Ellen's time was her own; and after her mother's death her will was uncontrolled.

Her education was not good enough to give her a taste for self-improvement.

She had a fine mind, though, and the strictest sense of propriety and dignity.

Her remarkable beauty drew towards her the attention of the young men of her own class, as well as those of good family; but she was always prudent.
Poor girl! knowing she was motherless and friendless, I tried to win her regard; I asked her to come to the house, with some other young girls of the neighborhood, to study the Bible under my poor teachings; but she declined, and I afterwards went to see her, hoping to persuade her to come.
I found her pale and delicate, and much dispirited.

Thanking me most earnestly, she begged me to excuse her, saying she rarely went out, on account of her father's habits, fearing something might occur during her absence from home.