She was proof, however, against his arts; and though he never lost his mastery over himself, he had some difficulty in concealing his chagrin at the result of the interview.

He now began to adopt a different course, and entering into long discussions with Amabel, strove by every effort of wit and ridicule, to shake and subvert her moral and religious principles.

But here again he failed; and once more shifting his ground, affected to be convinced by her arguments.

He entirely altered his demeanour, and though Amabel could not put much faith in the change, it was a subject of real rejoicing to her.

Though scarcely conscious of it herself, he sensibly won upon her regards, and she passed many hours of each day in his society without finding it irksome.