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 became 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.
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