He always left her dissatisfied with
herself and with a depressing consciousness that she had made no
impression upon him.
His conquest grew into an absorbing desire; and she unobtrusively
brought to bear upon him every art and fascination that she
possessed. Her toilets were as exquisite as they were simple. The
children were made to idolize her more than ever; but Ackland was
candid enough to admit that this was not all guile on her part,
for she was evidently in sympathy with the little people, who can
rarely be imposed upon by any amount of false interest. Indeed, he
saw no reason to doubt that she abounded in good-nature toward all
except the natural objects of her ruling passion; but the very
skill and deliberateness with which she sought to gratify this
passion greatly increased his vindictive feeling. He saw how
naturally and completely his friend had been deceived and how
exquisite must have been the hopes and anticipations so falsely
raised. Therefore he smiled more grimly at the close of each
succeeding day, and was more than ever bent upon the
accomplishment of his purpose.
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