Henry Pascal, as has been seen, was the son of a wealthy importer. His father at first designed to introduce him into his counting-room, and thoroughly educate him for a merchant. But, the young man showing no taste for business, he changed his mind in regard to him, and placed him in the office of an eminent practitioner at the bar. Here he remained about a year, at the end of which period he knew very little more of law than he did of physic. Not that he lacked ability; for Pascal had a clear, strong mind. But he loved pleasure, and had no incentive to study. His father’s great wealth took away all necessity for him to strive for money; and eminence in any pursuit in life was not a motive strong enough to induce him to devote himself with that unwearied diligence necessary to success. It was during the time that he was pretending to study law, that Henry Pascal became interested in Eveline Townsend. To say that he loved her, would, perhaps, be speaking too strongly. For, to love any thing out of himself, was hardly possible. But she was very beautiful, and of that he could feel proud--and she had a well-cultivated mind, and winning manners. An attachment to her formed a kind of pursuit in life; was an impulse in the aimless tenor of his existence. His friends, who had become anxious for the young man, encouraged this preference for Eveline, in the hope that it would awaken the dormant energies of his mind. Disappointed in this, they met his expressed desire to go abroad with approval, and Pascal started for Europe. During his absence, his letters to Eveline came at regular periods, and expressed just enough affection to keep the heart of the maiden warm. His return was at a time when Mr. Townsend’s affairs were not exhibiting the most prosperous state, and when rumor set down his various losses at double the real amount. Old Mr. Pascal had his eye upon the merchant. He had seen the prosperous career of many a man checked, and a blight steel over his fortunes like a mildew, while no adequate cause could be assigned therefor; and he had his suspicions, from many little circumstances that transpired, that such a blight was about falling upon the worldly prosperity of Mr. Townsend. With these suspicions came the wish to have his son break off all intercourse with Eveline. Immediately on his return, he introduced the subject to him, and stated his fears. “Is there any engagement existing between you?” he closed by asking. “No verbal engagements,” replied his son. “Very well, Henry. Then do not make any.” “But the engagement is implied, father.” “No engagement is implied. All contracts to be such must come into oral or written expression. You may imply anything. Looking at a woman, or dancing with her, may be construed into a marriage contract under such a law. No, Henry, you are not engaged, and for the present, keep yourself free.” The young man promised to do so, but continued his visits as usual.