Though his means were ample, his expenditures were moderate: every thing around him was neat and plain, and intended only for use. Free from the fashion-mania which at that time attacked certain people like an epidemic, he preferred comfort and ease at his own fireside, and the company of a few friends to the empty display, and unsubstantial show which win the smile of moneyed plebeians. His general deportment, his countenance and manner, discovered a mind and disposition, that had always been accustomed to unremitting indulgence. He was ardent in friendship; possessing a heart of the keenest sensibility, with a scrupulous regard for the feelings of others. He had been much in female society--in company with the amiable and intelligent. Still he had never seen any one that he thought was possessed of congenial feelings, or whose mind would assimilate with his own. [The Merchant's Daughter: He married, when young, a lady of congenial feelings....] When he became acquainted with Alida, his sensations were awakened to a new influence;--that he did not attempt to banish from his mind. He never before had seen any one he thought so worthy of esteem, or so calculated to inspire him with lasting friendship. "The kindness, and sincerity of her heart, speaks in her artless manner," said he, (as he was one evening returning home from her father's.) "She delights the old and captivates the young. Yet her beauty is not so dazzling at first glance, but every day that she is seen, the more her features charm, the more her manners please. Innocence dwells in the silvery curls of her light auburn hair, that waves over her shoulders in simple elegance. She has been reared with proper care and attention, and educated not to shine in a ball-room, but with a soft soothing friendship, to dissipate ennui and gloom, and make the happiness of the domestic circle." [The Merchant's Daughter: the sincerity of her artless smile delighted the old and captivated the young. Her face was of the grecian mould, -- beautiful, yet her beauty was not so dazzling as at a first glance to hold the gazer in thrall -- but every day that she was seen, the more her features charmed, the more her manners pleased. The fresh bloom of health sported on her cheek, and innocence dwelt in the rich curls of her dark hair, that waved over a pure and stainless neck. In every motion of her sylph-like form was gayety and unaffected grace. She was reared with tender care, and educated not to shine in a ball-room, or flirt at a "rout," but to make a frugal housewife....] CHAPTER XV. Come, Contemplation, with thy boundless gaze, Inspire my song, while I his merits praise, A true description of his greatness name, And fame's bright annals, shall record the same.