The extreme kindliness of his nature was recognized by all; in fact, people said that he was made entirely out of good impulses and bashfulness; that he could always be counted upon for help when it was needed, and for bashfulness both when it was needed and when it wasn't.
Mary Taylor, twenty-three, modest, sweet, winning, and in character and person beautiful, was all in all to him.

And he was very nearly all in all to her.

She was wavering, his hopes were high.

Her mother had been in opposition from the first.

But she was wavering, too; he could see it.