ut it all, that attracted
attention, and set off his honors.

He was an instant and accurate judge of character; he discerned by a
glance of his quick perceptions the lights and shadows of the human
mind, and was accomplished in manners that won the esteem of the
people, and enlisted them warmly in his favor. He remembered little
things, to accomplish great ones; he would call to your recollection
some trifling fact of which you supposed all beside yourself
unconscious, that would flatter your self-esteem in spite of you, and
win for himself your approbation. He remembered the names of his
customers and acquaintances, and called them emphatically, if he had
seen them never but once before; he was particular to salute each man
with his title, and whether that title was military, religious or
judicial, if he was in any doubt of its particular elevation, he would
be sure and get it so high that, when mistaken, a captain could answer
to the appellation of major; a justice to that of judge; a meek
disciple to that of deacon, and a preacher to that of doctor.

He knew many children in town, he spoke all their names, and told of
some good-looking relative or friend of his on the Hudson, whom they
strikingly resembled. He distinctly professed private religious and
political opinions of his own, while he knew there were the best of
people in all parties and persuasions, and put every one at perfect
ease with whom he conversed, convincing them that controversy was
unprofitable, and the slight difference between them, after all, would
be more in talk than in truth. He was a popular merchant, and the
central attraction of several gay circles in the town.

With her searching discernment, Mrs. Fabens had discovered in him more
than one design which she pronounced artful; she studied his character,
and told her husband and daughter in confidence, she believed him a
cunning flatterer, and a cheat; and that he would not always sail in
smooth water in Summerfield.

But Fabens would hardly listen for a moment to her surmises. He had
dealt with Merchant Fairbanks considerably; he had always believed him
honest and manly, and he joined the multitude in much of the praise
which they bestowed upon him.

As for Fanny, though she had not given the gentleman a great many
thoughts, she regarded him favorably, and found him a most mannerly
salesman, an affable and gallant man. She thought him far better than
many who ran after him, and