He missed no opportunity, to exaggerate his faults in her hearing, which had the opposite effect of exciting her pity, and intensifying her love. She despised her father's business, and knew that whatever were James' failings, he was in a great measure responsible for them. She felt no inclination, or prompting of duty to cast him off, until she had made an effort at least to save him. She never doubted the sincerest love on his part, and that in her pure eyes was enough to warrant the hope of redemption. If that failed, surely no other earthly means could wrest him from the tempter's grasp.
Walter was four or five years younger than James, but, as he was always forming friendships with those older than himself, he was strongly attached to him as a schoolmate, and their intimacy continued as they grew into manhood.
Walter was so old for his years, that he assumed a rank in society, and was looked up to as a friend and counsellor much sooner than is usual for young men. His sincerity and earnestness won for him entire confidence so that Mary felt no hesitation in trusting him with this most momentous question of hers. His youth relieved her of much of the embarrassment she would have experienced in speaking so freely of what every woman wishes to keep to herself, to a young man of her own age. It was, as he said, a desperate struggle for her to do it, but what will not any of us do when a beloved one stands on the brink of a fearful precipice, down which he is to plunge from our gaze forever, unless some friendly hand intervenes?
