Encouraged by this favorable reception, the Squire soon repeated his visit, and by adroitly flattering the elder lady, he continued to ingratiate himself into her favor.  Mrs. Wildegrave was a kind well-meaning woman, but she had struggled so long with poverty, that wealth had acquired, as a natural consequence, too great an ascendancy over her mind.  The possession of these coveted riches gave to Mark Hurdlestone an importance in her eyes, which made her blind to the defects of his character, and she secretly wished that her daughter had not entered into a rash engagement with his brother, which must unavoidably extend over an indefinite number of years, but could transfer her affections to the handsome owner of Oak Hall.  Alas! how often are mothers, and fond mothers too, induced to sacrifice the earthly and eternal peace of a beloved child to the demon of this world, the selfish soul-destroying power of wealth, that daily slays its thousands and tens of thousands, yet never finds one worshipper the less.

About this period, Mr. Hurdlestone purchased the cottage rented by the widow, and appeared in a new character, that of a landlord.  The old lady was fond of planning improvements, which gave him an opportunity of gratifying her taste; and he took no small pains in accommodating himself to her wishes.  “He was a fine generous man,” she said, “one whom the world has greatly misrepresented.  All his father’s faults have been heaped upon his innocent head.  She had had sore reason to hate the illiberal narrow-minded father, but she admired and esteemed the son.”

“I do not think that Algernon did his brother justice,” said Elinor; “but members of the same family are often blind to each other’s merits.  Certainly the Squire is not the bad selfish man I took him for.”

“He has behaved like an angel to us,” returned the mother; “and I for my part, prefer him to Algernon.”

Elinor rejected this preference with disdain; but the old lady persisted in maintaining her own opinion.  Her daughter at last relinquished the argument, by saying, “That the Squire, with his grave serious face, and stiff polite manners, might suit the taste of a middle-aged woman; but he never would win the regard of a young girl.”

At first, Elinor had shunned the company of Mr. Hurdlestone, for his presence recalled painful thoughts, and she was prejudiced against him on his brother’s account; but his attentions were so kind and considerate, that, stern as he was, she began to entertain a better opinion of him, and to think that perhaps Algernon, who was very passionate, might have given him some provocation for the unjust distribution of his father’s property.  His manners were austere, and somewhat misanthropic, but his book-knowledge was extensive, and, though naturally taciturn, he could, when he pleased, converse well upon any subject.  Free from the influence of malignant passions, he was a sensible and interesting companion.