The scrapes his irresolution brought him into he did not care to glance at; and whilst only too well aware of his one lamentable deficiency, he was equally aware that he was powerless to stand against it.
People, in speaking of this, called it "Elster's Folly." His extreme sensitiveness as to the feelings of other people, whether equals or inferiors, was, in a degree, one of the causes of this yielding nature; and he would almost rather have died than offer any one a personal offence, an insulting word or look.

There are such characters in the world; none can deny that they are amiable; but, oh, how unfit to battle with life! Mr.Elster walked slowly through the village on his way to Hartledon, whose inmates he would presently take by surprise.

It was about twenty months since he had been there.

He had left Hartledon at the close of the last winter but one; an appointment having been obtained for him as an _attache_ to the Paris embassy.

Ten months of service, and some scrape he fell into caused him (a good deal of private interest was brought to bear in the matter) to be removed to Vienna; but he had not remained there very long.