Above all, he had acquired what Voltaire justly calls "le grand art de plaire;" he had studied this art, as many women study it, and few men.

Why, he even watched the countenance, and smoothed the rising bristles of those he wished to please, or did not wish to displease.

This was the easier to him that he had no strong convictions on any great topic.

It is your plaguy convictions that make men stubborn and disagreeable.
A character of this kind is very susceptible, either of good or evil influences; and his attachment to Grace Carden was turning him the right way.
Add to this a good figure and a distinguished air, and you have some superficial idea of the gentleman toward whom Grace Carden found herself drawn by circumstances, and not unwillingly, though not with that sacred joy and thrill which marks a genuine passion.
They left George and the trap at the "Colley Dog," and ascended the mountain.

There were no serious difficulties on this side; but still there were little occasional asperities, that gave the lover an opportunity to offer his arm; and Mr.Coventry threw a graceful devotion even into this slight act of homage.