Glyndon was supposed by his friends to possess no inconsiderable genius; but it was of a rash and presumptuous order.

He was averse from continuous and steady labour, and his ambition rather sought to gather the fruit than to plant the tree.

In common with many artists in their youth, he was fond of pleasure and excitement, yielding with little forethought to whatever impressed his fancy or appealed to his passions.

He had travelled through the more celebrated cities of Europe, with the avowed purpose and sincere resolution of studying the divine masterpieces of his art.

But in each, pleasure had too often allured him from ambition, and living beauty distracted his worship from the senseless canvas.