you have been dealt with unjustly, and a woman's heart is opened
by sympathy to let you in. It was well for Ellen that her heart was already
occupied, or this might possibly have been her fate. As it was, she
became, insensibly and unintentionally, kind to Durant. He did not fail to
notice the change, and his heart exulted in the prospect of complete
success.

When he thought the proper time had arrived, he prepared the way, and again
declared himself a lover, with more eloquence than before. Again his suit
was gently declined; but this time he persevered until his importunities
became unbearable, and with them, all Ellen's old prejudices returned,
strengthened ten-fold. If he could and would force himself for weeks and
months upon an unwilling victim of his importunities, and attempt by such
means to force her to accept his hand, he was depraved enough for any other
wickedness. So she plainly told him she could not and would not submit
longer to his unreasonable conduct; that he must consider himself as
finally, fully and unrecallably dismissed.

"And give up all hope--the hope that has sustained and given me life so
long? Oh, think, Ellen, think of my misery, of the untold wretchedness into
which you plunge me, and let your heart, your kind, generous heart,
relent!"

"Mr. Durant, I have told you often and often that it was impossible for me
to love you, and that it was kindness to tell you so. If you have
disregarded my oft repeated declaration, the truth of which you must long
ere this have been convinced, the fault is yours, not mine."

"I know you have so spoken often, but still I have dared to hope. I loved
too fervently for the passion ever to die before you denied me hope. Think
of all these things, and then recall your words."

"You have repeated them so frequently, that I could not well avoid thinking
of them whether I chose to or not. Let me now say, once for all, that
importunities are utterly useless, and can prove of no avail."

"Then I am to understand you as casting me off from your presence; and this
being the _end_ of your kindness, may I