For some weeks it was all very up-hill work; all the red shot of warm affection I used to pour in on other occasions was of no use here.

The language of love, in which I was no mean proficient, availed me not.

Compliments and flattery, those rare skirmishers before the engagement, were denied me; and I verily think that a tender squeeze of the hand would have cost me my dismissal.
"'How very slow, all this!' thought I, as, at the end of two months siege, I still found myself seated in the trenches, and not a single breach in the fortress; 'but, to be sure, it's the way they have in the north, and one must be patient.' "While thus I was in no very sanguine frame of mind as to my prospects, in reality my progress was very considerable.

Having become a member of Mr.
M'Phun's congregation, I was gradually rising in the estimation of the widow and her friends, whom my constant attendance at meeting, and my very serious demeanor had so far impressed that very grave deliberation was held whether I should not be made an elder at the next brevet.
"If the widow Boggs had not been a very lovely and wealthy widow; had she not possessed the eyes, lips, hips, ankles, and jointure aforesaid,--I honestly avow that neither the charms of that sweet man Mr.M'Phun's eloquence, nor even the flattering distinction in store for me, would have induced me to prolong my suit.

However, I was not going to despair when in sight of land.