But here, in speaking of the brother, it may suffice to say, that the sister, who was endowed with infinitely finer gifts than his, did give credit to the somewhat pretentious claims of her less noble brother.
Indeed it had been perhaps a misfortune with Everett Wharton that some people had believed in him,--and a further misfortune that some others had thought it worth their while to pretend to believe in him.
Among the latter might probably be reckoned the friend with whom he was now dining at the Progress.

A man may flatter another, as Lopez occasionally did flatter Wharton, without preconcerted falsehood.

It suits one man to be well with another, and the one learns gradually and perhaps unconsciously the way to take advantage of the foibles of the other.

Now it was most material to Lopez that he should stand well with all the members of the Wharton family, as he aspired to the hand of the daughter of the house.

Of her regard he had already thought himself nearly sure.