[Transcriber's Note:

This e-text is based on the 1851 Boston edition of _Alonzo and Melissa_. The story originally appeared in 1804 as a serial in the weekly_Political Barometer_ of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. , written by the newspaper'seditor, Isaac Mitchell. Pirated versions began to appear in 1811, giving Daniel Jackson, Jr. , as author. 

The book was printed as a single unit, without chapter divisions. The breaks in the e-text represent the 22 installments of the serialversion. 

Note that the standard punctuation for dialogue is

 "To this place, said Melissa, have I taken many a solitary walk. . . . "

The following are listed at the end of the e-text:

 Chronology of the Story Quotations Other Editions Errors and Inconsistencies]

 ALONZO AND MELISSA, or

 THE UNFEELING FATHER. 

 An

 AMERICAN TALE. 

 In every varied posture, place, and hour, How widowed every thought of every joy!

 YOUNG. 

 BY DANIEL JACKSON, Jr. 

 Boston: Printed for the Publishers. 1851. 

PREFACE

Whether the story of Alonzo and Melissa will generally please, thewriter knows not; if, however, he is not mistaken, it is not unfriendlyto religion and to virtue. --One thing was aimed to be shown, that a firmreliance on Providence, however the affections might be at war with itsdispensations, is the only source of consolation in the gloomy hours ofaffliction; and that generally such dependence, though crossed bydifficulties and perplexities, will be crowned with victory at last. 

It is also believed that the story contains no indecorous stimulants;nor is it filled with unmeaning and inexplicated incidents sounding uponthe sense, but imperceptible to the understanding. When anxieties havebeen excited by involved and doubtful events, they are afterwardselucidated by the consequences. 

The writer believes that generally he has copied nature. In the ardentprospects raised in youthful bosoms, the almost consummation of theirwishes, their sudden and unexpected disappointment, the sorrows ofseparation, the joyous and unlooked for meeting--in the poignantfeelings of Alonzo, when, at the grave of Melissa, he poured thefeelings of his anguished soul over her miniature by the "moon's paleray;"----when Melissa, sinking on her knees before her father, wasreceived to his bosom as a beloved daughter risen from the dead. 

If these scenes are not imperfectly drawn, they will not fail tointerest the refined sensibilities of the reader. 

ALONZO AND MELISSA. 

A TALE. 

In the time of the late revolution, two young gentlemen of Connecticut, who had formed an indissoluble friendship, graduated at Yale College inNew-Haven: their names were Edgar and Alonzo. Edgar was the son of arespectable farmer. Alonzo's father was an eminent merchant. Edgar wasdesigned for the desk, Alonzo for the bar; but as they were allowed somevacant time after their graduation before they entered upon theirprofessional studies, they improved this interim in mutual, friendlyvisits, mingling with select parties in the amusements of the day, andin travelling through some parts of the United States. 

Edgar had a sister who, for some time, had resided with her cousin atNew-London. She was now about to return, and it was designed that Edgarshould go and attend her home. Previous to the day on which he was toset out, he was unfortunately thrown from his horse, which so muchinjured him as to prevent his prosecuting his intended journey: hetherefore invited Alonzo to supply his place; which invitation hereadily accepted, and on the day appointed set out for New-London, wherehe arrived, delivered his introductory letters to Edgar's cousin, andwas received with the most friendly politeness. 

Melissa, the sister of Edgar, was about sixteen years of age. She wasnot what is esteemed a striking beauty, but her appearance waspleasingly interesting. Her figure was elegant; her aspect wasattempered with a pensive mildness, which in her cheerful moments wouldlight up into sprightliness and vivacity. Though on first impression, her countenance was marked by a sweet and thoughtful serenity, yet sheeminently possessed the power to

 "Call round her laughing eyes, in playful turns, The glance that lightens, and the smile that burns. "

Her mind was adorned with those delicate graces which are the firstornaments of female excellence. Her manners were graceful withoutaffectation, and her taste had been properly directed by a suitableeducation. 

Alonzo was about twenty-one years old; he had been esteemed an excellentstudent. His appearance was manly, open and free. His eye indicated anobleness of soul; although his aspect was tinged with melancholy, yethe was naturally cheerful. His disposition was of the romantic cast;

 "For far beyond the pride and pomp of power, He lov'd the realms of nature to explore; With lingering gaze Edinian spring survey'd; Morn's fairy splendours; night's gay curtained shade, The high hoar cliff, the grove's benighting gloom, The wild rose, widowed o'er the mouldering tomb; The heaven embosom'd sun; the rainbow's dye, Where lucid forms disport to fancy's eye; The vernal flower, mild autumn's purpling glow, The summer's thunder and the winter's snow. "

It was evening when Alonzo arrived at the house of Edgar's cousin. Melissa was at a ball which had been given on a matrimonial occasion inthe town. Her cousin waited on Alonzo to the ball, and introduced him toMelissa, who received him with politeness. She was dressed in white, embroidered and spangled with rich silver lace; a silk girdle, enwroughtand tasseled with gold, surrounded her waist; her hair was unadornedexcept by a wreath of artificial flowers, studded by a single diamond. 

After the ball closed, they returned to the house of Edgar's cousin. Melissa's partner at the ball was the son of a gentleman of independentfortune in New-London. He was a gay young man, aged about twenty-five. His address was easy, his manners rather voluptuous than refined;confident, but not ungraceful. He led the ton in fashionable circles;gave taste its zest, and was quite a favorite with the ladies generally. His name was Beauman. 

Edgar's cousin proposed to detain Alonzo and Melissa a few days, duringwhich time they passed in visiting select friends and social parties. Beauman was an assiduous attendant upon Melissa. He came one afternoonto invite her to ride out;--she was indisposed and excused herself. Atevening she proposed walking out with her cousin and his lady; but theywere prevented from attending her by unexpected company. Alonzo offeredto accompany her. It was one of those beautiful evenings in the month ofJune, when nature in those parts of America is arrayed in her richestdress. They left the town and walked through fields adjoining theharbour. --The moon shone in full lustre, her white beams trembling uponthe glassy main, where skiffs and sails of various descriptions werepassing and repassing. The shores of Long-Island and the other islandsin the harbour, appeared dimly to float among the waves. The air wasadorned with the fragrance of surrounding flowers; the sound ofinstrumental music wafted from the town, rendered sweeter by distance, while the whippoorwill's sprightly song echoed along the adjacentgroves. Far in the eastern horizon hung a pile of brazen clouds, whichhad passed from the north, over which, the crinkling red lightningmomentarily darted, and at times, long peals of thunder were faintlyheard. They walked to a point of the beach, where stood a large rockwhose base was washed by every tide. On this rock they seatedthemselves, and enjoyed a while the splendours of the scene--the draperyof nature. "To this place, said Melissa, have I taken many a solitarywalk, on such an evening as this, and seated on this rock, have Iexperienced more pleasing sensations than I ever received in the mostsplendid ball-room. " The idea impressed the mind of Alonzo; it wascongenial with the feeling of his soul. 

They returned at a late hour, and the next day set out for home. Beaumanhanded Melissa into the carriage, and he, with Edgar's cousin and hislady, attended them on their first day's journey. They put up at nightat the house of an acquaintance in Branford. The next morning theyparted; Melissa's cousin, his lady and Beauman, returned to New-London;Alonzo and Melissa pursued their journey, and at evening arrived at herfather's house, which was in the westerly part of the state. 

 * * * * *

Melissa was received with joyful tenderness by her friends. Edgar soonrecovered from his fall, and cheerfulness again assumed its mostpleasing aspect in the family. --Edgar's father was a plain Connecticutfarmer. He was rich, and his riches had been acquired by his diligentattention to business. He had loaned money, and taken mortgages on landsand houses for securities; and as payment frequently failed, he oftenhad opportunities of purchasing the involved premises at his own price. He well knew the worth of a shilling, and how to apply it to its bestuse; and in casting interest, he was sure never to lose a farthing. He had no other children except Edgar and Melissa, on whom hedoated. --Destitute of literature himself, he had provided the means ofobtaining it for his son, and as he was a rigid presbyterian, heconsidered that Edgar could no where figure so well, or gain moreeminence, than in the sacred desk. 

The time now arrived when Edgar and Alonzo were to part. The formerrepaired to New-York, where he was to enter upon his professionalstudies. The latter entered in the office of an eminent attorney in hisnative town, which was about twenty miles distant from the village inwhich lived the family of Edgar and Melissa. Alonzo was the frequentguest of this family; for though Edgar was absent, there was still acharm which attracted him hither. If he had admired the manly virtues ofthe brother, could he fail to adore the sublimer graces of the sister?If all the sympathies of the most ardent friendship had been drawn forthtowards the former, must not the most tender passions of the soul beattracted by the milder and more refined excellencies of the other?

Beauman had become the suitor of Melissa; but the distance of residencerendered it inconvenient to visit her often. He came regularly once intwo or three months; of course Alonzo and he sometimes met. Beauman hadmade no serious pretensions, but his particularity indicated somethingmore than fashionable politeness. 

His manners, his independent situation, his family, entitled him torespect. "It is not probable therefore that he will be objectionable toMelissa's friends or to Melissa herself, " said Alonzo, with aninvoluntary sigh. 

But as Beauman's visits to Melissa became more frequent, an increasinganxiety took place in Alonzo's bosom. He wished her to remain single;the idea of losing her by marriage, gave him inexpressible regret. Whatsubstitute could supply the happy hours he had passed in her company?What charm could wing the lingering moments when she was gone? In therecess of his studies, he could, in a few hours, be at the seat of herfather: there his cares were dissipated, and the troubles of life, realor imaginary, on light pinions, fleeted away. --How different would bethe scene when debarred from the unreserved friendship and conversationof Melissa; And unreserved it could not be, were she not exclusivelymistress of herself. But was there not something of a more refinedtexture than friendship in his predilection for the company of Melissa?If so, why not avow it? His prospects, his family, and of course hispretensions might not be inferior to those of Beauman. But perhapsBeauman was preferred. His opportunities had been greater; he had formedan acquaintance with her. Distance proved no barrier to his addresses. His visits became more and more frequent. Was it not then highlyprobable that he had secured her affections? Thus reasoned Alonzo, butthe reasoning tended not to allay the tempest which was gathering in hisbosom. He ordered his horse, and was in a short time at the seat ofMelissa's father. 

It was summer, and towards evening when he arrived. Melissa was sittingby the window when he entered the hall. She arose and received him witha smile. "I have just been thinking of an evening's walk, said she, buthad no one to attend me, and you have come just in time to perform thatoffice. I will order tea immediately, while you rest from the fatiguesof your journey. "

When tea was served up, a servant entered the room with a letter whichhe had found in the yard. Melissa received it. --"'Tis a letter, saidshe, which I sent by Beauman, to a lady in New-London, and the carelessman has lost it. " Turning to Alonzo, "I forgot to tell you that yourfriend Beauman has been with us a few days; he left us this morning. "

"My friend!" replied Alonzo, hastily. 

"Is he not your friend?" enquired Melissa. 

"I beg pardon, madam, " answered he, "my mind was absent. "

"He requested us to present his respects to his friend Alonzo, " saidshe. Alonzo bowed and turned the conversation. 

They walked out and took a winding path which led along pleasant fieldsby a gliding stream, through a little grove and up a sloping eminence, which commanded an extensive prospect of the surrounding country; LongIsland, and the sound between that and the main land, and the openingthereof to the distant ocean. 

A soft and silent shower had descended; a thousand transitory gemstrembled upon the foliage glittering the western ray. --A bright rainbowsat upon a southern cloud; the light gales whispered among the branches, agitated the young harvest to billowy motion, or waved the tops of thedistant deep green forest with majestic grandeur. Flocks, herds, andcottages were scattered over the variegated landscape. 

Hills piled on hills, receding, faded from the pursuing eye, minglingwith the blue mist which hovered around the extreme verge of thehorizon. "This is a most delightful scene, " said Melissa. 

"It is indeed, replied Alonzo; can New-London boast so charming aprospect?"

Melissa. No--yes; indeed I can hardly say. You know, Alonzo, how I amcharmed with the rock at the point of the beach. 

Alonzo. You told me of the happy hours you had passed at that place. Perhaps the company which attended you there, gave the scenery itshighest embellishment. 

Melissa. I know not how it happened; but you are the only person whoever attended me there. 

Alonzo. That is a little surprising. 

Mel. Why surprising?

Al. Where was Beauman?

Mel. Perhaps he was not fond of solitude. Besides he was not always myBeauman. 

Al. Sometimes. 

Mel. Yes, sometimes. 

Al. And now always. 

Mel. Not this evening. 

Al. He formerly. 

Mel. Well. 

Al. And will soon claim the exclusive privilege so to do. 

Mel. That does not follow of course. 

Al. Of course, if his intentions are sincere, and the wishes of anothershould accord therewith. 

Mel. Who am I to understand by another?

Al. Melissa. [A pause ensued. ]

Mel. See that ship, Alonzo, coming up the sound; how she ploughs throughthe white foam, while the breezes flutter among the sails, varying withthe beams of the sun. 

Al. Yes, it is almost down. 

Mel. What is almost down?

Al. The sun. Was not you speaking of the sun, madam?

Mel. Your mind is absent, Alonzo; I was speaking of yonder ship. 

Al. I beg pardon, madam. O yes--the ship--it--it bounds with rapidmotion over the waves. 

A pause ensued. They walked leisurely around the hill, and moved towardhome. The sun sunk behind the western hills. --Twilight arose in theeast, and floated along the air. Darkness began to hover around thewoodlands and vallies. The beauties of the landscape slowly receded. "This reminds me of our walk at New-London, " said Melissa. "Do youremember it?" enquired Alonzo. "Certainly I do, " she replied, "I shallnever forget the sweet pensive scenery of my favourite rock. " "Nor Ineither, " said Alonzo with a deep drawn sigh. 

The next day Alonzo returned to his studies; but, different from hisformer visits to Melissa, instead of exhilarating his spirits, this hadtended to depress them. He doubted whether Melissa was not alreadyengaged to Beauman. His hopes would persuade him that this was not thecase; but his fears declared otherwise. 

 * * * * *

It was some time before Alonzo renewed his visit. In the interim hereceived a letter from a friend in the neighbourhood of Melissa'sfather; an extract from which follows:

"We are soon to have a wedding here; you are acquainted with theparties--Melissa D---- and Beauman. Such at least is our opinion fromappearances, as Beauman is now here more than half his time. --You willundoubtedly be a guest. We had expected that you would have put in yourclaims, from your particular attention to the lady. She is a fine girl, Alonzo. "

"I shall never be a guest at Melissa's wedding, " said Alonzo, as hehastily paced the room; "but I must once again see her before that eventtakes place, when I lose her forever. " The next day he repaired to herfather's. He enquired for Melissa; she was gone with a party to theshores of the sound, attended by Beauman. At evening they returned. Beauman and Alonzo addressed each other with much seeming cordiality. "You have deceived us, Alonzo, said Melissa. We concluded you hadforgotten the road to this place. "

"Was not that a hasty conclusion?" replied Alonzo. "I think not, sheanswered, if your long absence should be construed into neglect. But wewill hear your excuse said she, smiling, by and by, and perhaps pardonyou. " He thanked her for her condescension. 

The next morning Beauman set out for New-London. Alonzo observed that hetook a tender leave of Melissa, telling her, in a low voice, that heshould have the happiness of seeing her again within two or three weeks. After he was gone, as Melissa and Alonzo were sitting in a room alone, "Well, said she, am I to hear your excuses?"

Alonzo. For what, madam?

Mel. For neglecting your friends. 

Alonzo. I hope it is not so considered, madam. 

Mel. Seriously, then, why have you stayed away so long? Has this placeno charms in the absence of my brother?

Al. Would my presence have added to your felicities, Melissa?

Mel. You never came an unwelcome visiter here. 

Al. Perhaps I might be sometimes intrusive. 

Mel. What times?

Al. When Beauman is your guest. 

Mel. I have supposed you were on friendly terms. 

Al. We are. 

Mel. Why then intrusive?

Al. There are seasons when friendship must yield its pretensions to asuperior claim. 

Mel. Perhaps I do not rightly comprehend the force of that remark. 

Al. Was Beauman here, my position might be demonstrated. 

Mel. I think I understand you. 

Al. And acknowledge my observation to be just?

Mel. (hesitating. ) Yes--I believe I must. 

Al. And appropriate?

Melissa was silent. 

Al. You hesitate, Melissa. 

She was still silent. 

Al. Will you, Melissa, answer me one question?

Mel. (confused. ) If it be a proper one you are entitled to candour. 

Al. Are you engaged to Beauman?

Mel. (blushing. ) He has asked me the same question concerning you. 

Al. Do you prefer him to any other?

Mel. (deeply blushing, her eyes cast upon the floor. ) He has made thesame enquiry respecting you. 

Al. Has he asked your father's permission to address you?

Mel. That I have not suffered him yet to do. 

Al. Yet!

Mel. I assure you I have not. 

Al. (taking her hand with anxiety. ) Melissa, I beg you will dealcandidly. I am entitled to no claims, but you know what my heart wouldask. I will bow to your decision. Beauman or Alonzo must relinquishtheir pretensions. We cannot share the blessing. 

Mel. (her cheeks suffused with a varying glow, her lips pale, her voicetremulous, her eyes still cast down. ) My parents have informed me thatit is improper to receive the particular addresses of more than one. I am conscious of my inadvertency, and that the reproof is just. Onetherefore must be dismissed. But--(she hesitated. )

A considerable pause ensued. At length Alonzo arose--"I will not pressyou farther, " said he; "I know the delicacy of your feeling, I know yoursincerity; I will not therefore insist on your performing the painfultask of deciding against me. Your conduct in every point of view hasbeen discreet. I could have no just claims, or if I had, your heart mustsanction them, or they would be unhallowed and unjustifiable. I shallever pray for your felicity. --Our affections are not under ourdirection; our happiness depends on our obedience to their mandates. Whatever, then, may be my sufferings, you are unblameable andirreproachable. " He took his hat in extreme agitation, and prepared totake his leave. 

Melissa had recovered in some degree from her embarrassment, andcollected her scattered spirits. "Your conduct, Alonzo, said she, isgenerous and noble. Will you give yourself the trouble, and do me thehonour to see me once more?" "I will, said he, at any time you shallappoint. "--"Four weeks then, she said, from this day, honour me with avisit, and you shall have my decision, and receive my final answer. ""I will be punctual to the day, " he replied, and bade her adieu. 

 * * * * *

Alonzo's hours now winged heavily away. His wonted cheerfulness fled;he wooed the silent and solitary haunts of "musing, moping melancholy. "He loved to wander through lonely fields, or along the verge of somelingering stream, "when dewy twilight rob'd the evening mild, " or"to trace the forest glen, through which the moon darted her silveryintercepted ray. "

He was fondly indulging a tender passion which preyed upon his peace, and deeply disturbed his repose. He looked anxiously to the hour whenMelissa was to make her decision. He wished, yet dreaded the event. In that he foresaw, or thought he foresaw, a withering blight to hisbudding hopes, and a final consummation to his foreboding fears. He hadpressed Melissa, perhaps too urgently, to a declaration. --Had herpredilection been in his favour, would she have hesitated to avow it?Her parents had advised her to relinquish, and had permitted her toretain one suitor, nor had they attempted to influence or direct herchoice. Was it not evident, then, from her confused hesitation andembarrassment, when solicited to discriminate upon the subject, that herultimate decision would be in favour of Beauman?

While Alonzo's mind was thus agitated, he received a second letter fromhis friend in the neighbourhood of Melissa. He read the following clausetherein with emotions more easily to be conceived than expressed:

"Melissa's wedding day is appointed. I need not tell you that Beauman isto be the happy deity of the hymeneal sacrifice. I had this from his owndeclaration. He did not name the positive day, but it is certainly to besoon. You will undoubtedly, however, have timely notice, as a guest. Wemust pour a liberal libation upon the mystic altar, Alonzo, and twinethe nuptial garland with wreaths of joy. Beauman ought to devote a richoffering to so valuable a prize. He has been here for a week, anddeparted for New-London yesterday, but is shortly to return. "

"And why have I ever doubted this event? said Alonzo. What infatuationhath thus led me on the pursuit of fantastic and unreal bliss? I havehad, it is true, no positive assurance that Melissa would favour myaddresses. But why did she ever receive them? Why did she enchantinglysmile upon me? Why fascinate the tender powers of my soul by thatwinning mildness, and the favourable display of those complicated andsuperior attractions which she must have known were irresistible?--Whydid she not spurn me from her confidence, and plainly tell me that myattentions were untimely and improper? And now she would have me danceattendance to her decision in favour of Beauman--Insulting! Let Beaumanand she make, as they have formed, this farcical decision; I absolutelywill never attend it. --But stop: I have engaged to see her at anappointed time; my honour is therefore pledged for an interview; it musttake place. I shall support it with becoming dignity, and I willconvince Melissa and Beauman that I am not the dupe of their caprices. But let me consider--What has Melissa done to deserve censure orreproach? Her brother was my early friend: she has treated me as afriend to her brother. She was unconscious of the flame which her charmshad kindled in my bosom. --Her evident embarrassment and confusion onreceiving my declaration, witnessed her surprise and prior attachment. What could she do? To save herself the pain of a direct denial, she hadappointed a day when her refusal may come in a more delicate and formalmanner--and I must meet it. "

At the appointed day, Alonzo proceeded to the house of Melissa's father, where he arrived late in the afternoon. Melissa had retired to a littlesummer house at the end of the garden; a servant conducted Alonzothither. She was dressed in a flowing robe of white muslin, embroideredwith a deep fringe lace. Her hair hung loosely upon her shoulders; shewas contemplating a bouquet of flowers which she held in her hand. Alonzo fancied she never appeared so lovely. She arose to receive him. "We have been expecting you some time, said Melissa; we were anxious toinform you, that we have just received a letter from my brother, inwhich he desires us to present you his most friendly respects, andcomplains of your not writing to him lately so frequently as usual. "Alonzo thanked her for the information; said that business preventedhim; he esteemed him as his most valuable friend, and would be moreparticular in future. 

"We have been thronged with company for several days, said Melissa. Oncea year my father celebrates his birth day, when we are honoured with sonumerous a company of uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces, thatwere you present, you would suppose we were connected with half thefamilies in Connecticut. The last of this company took their departureyesterday, and I have only to regret, that I have for nearly a week, been prevented from visiting my favourite hill, to which you attended mewhen you was last here. It is much improved since then: I have had alittle arbour built under the large tree on its summit: you will have noobjection to view it, Alonzo?" He assured her he accepted the invitationwith pleasure, and towards evening they resorted to the place and seatedthemselves in the arbour. 

It was the beginning of autumn, and a yellow hue was spread over thefading charms of nature. The withering forest began to shed its decayingfoliage, which the light gales pursued along the russet fields. The lowsun extended the lengthening shadows; curling smoke ascended from thesurrounding cottages. A thick fog crept along the vallies; a gray misthovered over the tops of the mountains. The glassy surface of the soundglittered to the sun's departing ray. The solemn herds lowed inmonotonous symphony. The autumnal insects in sympathetic wafting, plaintively predicted their approaching fate. "The scene is changedsince we last visited this place, said Melissa; the gay charms of summerare beginning to decay, and must soon yield their splendors to the rudedespoiling hand of winter. "

"That will be the case, said Alonzo, before I shall have the pleasure ofyour company here again. "

Mel. That probably may be, though it is nearly two months yet to winter. 

Al. Great changes may take place within that time. 

Mel. Yes, changes must take place; but nothing, I hope, to embitterpresent prospects. 

Al. (peevishly. ) As it respects yourself, I trust not, madam. 

Mel. (tenderly. ) And I sincerely hope not, as it respects you, Alonzo. 

Al. That wish, I believe, is vain. 

Mel. Why so ominous a prediction?

Al. The premises, from which it is drawn, are correct. 

Mel. Your feelings accord with the season, Alonzo; you are melancholy. Shall we return?

Al. I ask your pardon, madam; I know I am unsociable. You speak ofreturning: You know the occasion of my being here. 

Mel. For the purpose of visiting your friends, I presume. 

Al. And no other?

She made no reply. 

Al. You cannot have forgotten your own appointment, and consequentengagement?

She made no answer. 

Al. I know, Melissa, that you are incapable of duplicity or evasion. I have promised, and now repeat the declaration, that I will silentlysubmit to your decision. This you have engaged to make, and this is thetime you have appointed. The pains of present suspense can scarcely besurpassed by the pangs of disappointment. On your part you have nothingto fear. I trust you have candidly determined, and will decideexplicitly. 

Mel. (sighing. ) I am placed in an exceedingly delicate situation. 

Al. I know you are; but your own honour, your own peace, require thatyou should extricate yourself from the perplexing embarrassment. 

Mel. I am sensible they do. It must--it shall be done. 

Al. And the sooner it is done the better. 

Mel. That I am convinced of. I now know that I have been inadvertentlyindiscreet. I have admitted the addresses of Beauman and yourself, without calculating or expecting the consequences. You have both treatedme honourably, and with respect. You are both on equal grounds as toyour character and standing in life. With Beauman I became firstacquainted. As it relates to him, some new arrangements have taken placesince you were here, which----

Al. (interrupting her, with emotion. ) Of those arrangements I amacquainted. 

Mel. (surprised. ) By what means were you informed thereof?

Al. I received it from a friend in your neighbourhood. 

A considerable pause ensued. 

Al. You see, Melissa, I am prepared for the event. --She was silent. 

Al. I have mentioned before, that, whatever be your decision, noimpropriety can attach to you. I might not, indeed, from variouscircumstances, and from the information I possess, I perhaps should not, have given you farther trouble on the occasion, had it not been fromyour own direction and appointment. And I am now willing to retirewithout further explanation, without giving you the pain of an expressdecision, if you think the measure expedient. Your declaration can onlybe a matter of form, the consequence of which I know, and my propositionmay save your feelings. 

Mel. No, Alonzo; my reputation depends on my adherence to my firstdetermination; justice to yourself and to Beauman also demand it. Afterwhat has passed, I should be considered as acting capriciously andinconsistently, should I depart from it. Beauman will be here to-morrow, and----

Al. To-morrow, madam?

Mel. He will be here to-morrow, and you must consent to stay with usuntil that time; the matter shall then be decided. 

Al. I--yes--it shall be as you say, madam. Make your arrangements as youplease. 

Evening had now spread her dusky mantle over the face of nature. Thestars glistened in the sky. The breeze's rustling wing was in the tree. The "slitty sound" of the low murmuring brook, and the far offwater-fall, were faintly heard. The twinkling fire-fly arose from thesurrounding verdure and illuminated the air with a thousand transientgleams. The mingling discordance of curs and watch-dogs echoed in thedistant village, from whence the frequent lights darted their palelylustre thro' the gloom. The solitary whippoorwills stationed themselvesalong the woody glens, the groves and rocky pastures, and sung a requiemto departed summer. A dark cloud was rising in the west, across whosegloomy front the vivid lightning bent its forky spires. 

Alonzo and Melissa moved slowly to the village; she appeared enrapturedwith the melancholy splendours of the evening, but the other subjectengaged the mental attention of Alonzo. 

Beauman arrived the next day. He gave his hand to Alonzo with seemingwarmth of friendship. If it was reciprocated, it must have beenaffected. There was no alteration in the manners and conversation ofMelissa: her conversation, as usual, was sprightly and interesting. After dinner she retired, and her father requested Alonzo and Beauman towithdraw with him to a private room. After they were seated, the oldgentleman thus addressed them:

"I have called you here, gentlemen, to perform my duty as a parent to mydaughter, and as a friend to you. You are both suitors to Melissa; whileyour addresses were merely formal, they were innocent; but when theybecame serious they were dangerous. Your pretensions I consider equal, and between honourable pretenders, who are worthy of my daughter, I shall not attempt to influence her choice. That choice, however, canrest only on one: she has engaged to decide between you. I am come tomake, in her name, this decision. The following are my terms:--Noquarrel or difficulty shall arise between you, gentlemen, in consequenceof her determination. Nothing shall go abroad respecting the affair;it shall be ended under my roof. As soon as I have pronounced herdeclaration, you shall both depart and absent my house for at least twoweeks, as it would be improper for my daughter to see either of you atpresent: after that period I shall be happy to receive yourvisits. "--Alonzo and Beauman pledged their honour to abide implicitly bythese injunctions. Her father then observed--"This, gentlemen, is all Irequire. I have observed that I considered your pretensions equal: sohas my daughter treated them. You have both made professions to her; shehas appointed a time to answer you. That time has arrived, and I nowinform you that she has decided in favour of--Alonzo. "

 * * * * *

The declaration of Melissa's father burst upon the mental powers ofBeauman, like a sudden and tremendous clap of thunder on the deep andsolemn silence of night. Unaccustomed to disappointment, he hadcalculated on success. His addresses to the ladies had ever beenhonourably received. 

Melissa was the first whose charms were capable of rendering themsincere. He was not ignorant of Alonzo's attention to her: it gave himhowever but little uneasiness. He believed that his superiorqualifications would eclipse the pretensions of his rival. He consideredhimself a connoisseur in character, especially in the character of theladies. He conformed to their taste; he flattered their foibles, andobsequiously bowed to the minutia of female volatility. He consideredhimself skilled in the language of the heart; and he trusted that fromhis pre-eminent powers in the science of affection, he had only to see, to sue and to conquer. He had frankly offered his hand to Melissa, andpressed her for a decisive answer. This from time to time she suspended, and finally appointed a day to give him and Alonzo a determinate answer, though neither knew the arrangements made with the other. 

Finding, however, the dilemma in which she was placed, she hadpreviously consulted her parents. Her father had no objection to herchoosing between two persons of equal claims to affluence andreputation; this choice she had made, and her father was considered themost proper person to pronounce it. 

When Beauman had urged his suit to Melissa, he supposed that herhesitations, delays and suspensions, were only the effects of maidendiffidence and timidity. He had no suspicions of her ultimatelyrejecting it; and when she finally named the day of decision, he wasconfident she would decide in his favour. These sentiments he hadcommunicated to the person who had written to Alonzo, intimating thatMelissa had fixed a time which was to crown his happiest wishes. 

He had listened therefore attentively to the words of Melissa's father, momentarily expecting to hear himself declared the favourite choice ofthe fair. 

What then must have been his disappointment when the name of Alonzo waspronounced instead of his own! The highly finished scene of pleasure andfuture prosperity which his ardent imagination had depicted, hadvanished in a moment. The rainbow glories which gilded his youthfulhorizon, had faded in an instant--the bright sun of his early hopes hadset in mournful darkness. The summons of death would not have been moreunexpected, or more shocking to his imagination. 

Very different were the sensations which inspired the bosom of Alonzo. He had not even calculated on a decision in his own favour. He believedthat Beauman would be the choice of Melissa. She had told him that theform of decision was necessary to save appearances: with this form hecomplied because she desired it, not because he expected the resultwould be in his favour. He had not therefore attended to the words ofMelissa's father with that eagerness which favourable anticipationscommonly produce. But when his name was mentioned; when he found he wasthe choice--the happy favourite of Melissa's affection, every tenderpassion of his soul became interested, and was suddenly aroused to therefinements of sensibility. Like an electric shock, it reanimated hiswhole frame, and vibrated every nerve of his heart. The glooms whichhung about his mind were dissipated, and the bright morning of joy brokein upon his soul. 

Thus were the expectations of Alonzo and Beauman disappointed--howdifferently, the sequel has shown. 

Melissa's father retired immediately after pronouncing the declaration;the two young gentlemen also soon after withdrew. Alonzo saw the tempestwhich tore the bosom of his rival, and he pitied him from his heart. 

A fortnight passed, and Alonzo felt all that anxiety and impatiencewhich a separation from a beloved object can produce. He framed athousand excuses to visit Melissa, yet he feared a visit might bepremature. He was, however, necessitated to make a journey to a distantpart of the country, after which he resolved to see Melissa. Heperformed his business, and was returning. It was toward evening, andthe day had been uncommonly sultry for the autumnal season. A risingshower blackened the western hemisphere; the dark vapour ascended infolding ridges, and the thunder rolled at a distance. Alonzo saw heshould be overtaken. He discovered an elegant seat about one hundredyards distant from the road; thither he hastened to gain shelter fromthe approaching storm. The owner of the mansion met him at the door, politely invited him to alight and walk in, while a servant stood readyto take his horse. He was ushered into a large room neatly furnished, where the family and several young ladies were sitting. As Alonzoglanced his eyes hastily around the room, he thought he recognized afamiliar countenance. A hurried succession of confused ideas for amoment crossed his recollection. In a moment he discovered that it wasMelissa. By this unexpected meeting they were both completelyembarrassed. Melissa, however, arose, and in rather a confused manner, introduced Alonzo, as the classmate of her brother, to the family of Mr. Simpson and the company. 

The rain continued most part of the afternoon. Alonzo was invited, andconsented to stay all night. A moon-light evening succeeded the shower, which invited the young people to walk in an adjoining garden. Melissatold Alonzo that Mr. Simpson was a distant relative of her father; hisfamily consisted of his wife, two amiable daughters, not far fromMelissa's age, and one son, named William, about seventeen years old. She had been invited there to pass a week, and expected to return withintwo days. And she added, smiling, "perhaps, Alonzo, we may have anopportunity once more to visit the bower on my prospect hill, beforewinter entirely destroys the remaining beauties of the summer. " Alonzofelt all the force of the remark. He recollected the conversation whenthey were last at the place she mentioned; and he well remembered hisfeelings on that occasion. 

"Great changes, indeed, he replied, have taken place since we were lastthere: that they are productive of unexpected and unexampled happinessto me, is due, Melissa, to you alone. " Alonzo departed the next morning, appointing the next week to visit Melissa at her father's house. 

Thus were the obstacles removed which presented a barrier to the unitedwishes of Alonzo and Melissa. They had not, it is true, been separatedby wide seas, unfeeling parents, or the rigorous laws of war; buttroubles, vexations, doubts and difficulties, had thus far attendedthem, which had now disappeared, and they calculated on no unpropitiousevent which might thwart their future union. All the time that Alonzocould spare from his studies was devoted to Melissa, and their parentsbegan to calculate on joining their hands as soon as Alonzo'sprofessional term of study was completed. 

The troubles which gave rise to the disseveration of England fromAmerica had already commenced, which broke out the ensuing spring intoactual hostilities, by the battle at Lexington, followed soon after bythe battle at Bunker Hill. The panic and general bustle which took placein America on these events, is yet well remembered by many. They werenot calculated to impress the mind of Melissa with the most pleasingsensations. She foresaw that the burden of the war must rest on theAmerican youth, and she trembled in anticipation for the fate of Alonzo. He, with others, should the war continue, must take the field, indefence of his country. The effects of such a separation were dubiousand gloomy. Alonzo and she frequently discoursed, and they agreed toform the mystic union previous to any wide separation. 

One event tended to hasten this resolution. The attorney in whose officeAlonzo was clerk, received a commission in the new raised American army, and marched to the lines near Boston. His business was thereforesuspended, and Alonzo returned to the house of his father. He consideredthat he could not long remain a mere spectator of the contest, and thatit might soon be his duty to take the field; he therefore concluded itbest to hasten his marriage with Melissa. She consented to theproposition, and their parents made the necessary arrangements for theevent. They had even fixed upon the place which was to be the futureresidence of this happy couple. It was a pleasantly situated village, surrounded by rugged elevations, which gave an air of serenity andseclusion to the valley they encircled. On the south arose a spacioushill, which was ascended by a gradual acclivity; its sides and summitinterspersed with orchards, arbours, and cultivated fields. On the west, forests unevenly lifted their rude heads, with here and there a solitaryfield, newly cleared, and thinly scattered with cottages. To the east, the eye extended over a soil, at one time swelling into craggyelevations, and at another spreading itself into vales of the mostenchanting verdure. To the north it extended over a vast succession ofmountains, wooded to their summits, and throwing their shadows overintervales of equal wilderness, till at length it was arrested in itsexcursions by the blue mists which hovered over mountains more grand, majestic and lofty. [A] A rivulet which rushed from the hills, formed alittle lake on the borders of the village, which beautifully reflectedthe cottages from its transparent bosom. Amidst a cluster of locusts andweeping willows, rose the spire of the church, in the ungarnisheddecency of Sunday neatness. Fields, gardens, meadows, and pastures werespread around the valley, and on the sides of the declivities, yieldingin their season the rich flowers, fruits and foliage of spring, summerand autumn. The inhabitants of this modern Auvernum were mostly farmers. They were mild, sociable, moral and diligent. The produce of their ownflocks and fields gave them most of their food and clothing. Todissipation they were strangers, and the luxuries of their tables werefew. 

 [Footnote A: Some who read this description will readily recognize the village here described. ]

Such was the place for the residence of Alonzo and Melissa. They hadvisited the spot, and were enraptured with its pensive, romanticbeauties. A site was marked out whereon to erect their family mansion. It was on a little eminence which sloped gradually to the lake, in themost pleasant part of the village. "Here, said Alonzo one day toMelissa, will we pass our days in all that felicity of mind which thechequered scenes of life admit. In the spring we will rove among theflowers. In summer, we will gather strawberries in yonder fields, orwhortleberries from the adjacent shrubbery. The breezes of fragrantmorning, and the sighs of the evening gale, will be mingled with thesongs of the thousand various birds which frequent the surroundinggroves. We will gather the bending fruits of autumn, and we will listento the hoarse voice of winter, its whistling winds, its driving snow, and rattling hail, with delight. "

The bright gems of joy glistened in the eyes of Melissa. With Alonzo sheanticipated approaching happiness, and her bosom beat in rapturousunison. 

Winter came on; it rapidly passed away. Spring advanced, and themarriage day was appointed. 

 * * * * *

The spring opened with the din of preparation throughout America fordefensive war. It now was found that vigorous measures must be pursuedto oppose the torrent which was preparing to overwhelm the colonies, which had now been dissevered from the British empire, by thedeclaration of independence. The continental army was now raising, andgreat numbers of American youth volunteered in the service of theircountry. A large army of reinforcements was soon expected from Englandto land on our shores, and "the confused noise of the warriors, andgarments rolled in blood, " were already anticipated. 

Alonzo had received a commission in a regiment of militia, and waspressed by several young gentlemen of his acquaintance, who had enteredthe army, to join it also. He had an excuse. His father was a man inextensive business, was considerably past the prime of life, had anumber of agents and clerks under him, but began to grow unable toattend to the various and burthensome duties and demands of a mercantilelife. 

Alonzo was his only son; his assistance therefore became necessaryuntil, at least, his father could bring his business to a close, whichhe was now about to effect. Alonzo stated these facts to his friends;told them that on every occasion he should be ready to fly to the postof danger when his country was invaded, and that as soon as his father'saffairs should be settled, he would, if necessary, willingly join thearmy. 

The day now rapidly approached when Alonzo was to make Melissa his own. Preparations for the hymeneal ceremony were making, and invitations hadalready gone abroad. Edgar, the brother of Melissa, had entered the armyin the capacity of chaplain. He was soon expected home, where heintended to tarry until the consummation of the nuptials, before he setout for the camp. Letters recently received from him, informed that heexpected to be at his father's in three or four days. 

About three weeks previous to the appointed marriage day, Alonzo andMelissa one afternoon rode out to the village which had been chosen fortheir future residence. Their carriage stopped at the only inn in theplace, and from thence they walked around this modern Vaucluse, charmedwith the secluded beauties of its situation. They passed a little timeat the spot selected for their habitation; they projected the structureof the buildings, planned the gardens, the artificial groves, the walks, the mead, the fountains, and the green retreat of the summer house, andthey already saw, in anticipation, the various domestic blessings andfelicities with which they were to be surrounded. 

They took tea at the inn, and prepared to return. It was at the latterend of the month of May, and nature was adorned in the bridal ornamentsof spring; the sun was sunk behind the groves, which cast their sombreshades over the valley, while the retiring beams of day adorned thedistant eastern eminences with yellow lustre. 

The birds sung melodiously in the groves, the air was freshened by lightwestern breezes, bearing upon their wings all the entrancing odours ofthe season. Around the horizon, electric clouds raised their brazensummits, based in the black vapour of approaching night. 

They slowly ascended the hill south of the town, where they paused a fewmoments to enjoy the splendours of the evening scene. This hill, whichcommanded a prospect of all the surrounding country, the distant sound, and the adjacent towns and villages, presented to the eye, on a singleview, perhaps one of the most picturesque draperies painted by nature. Alonzo attended Melissa to her father's, and the next day returned home. 

His father had been absent for three or four days to one of thecommercial seaports, on business with some merchants with whom he wasconnected in trade. He returned the next day after Alonzo got home:--hisaspect and his conversation were marked with an assumed and unmeaningcheerfulness. At supper he ate nothing, discoursed much, but in anunconnected and hurried manner, interrupted by long pauses, in which heappeared to be buried in contemplation. 

After supper, he asked Alonzo if it were not possible that his marriagewith Melissa could be consummated within a few days. Alonzo, startled atso unexpected a question, replied, that such a proposal would beconsidered extraordinary, perhaps improper: besides, when Melissa hadfixed the day, she mentioned that she had an uncle who lived nearCharleston, in South Carolina, whose daughter was to pass the summerwith Melissa, and was expected to arrive before the appointed day. Itwould, he said, be a delicate point for him to request her to anticipatethe nuptials, unless he could give some cogent reasons for so doing; andat present he was not apprised that any such existed. His father, aftera few moments hesitation, answered, "I have reasons, which, whentold"--here he stopped, suddenly arose, hastily walked the room in muchvisible agony of mind, and then retired to his chamber. 

Alonzo and his mother were much amazed at so strange a proceeding. Theycould form no conjecture of its cause or its consequence. Alonzo passeda sleepless night. His father's slumbers were interrupted. He wouldfrequently start up in the bed, then sink in restless sleep, withincoherent mutterings, and plaintive moans. In the morning, when heappeared at breakfast, his countenance wore the marks of dejection andanguish. 

He scarcely spoke a word, and after the table was removed, he orderedall to withdraw except his wife and Alonzo; when, with emotions thatspoke the painful feelings of his bosom, he thus addressed them:

"For more than forty years I have toiled early and late to acquireindependence and ease for myself and my family. To accomplish this, I became connected with some English importing merchants in a seaporttown, and went largely into the English trade. Success crowned ourendeavours; on balancing our accounts two years ago, we found that ourexpectations were answered, and that we were now sufficiently wealthy toclose business, which some proposed to do; it was, however, agreed tomake one effort more, as some favourable circumstances appeared tooffer, in which we adventured very largely, on a fair calculation ofliberal and extensive proceeds. 

"Before returns could be made, the war came on, embarrassments ensued, and by indubitable intelligence lately received, we find that ourproperty in England has been sequestered; five of our ships, laden withEnglish goods, lying in English harbours, and just ready to sail forAmerica, have been seized as lawful prizes. Added to this, three vesselsfrom the Indies, laden with island produce, have been taken on theirhomeward bound voyage, and one lost on her return from Holland. Thiswreck of fortune I might have survived, had I to sustain only my equaldividend of the loss: but of the merchants with whom I have beenconnected, not one remains to share the fate of the event; all haveabsconded or secreted themselves. To attempt to compound with mycreditors would be of little avail; my whole fortune will not pay onefourth of the debts; so that, compound or not, the consequence to me isinevitable ruin. 

"To abscond would not secure me, as most of my remaining property isvested in real estate. And even if it would, I could not consent to it:I could not consent to banish myself from my country; to flee like afelon; to skulk from society with the base view of defrauding mycreditors. No, I have lived honestly, and honestly will I die. By fairapplication and long industry my wealth has been obtained; and it shallnever justly be said, that the reputation of my latter days was stainedwith acts of baseness and meanness. I have notified and procured ameeting of the creditors, and have laid the matters before them. Someappeared favourable to me; others insinuated that we were all connectedin fraudulent designs, to swindle our creditors. This I repelled withbecoming spirit, and was in consequence threatened with immediateprosecution. Whatever may be the event, I had some hopes that yourhappiness, Alonzo, might yet be secured. Hence I proposed your unionwith Melissa, before our misfortunes should be promulgated. Your parentsare old; a little will serve the residue of their days. With youracquirements you may make your way in life. I shall have no property togive you; but I would still wish you to secure that which you prize farabove, and without which, both honours and emoluments are unimportantand worthless. "

At this moment a loud rap at the door interrupted the discourse, andthree men were ushered in, which proved to be the sheriff and hisattendants, sent by the more inexorable creditors of Alonzo's father andcompany, to level on the property of the former, which orders theyfaithfully executed, by seizing the lands, tenements and furniture, andfinally arresting the body of the old gentleman, which was soon releasedby his friendly neighbours becoming bail for his appearance; but theproperty was soon after sold at public vendue, at less than half itsvalue, and Alonzo's father and mother were compelled to abandon thepremises, and take shelter in a little hut, belonging to a neighbouringfarmer, illy and temporarily furnished by the gratuitous liberality of afew friends. 

We will not stop the reader to moralize on this disastrous event. Thefeelings of the family can better be conceived than detailed. Hurled ina moment from the lofty summit of affluence to the low and barren valeof poverty! Philosophy came to the aid of the parents, but who canrealise the feelings of the son! Thus suddenly cut short of hisprospects, not only of future independence, but even of support, whatwould be the event of his suit to Melissa, and stipulated marriage? Wasit not probable that her father would now cancel the contract? Could sheconsent to be his wife in his present penurious situation?--And indeed, could he himself consent to make her his wife, to make her miserable?

In this agitated frame of mind he received a letter from his friend inMelissa's neighbourhood, requesting him to come immediately to hishouse, whither he repaired the following day. This person had ever beenthe unchanging friend of Alonzo; he had heard of the misfortunes of hisfamily, and he deeply sympathized in his distress. He had lately marriedand settled in life: his name was Vincent. 

When Alonzo arrived at the house of his friend, he was received with thesame disinterested ardour he ever had been in the day of his mostunbounded prosperity. --After being seated, Vincent told him that theoccasion of his sending for him was to propose the adoption of certainmeasures which he doubted not might be considered highly beneficial asit respected his future peace and happiness. "Your family misfortunes, continued Vincent, have reached the ears of Melissa's father. I know theold gentleman too well to believe he will consent to receive you as hisson-in-law, under your present embarrassments. Money is the god to whichhe implicitly bows. The case is difficult, but not insurmountable. Youmust first see Melissa; she is now in the next room. I will introduceyou in; converse with her, after which I will lay my plan before you. "

 * * * * *

Alonzo entered the room; Melissa was sitting by a window which lookedinto a pleasant garden, and over verdant meadows whose tall grass wavedto the evening breeze. Farther on, low vallies spread their umbrageousthickets, where the dusky shadows of night had begun to assemble. 

On high hills beyond, the tops of lofty forests, majestically moved bythe billowy gales, caught the sun's last ray. Fleecy summer cloudshovered around the verge of the western horizon, spangled with silverytints or fringed with the gold of evening. 

A mournfully murmuring rivulet purled at a little distance from thegarden, on the borders of a small grove, from whence the American wilddove wafted her sympathetic moaning to the ear of Melissa. She satleaning on a small table by the window, which was thrown up. Herattention was fixed. She did not perceive Vincent and Alonzo as theyentered. They advanced towards her. She turned, started, and arose. Witha melancholy smile, and tremulous voice, "I supposed, she said, that itwas Mrs. Vincent who was approaching, as she has just left the room. "Her countenance appeared dejected, which, on seeing Alonzo, lighted upinto a languid sprightliness. It was evident she had been weeping. 

Vincent retired, and Alonzo and Melissa seated themselves by the window. "I have broken in upon your solitude, perhaps, too unseasonably, saidAlonzo. It is however, the fault of Vincent:--he invited me to walk intothe room, but did not inform me that you were alone. " "Your presence wassudden and unexpected, but not unseasonable, replied Melissa. I hopethat you did not consider any formality necessary in your visits, Alonzo. "

Alonzo. I once did not think so. Now I know not what to think--I knownot how to act. You have heard of the misfortunes of my father's family, Melissa?

Mel. Yes; I have heard the circumstances attending that event--an eventin which no one could be more deeply interested, except the immediatesufferers, than myself. 

Al. Your father is also acquainted with my present situation?

Mel. He is. 

Al. How did he receive the intelligence?

Mel. With deep regret. 

Al. And forbade you to admit my addresses any longer?

Mel. No, not absolutely. 

Al. If even in an unqualified or indirect manner, it is proper I shouldknow it. 

Mel. It certainly is. Soon after we received the intelligence of yourfamily misfortunes, my father came into the room where I was sitting;"Melissa, said he, your conduct has ever been that of a dutiful child;mine, of an indulgent parent. --My first, my ultimate wish, is to see mychildren, when settled in life, happy and honourably respected. For thispurpose, I have bestowed on them a proper education, and design suitablyto apportion my property between them. On their part, it is expectedthey will act prudently and discreetly, especially in those things whichconcern their future peace and welfare. --The principal requisite toensure this is a proper connexion in marriage. " Here my father paused aconsiderable time, and then continued--"I know, my child, that yoursituation is a very delicate one. Your marriage day is appointed; it wasappointed under the fairest prospects; by the failure of Alonzo'sfather, those prospects have become deeply darkened, if not totallyobliterated. 

"To commit your fortune through life, to a person unable to support you, would be hazardous in the extreme. The marriage day can at least besuspended; perhaps something more favourable may appear. --At any rate, I have too much confidence in your discretion, to suppose that you will, by any rash act, bring either poverty or reproach upon yourself or yourconnexions. " Thus spake my father, and immediately withdrew. 

"In our present dilemma, said Alonzo, what is proper to be done?"

"It is difficult to determine, replied Melissa. Should my fatherexpressly forbid our union, he will go all lengths to carry his commandsinto effect. Although a tender parent, he is violent in his prejudices, and resolute in his purposes. I would advise you to call at my father'shouse tomorrow, with your usual freedom. Whatever may be the event, I shall deal sincerely with you. Mr. And Mrs. Vincent are now my onlyconfidants. From them you will be enabled to obtain information, shouldI be debarred from seeing you. I am frequently here; they told me theyexpected you, but at what day was not known. Mrs. Vincent has been myfriend and associate from my earliest years. Vincent you know. In themwe can place the utmost confidence. My reliance on Providence, I trust, will never be shaken; but my future prospects, at present, are dark andgloomy. "

"Let us not despair, answered Alonzo; perhaps those gloomy clouds whichnow hover around us, will yet be dissipated by the bright beams of joy. Innocence and virtue are the cares of Heaven. There lies my hope. To-morrow, as you propose, I will call at your father's. "

Melissa now prepared to return home; a whippoorwill tuned its nightlysong at a little distance; but the sound, late so cheerful andsprightly, now passed heavily over their hearts. 

When Alonzo returned, Vincent unfolded the plan he had projected. "No sooner, said he, was I informed of your misfortunes, than I wasconvinced that Melissa's father would endeavour to dissolve yourintended union with his daughter. I have known him many years, andhowever he may dote on his children, or value their happiness, he willnot hesitate to sacrifice his other feelings to the acquirement ofriches. It appeared that you had but one resource left. You and Melissaare now united by the most solemn ties--by every rite except those whichare merely ceremonial. These I would advise you to enter into, and trustto the consequences. Mrs. Vincent has proposed the scheme to Melissa;but implicitly accustomed to filial obedience, she shudders at the ideaof a clandestine marriage. But when her father shall proceed to rigorousmeasures, she will, I think, consent to the alternative. And thismeasure, once adopted, her father must consent also; or, if not, yousecure your own happiness, and, what you esteem more, that of Melissa. "

"But you must be sensible of my inability to support her as shedeserves, replied Alonzo, even should she consent to it. "

"The world is before you, answered Vincent; you have friends, you haveacquirements which will not fail you. In a country like this, you canhardly fail of obtaining a competency, which, with the other requisites, will ensure your independence and felicity. "

Alonzo informed Vincent what had been agreed upon between Melissa andhimself, respecting his visiting her on the morrow; "after which, hesaid, we will discourse further on the subject. "

The next day Alonzo repaired to the house of Melissa's father. As heapproached he saw Melissa sitting in a shady recess at one end of thegarden near which the road passed. She was leaning with her head uponher hand, in a pensive posture; a deep dejection was depicted upon herfeatures, which enlivened into a transient glow as soon as she sawAlonzo. She arose, met him, and invited him into the house. 

Alonzo was received with a cool reserve by all except Melissa. Herfather saluted him with a distant and retiring bow, as he passed withMelissa to her room. As soon as they were seated, a maiden aunt, who haddoubled her teens, outlived many of her suiters, and who had lately cometo reside with the family, entered, and seated herself by the window, alternately humming a tune, and impudently staring at Alonzo, withoutspeaking a word, except snappishly, to contradict Melissa in any thingshe advanced, which the latter passed off with only a faint smile. 

This interruption was not of long continuance. Melissa's father entered, and requested the two ladies to withdraw, which was instantly done. Hethen addressed Alonzo as follows:----"When I gave consent for you tomarry my daughter, it was on the conviction that your future resourceswould be adequate to support her honourably and independently. Circumstances have since taken place, which render this point extremelydoubtful. Parental duty and affection demand that I should know yourmeans and prospects before I sanction a proceeding which may reduce mychild to penury and to want. "

He paused for a reply, but Alonzo was silent. He continued--"Youyourself must acknowledge, that to burthen yourself with the expense ofa family; to transfer a woman from affluence to poverty, without even anobject in view to provide for either, would be the height of folly andextravagance. " Again he paused, but Alonzo was still silent. Heproceeded--"Could you, Alonzo, suffer life, when you see the wife ofyour bosom, probably your infant children, pining in misery for want ofbread? And what else have you to expect if you marry in your presentsituation? You have friends and well wishers; but which of them willadvance you four or five thousand pounds, as a gratuity? My daughtermust be supported according to her rank and standing in life. Are youenabled to do this? If not, you cannot reasonably suppose that I shallconsent to your marrying her. You may say that your acquirements, yourprudence, and your industry, will procure you a handsome support. Thiswell may do in single life; but to depend on these for the futureexigencies of a family, is hazarding peace, honour and reputation, at asingle game of chance. If, therefore, you have no resources orexpectation but such as these, your own judgment will teach you thenecessity of immediately relinquishing all pretensions to the hand ofMelissa"--and immediately left the room. 

Why was Alonzo speechless through the whole of this discourse?--Whatreply could he have made? What were the prospects before him but penury, want, misery, and woe! Where, indeed, were the means by which Melissawas to be shielded from poverty, if connected with his fortunes. Theidea was not new, but it came upon him with redoubled anguish. He aroseand looked around for Melissa, but she was not to be seen. He left thehouse, and walked slowly towards Vincent's. At a little distance he metMelissa, who had been strolling in an adjoining avenue. He informed herof all that had passed; it was no more than they both expected, yet itwas a shock their fortitude could scarcely sustain. Disappointmentseldom finds her votaries prepared to receive her. 

Melissa told Alonzo, that her father's determinations were unchangeable;that his sister (the before mentioned maiden lady) held a considerableinfluence over him, and dictated the concerns of the family; and thatfrom her, there was nothing to hope in their favour. Her mother, shesaid, was her friend, but could not contradict the will of her father. Her brother would be at home in a few days; how he would act on thisoccasion she was unable to say: but were he even their friend he wouldhave but feeble influence with her father and aunt. "What is to be theend of these troubles, continued Melissa, it is impossible to foresee. Let us trust in the mercy of heaven and submit to its dispensations. "

Alonzo and Melissa, in their happier days, had, when absent, corresponded by letters. This method it was now thought best torelinquish. It was agreed that Alonzo should come frequently toVincent's, where Melissa would meet him as she could find opportunities. Having concluded on this, Melissa returned home, and Alonzo to the houseof his friend. 

Vincent, after Alonzo had related the manner of his reception atMelissa's father's, urged the plan he had projected of a privatemarriage. Alonzo replied, that even should Melissa consent to it, whichhe much doubted, it must be a measure of the last resort, and adoptedonly when all others became fruitless. 

The next morning Alonzo returned to the hut where his aged parents nowdwelt. His bosom throbbed with keen anguish. His own fate, unconnectedwith that of Melissa, he considered of little consequence. But theirunited situation tortured his soul. --What was to become of Melissa, whatof himself, what of his parents!--"Alas, said Alonzo, I now perceivewhat it is to want the good things of this life. "

Alonzo's father was absent when he arrived, but returned soon after. A beam of joy gleamed upon his withered countenance as he entered thehouse. "Were it not, Alonzo, for your unhappy situation, said he, weshould once more be restored to peace and comfort. A few persons whowere indebted to me, finding that I was to be sacrificed by my unfeelingcreditors, reserved those debts in their hands, and have now paid me, amounting to something more than five hundred pounds. With this I havepurchased a small, but well cultivated farm, with convenient tenements. I have enough left to purchase what stock and other materials I need;and to spare some for your present exigencies, Alonzo. "

Alonzo thanked his father for his kindness, but told him that from hisformer liberality he had yet sufficient for his wants, and that heshould soon find business which would amply support him. "But youraffair with Melissa, asked his father, how is that likely to terminate?""Favourably, I hope, sir, " answered Alonzo. He could not consent todisturb the tranquillity of his parents by reciting his ownwretchedness. 

A week passed away. Alonzo saw his parents removed to their little farm, which was to be managed by his father and a hired man. He saw themcomfortably seated; he saw them serenely blest in the calm pleasures ofreturning peace, and a ray of joy illuminated his troubled bosom. 

 "Again the youth his wonted life regain'd, A transient sparkle in his eye obtain'd, A bright, impassion'd cheering glow, express'd The pleas'd sensation of his tender breast: But soon dark glooms the feeble smiles o'erspread; Like morn's gay hues, the fading splendours fled; Returning anguish froze his feeling soul, Deep sighs burst forth, and tears began to roll. "

He thought of Melissa, from whom he had heard nothing since he last sawher. --He thought of the difficulties which surrounded him. He thought ofthe barriers which were opposed to his happiness and the felicity ofMelissa, and he set out for the house of Vincent. 

 * * * * *

Alonzo arrived at the residence of Vincent near the close of the day. Vincent and his lady were at tea with several young ladies who hadpassed the afternoon with Mrs. Vincent. Alonzo cast an active glancearound the company, in hopes to find Melissa, but she was not there. Hewas invited and accepted a seat at table. After tea Vincent led him intoan adjoining room. "You have come in good time, said he. Something mustspeedily be done, or you lose Melissa forever. The day after you werehere, her father received a letter from Beauman, in which, aftermentioning the circumstance of your father's insolvency, he hinted thatthe consequence would probably be a failure of her proposed marriagewith you, which might essentially injure the reputation of a lady of herstanding in life; to prevent which, and to place her beyond the reach ofcalumny, he offered to marry her at any appointed day, provided he hadher free consent. 

"As Beauman, by the recent death of his father, had been put inpossession of a splendid fortune, the proposition allured her father, who wrote him a complaisant answer, with an invitation to his house. --Hethen strove to extort a promise from Melissa, that she would break offall connexion with you, see you no more, and admit the addresses ofBeauman. 

"To this she could not consent. She urged, that by the consent of herparents she was engaged to you by the most sacred ties. That to herfather's will she had hitherto yielded implicit obedience, but thathastily to break the most solemn obligation, formed and sanctioned byhis approbation and direction, was what her conscience would not permither to do. Were he to command her to live single, life might be endured;but to give her hand to any except you, would be to perjure thoseprinciples of truth and justice which he himself had ever taught her tohold most inviolable. --Her father grew outrageous; charged her withdisobedience, with a blind inconsiderate perverseness, by which shewould bring ruin upon herself, and indelible disgrace upon her family. She answered only with her tears. Her mother interposed, and endeavouredto appease his anger; but he spurned her from him, and rushed out of theroom, uttering a threat that force should succeed persuasion, if hiscommands were not obeyed. To add to Melissa's distress, Beauman arrivedat her father's yesterday; and I hope, in some measure to alleviate it. Edgar, her brother, came this morning. --Mrs. Vincent has dispatched amessage to inform Melissa of your arrival, and to desire her to comehere immediately. She will undoubtedly comply with the invitation, ifnot prevented by something extraordinary. I should have written you hadI not hourly expected you. "

Mrs. Vincent now came to the door of the room and beckoned to herhusband, who went out, but immediately returned, leading in Melissaafter which he retired. "Oh, Alonzo!" was all she could say, and burstinto tears. Alonzo led her to a seat, gently pressed her hand, andmingled his tears with hers, but was unable to speak. --Recovering atlength, he begged her to moderate her grief. "Where, said he, is yourfortitude and your firmness, Melissa, which I have so often seentriumphing over affliction?" Her extreme anguish prevented a reply. Deeply affected and alarmed at the storm of distress which raged in herbosom, he endeavoured to console her, though consolation was a strangerto his own breast. "Let us not, Melissa, said he, increase our flood ofaffliction by a tide of useless sorrow. Perhaps more prosperous days areyet in reserve for us;--happiness may yet be ours. " "Never, never! sheexclaimed. Oh, what will become of me!" "Heaven cannot desert you, saidAlonzo; as well might it desert its angels. This thorny and gloomy pathmay lead to fair fields of light and verdure. Tempests are succeeded bycalms; wars end in peace; the splendours of the brightest morning ariseon the wings of blackest midnight. ----Troubles will not always last. Life at most is short. Death comes to the relief of the virtuouswretched, and transports them to another and better world, where sighingand sorrows cease, and the tempestuous passions of life are known nomore. "

The rage of grief which had overwhelmed Melissa began now to subside, asthe waves of the ocean gradually cease their tumultuous commotion, afterthe turbulent winds are laid asleep. Deep sobs and long drawn sighssucceeded to a suffocation of tears. The irritation of her feelings hadcaused a more than usual glow upon her cheek, which faded away as shebecame composed, until a livid paleness spread itself over her features. Alonzo feared that the delicacy of her constitution would fall asacrifice to the sorrow which preyed upon her heart, if not speedilyalleviated;--but alas! where were the means of alleviation?

She informed him that her father had that evening ordered her to becomethe wife of Beauman. He told her that her disobedience was no longer tobe borne. --"No longer, said he, will I tamper with your perverseness:you are determined to be poor, wretched and contemptible. I will compelyou to be rich, happy, and respected. You suffer the _Jack-a-lantern_fancy to lead you into swamps and quagmires, when, did you but followthe fair light of reason, it would conduct you to honour and realfelicity. There are happiness and misery at your choice. 

"Marry Beauman, and you will roll in your coach, flaunt in your silks;your furniture and your equipage are splendid, your associates are ofthe first character, and your father rejoices in your prosperity. 

"Marry Alonzo, you sink into obscurity, are condemned to drudgery, poorly fed, worse clothed, and your relations and acquaintances shun anddespise you. The comparison I have here drawn between Beauman and Alonzois a correct one; for even the wardrobe of the former is of more valuethan the whole fortune of the latter. 

"I give you now two days to consider the matter; at the end of that timeI shall expect your decision, and hope you will decide discretely. Butremember that you become the wife of Beauman, or you are no longeracknowledged as my daughter. "

"Thus, said Melissa, did my father pronounce his determination, whichshook my frame, and chilled with horror every nerve of my heart, andimmediately left me. 

"My aunt added her taunts to his severities, and Beauman interfered withhis ill-timed consolation. My mother and Edgar ardently strove to allaythe fever of my soul, and mitigate my distress. But the stroke wasalmost too severe for my nature. Habituated only to the smiles of myfather, how could I support his frowns?--Accustomed to receive hisblessings alone, how could I endure his sudden malediction. "

Description would fail in painting the sensations of Alonzo's bosom, atthis recital of woe. But he endeavoured to mitigate her sorrows by theconsolation of more cheering prospects and happier hours. 

Vincent and his lady now came into the room. They strenuously urged thepropriety and the necessity of Alonzo and Melissa's entering into thebands of wedlock immediately. "The measure would be hazardous, " remarkedMelissa. "My circumstances"--said Alonzo. "Not on that account, interrupted Melissa, but my father's displeasure----" "Will be the same, whether you marry Alonzo, or refuse to marry Beauman, " replied Vincent. Her resolution appeared to be staggered. 

"Come here, Melissa, to-morrow evening, said Mrs. Vincent; mean time youwill consider the matter, and then determine. " To this Melissa assented, and prepared to return home. 

Alonzo walked with her to the gate which opened into the yardsurrounding her father's house. It was dangerous for him to go farther. Should he be discovered with Melissa, even by a domestic of the family, it must increase the persecutions against her. They parted. Alonzo stoodat the gate, gazing anxiously after Melissa as she walked up the longwinding avenue, bordered with the odour-flowing lilac, and lofty elm, her white robes now invisible, now dimly seen as she turned the anglesof the walk, until they were totally obscured, mingling with the gloomand darkness of the night. "Thus, said Alonzo, thus fades the angel ofpeace from the visionary eyes of the war-worn soldier, when it ascendsin the dusky clouds of early morning, while he slumbers on the field ofrecent battle. "--With mournful forebodings he returned to the house ofVincent. He arose after a sleepless night and walked into an adjoiningfield. He stood leaning in deep contemplation against a tree, when heheard quick footsteps behind him. He turned, and saw Edgar approaching:in a moment they were in each other's arms, and mingled tears. Theyreturned to Vincent's and conversed largely on present affairs. "I havediscoursed with my father on the subject, said Edgar. I have urged himwith every possible argument to relinquish his determination: I fear, however, he is inflexible. 

"To assuage the tempest of grief which rent Melissa's bosom was my nextobject, and in this I trust I have not been unsuccessful. You will seeher this evening, and will find her more calm and resigned. You, Alonzo, must exert your fortitude. The ways of Heaven are inscrutable, but theyare right. 

"We must acquiesce in its dealings. We cannot alter its decrees. Resignation to its will, whether merciful or afflictive, is one of thoseeminent virtues which adorn the good man's character, and ever find abrilliant reward in the regions of unsullied splendour, far beyondtrouble and the tomb. "

Edgar told Alonzo that circumstances compelled him that day to departfor the army. "I would advise you, said he, to remain here until youraffair comes to some final issue. It must, I think, ere long, beterminated. Perhaps you and my sister may yet be happy. "

Alonzo feelingly expressed his gratitude to Edgar. He found in him thatdisinterested friendship, which his early youth had experienced. Edgarthe same day departed for the army. 

In the afternoon Alonzo received a note from Melissa's father, requesting his immediate attendance. Surprised at the incident, herepaired there immediately. The servant introduced him into a room whereMelissa's father and aunt were sitting. ----"Hearing you were in theneighbourhood, said her father, I have sent for you, to make aproposition, which after what has taken place, I think you cannothesitate to comply with. The occurrence of previous circumstances maylead you to suppose that my daughter is under obligations to you, whichmay render it improper for her to form marriage connections with anyother. Whatever embarrassments your addresses to her may have produced, it is in your power to remove them; and if you are a man of honour youwill remove them. You cannot wish to involve Melissa in your presentpenurious condition, unless you wish to make her wretched. It thereforeonly remains for you to give me a writing, voluntarily resigning allpretensions to the hand of my daughter; and if you wish her to be happy, honourable, and respected in this life, this I say you will not hesitateto do. "

A considerable pause ensued. Alonzo at length replied, "I cannotperceive any particular advantage that can accrue from such a measure. It will neither add nor diminish the power you possess to commandobedience to your will, if you are determined to command it, either fromyour daughter, or your servant. "----

"There, brother, " bawled the old maid, half squeaking through her nose, which was well charged with rappee, "did'nt I tell you so? I knew thefellow would not come to terms no more than will your refractorydaughter. This love fairly bewitches such foolish, crack-brainedyoungsters. But say Mr. ----, what's your name, addressing herself toAlonzo, will love heat the oven? will love boil the pot? will loveclothe the back? will love----"

"You will not, interrupted Melissa's father, speaking to Alonzo, itseems, consent to my proposition? I have then, one demand to make, whichof right you cannot deny. Promise me that you will never see my daughteragain, unless by my permission. "

"At the present moment I shall promise you nothing, " replied Alonzo, with some warmth. 

"There again, said the old maid, just so Melissa told you this morning, when you requested her to see him no more. The fellow has fairlybetwattled her. I wish I had him to deal with. Things wasn't so when Iwas a girl; I kept the rogues at a distance, I'll warrant you. I alwaystold you, brother, what would come of your indulgence to your daughter. And I should not wonder if you should soon find the girl had eloped, andyour desk robbed in the bargain. "

Alonzo hastily arose: "I suppose, said he, my presence can be dispensedwith. "

"Well, young man, said Melissa's father, since you will not comply withany overtures I make; since you will not accede to any terms I propose, remember, sir, I now warn you to break off all communication andcorrespondence with my daughter, and to relinquish all expectationsconcerning her. I shall never consent to marry my daughter to a beggar. "

"Beggar!" involuntarily exclaimed Alonzo, and his eyes flashed inresentment. --But he recollected that it was the father of Melissa whohad thus insulted him, and he suppressed his anger. He rushed out of thehouse, and returned to Vincent's. He had neither heard nor seen anything of Melissa or Beauman. 

Night came on, and he ardently and impatiently expected Melissa. Heanticipated the consolation her presence would bestow. Edgar had toldhim she was more composed. He doubted whether it were proper to exciteanew her distress by relating his interview with her father, unless shewas appraised of it. The evening passed on, but Melissa came not. Alonzogrew restless and uneasy. He looked out, then at his watch. Vincent andhis lady assured him that she would soon be there. He paced the room. Still he became more impatient. He walked out on the way where she wasexpected to come. Sometimes he advanced hastily; at others he movedslowly; then stood motionless, listening in breathless silence, momentarily expecting to discover her white form approaching through thegloom, or to hear the sound of her footsteps advancing amidst thedarkness. Shapeless objects, either real or imaginary, frequentlycrossed his sight, but, like the unreal phantoms of night, they suddenlypassed away, and were seen no more. At length he perceived a dusky whiteform advancing in the distant dim obscurity. It drew near; his heartbeat in quick succession; his fond hopes told him it was Melissa. Theobject came up, and hastily passed him, with a "good night, sir. "

It was a stranger in a white surtout. Alonzo hesitated whether toadvance or to return. It was possible, though not probable, that Melissamight have come some other way. He hastened back to Vincent's--she hadnot arrived. "Something extraordinary, said Mrs. Vincent, has preventedher coming. Perhaps she is ill. "--Alonzo shuddered at the suggestion. Helooked at his watch; it was half past eleven o'clock. Again he hastilysallied out, and took the road to her father's. 

 * * * * *

The night was exceedingly dark, and illuminated only by the feebleglimmering of the twinkling stars. When he came within sight of thehouse, and as he drew near no lights were visible--all was still andsilent. He entered the yard, walked up the avenue, and approached thedoor. The familiar watch-dog, which lay near the threshold, fawned uponhim, joyfully whining and wagging his tail. "Thou still knowest me, Curlow, said Alonzo; thou hast known me in better days; I am now poorand wretched, but thy friendship is the same. " A solemn stillnessprevailed all around, interrupted only by the discordance of the nightlyinsects, and the hooting of the moping owl from the neighbouringforest. --The dwelling was shrouded in darkness. In Melissa's room nogleam of light appeared. "They are all buried in sleep, said Alonzo, deeply sighing, and I have only to return in disappointment. "

He turned and walked towards the street; casting his eyes back, theblaze of a candle caught his sight. It passed rapidly along through thelower rooms, now gleaming, now intercepted, as the walls or the windowsintervened, and suddenly disappeared. Alonzo gazed earnestly a fewmoments, and hastily returned back. No noise was to be heard, no newobjects were discernible. --He clambered over the garden wall, and wentaround to the back side of the house. Here all was solemn and silent asin front. Immediately a faint light appeared through one of the chamberwindows; it grew brighter; a candle entered the chamber; the sash wasflung up, and Melissa seated herself at the window. 

The weather was sultry, she held a fan in her hand; her countenance, though stamped with deep dejection, was marked with serenity, but paleas the drooping lily of the valley. Alonzo placed himself directly underthe window, and in a low voice called her by name. She started wildly, looked out, and faintly cried, "Who's there?" He answered, "Alonzo. ""Good heavens, she exclaimed, is it you, Alonzo? I was disappointed inmeeting you at Vincent's this evening; my father will not suffer me togo out without attendants. I am now constantly watched and guarded. "

"Watched and guarded! replied Alonzo: At the risque of my life I willdeliver you from the tyranny with which you are oppressed. "

"Be calm, Alonzo, said she, I think it will not last long. Beauman willsoon depart, after which there will undoubtedly be some alteration. Desire Mrs. Vincent to come here to-morrow; I believe they will let mesee her. I can, from time to time, inform you of passing events, so thatyou may know what changes take place. I am placed under the care of myaunt, who suffers me not to step out of her sight. We pass the night inan adjoining chamber--from whence, after she had fallen asleep, I stoleout, and went down with a design of walking in the garden, but found thedoors all locked and the keys taken out. I returned and raised thiswindow for fresh air. Hark! said she; my aunt calls me. She has wakedand misses me. I must fly to her chamber. You shall hear more from meto-morrow by Mrs. Vincent, Alonzo. " So saying, she let down the windowsash, and retired. 

Alonzo withdrew slowly from the place, and repassed the way he came. As he jumped back over the garden wall, he found a man standing at itsfoot, very near him: after a moment's scrutiny he perceived it to beBeauman. "What, my chevalier, said he to Alonzo, such an adept in theamorous science already? Hast thou then eluded the watchful eyes ofArgus, and the vigilance of the dragon!"

"Unfeeling and impertinent intruder, retorted Alonzo, seizing hold ofhim; is it not enough that an innocent daughter must endure a mercilessparent's persecuting hand, but must thou add to her misery by thydisgusting interference!"

"Quit thy hold, tarquin, said Beauman. Art thou determined, afterstorming the fortress, to murder the garrison?"

"Go, said Alonzo, quitting him; go sir, you are unworthy of my anger. Pursue thy grovelling schemes. Strive to force to your arms a lady whoabhors you, and were it not on one account, must ever continue todespise and hate you. "

"Alonzo, replied Beauman, I perceive thou knowest me not. You and I wererivals in our pursuit--the hand of Melissa. Whether from freak orfortune, the preference was given to you, and I retired in silence. Fromcoincidence of circumstances, her father has now been induced to givethe preference to me. My belief was, that Melissa would comply with herfather's will, especially after her prospects of connecting with youwere cut off by the events which ruined your fortune. You, Alonzo, haveyet, I find, to learn the character of women. It has been my particularstudy. Melissa, now ardently impassioned by first impressions, irritatedby recent disappointment, her passions delicate and vivid, heraffections animated and unmixed, it would be strange, if she couldsuddenly relinquish primitive attachments founded on such premises, without a struggle. But remove her from your presence for one year, withonly distant and uncertain prospects of seeing you again, admit me asthe substitute in your absence, and she accepts my hand as freely as shewould now receive yours. I had no design--it was never my wish to marryher without her consent. That I believe I shall yet obtain. Underexisting circumstances, it is impossible but that you must be separatedfor some considerable time. Then, when cool deliberation succeeds to thewild vagaries, the electric fire of frolic fancy, she will discover thedangerous precipice, the deadly abyss to which her present conduct andinclinations lead. She will see that the blandishments, without thepossessions of life, must fade and die. She will discriminate betweenthe shreds and the trappings of taste. She will prefer indifference andsplendour to love and a cottage. 

"At present I relinquish all further persuit; to-morrow I return toNew-London. When Melissa, from calm deliberation and the advice offriends, shall freely consent to yield me her hand, I shall return toreceive it. I came from my lodgings this evening to declare theseintentions to her father: but it being later than I was aware of, thefamily had gone to rest. I was about to return, when I saw a light fromthe chamber window, which soon withdrew. I stood a moment by the gardenwall, when you approached and discovered me. " So saying, he bade Alonzogood night, and walked hastily away. "I find he knows not the characterof Melissa, " said Alonzo, and returned to Vincent's. 

The next day Alonzo told the Vincents of all that had passed, and it wasagreed that Mrs. Vincent should visit at Melissa's father's thatafternoon. She went at an early hour. Alonzo's feelings were on the rackuntil she returned, which happened much sooner than was expected; whenshe gave him and Vincent the following information:

"When I arrived there, said she, I found Melissa's father and motheralone, her mother was in tears, which she endeavoured to conceal. Herfather soon withdrew. After some conversation I enquired for Melissa. The old lady burst into tears, and informed me that this morningMelissa's aunt (the old maid) had invited her to ride out with her. A carriage was provided, which, after a large trunk had been placedtherein, drove off with Melissa and her aunt; that Melissa's father hadjust been informing her that he had sent their daughter to a distantpart of the country, where she was to reside with a friend until Alonzoshould depart from the neighbourhood. The reason of this suddenresolution was his being informed by Beauman, that notwithstanding hisprecaution, Melissa and Alonzo had an interview the last evening. Whereshe was sent to, the old lady could not tell, but she was convinced thatMelissa was not apprised of the design when she consented to go. Heraunt had heretofore been living with the relatives of the family invarious parts of the state. "

Alonzo listened to Mrs. Vincent's relation with inexpressible agitation. He sat silent a few moments; then suddenly starting up, "I will find herif she be on the earth!" said he, and in spite of Vincent's attempts toprevent him, rushed out of the house, flew to the road, and was soon outof sight. 

Melissa had not, indeed, the most distant suspicion of the designs ofher father and aunt. The latter informed her that she was going to takea morning's ride, and invited Melissa to accompany her, to which sheconsented. She did not even perceive the trunk which was fastened onbehind the carriage. They were attended by a single servant. They droveto a neighbouring town, where Melissa had frequently attended her fatherand mother to purchase articles of dress, &c. Where they alighted at afriend's house, and lingered away the time until dinner; after which, they prepared, as Melissa supposed, to return, but found, to hersurprise, after they had entered the carriage, that her aunt ordered thedriver to proceed a different way. She asked her aunt if they were notgoing home. "Not yet, " said she. Melissa grew uneasy; she knew she wasto see Mrs. Vincent that afternoon; she knew the disappointment whichAlonzo must experience, if she was absent. She begged her aunt toreturn, as she expected the company of some ladies that afternoon. "Thenthey must be disappointed, child, " said her aunt. --Melissa knew it wasin vain to remonstrate; she supposed her aunt was bent on visiting someof her acquaintance, and she remained silent. 

They arrived at another village, and alighted at an inn, where Melissaand her aunt tarried, while the servant was ordered out by the latter onsome business unknown to Melissa. When they again got into the carriageshe perceived several large packages and bundles, which had beendeposited there since they left it. She enquired of her aunt what theycontained. "Articles for family use, child, " she replied, and orderedthe driver to proceed. 

They passed along winding and solitary paths, into a bye road which ledthrough an unfrequented wood, that opened into a rocky part of thecountry bordering on the Sound. Here they stopped at the only house inview. It was a miserable hut, built of logs, and boarded with slabs. They alighted from the carriage, and Melissa's aunt, handing the drivera large bunch of keys, "remember to do as I have told you, " said she, and he drove rapidly away. It was with some difficulty they got into thehut, as a meagre cow, with a long yoke on her neck, a board before hereyes, and a cross piece on her horns, stood with her head in the door. On one side of her were four or five half starved squeaking pigs, on theother a flock of gaggling geese. 

As they entered the door, a woman who sat carding wool jumped up, "Lame! she cried, here is Miss D----, welcome here again. How does madamdo?" dropping a low curtsey. She was dressed in a linsey woolsey shortgown, a petticoat of the same, her hair hanging about her ears, andbarefoot. Three dirty, ragged children were playing about the floor, andthe furniture was of a piece with the building. "Is my room in order?"enquired Melissa's aunt. "It hasn't been touched since madam was here, "answered the woman, and immediately stalked away to a little backapartment, which Melissa and her aunt entered. It was small, but neatlyfurnished, and contained a single bed. This appendage had been concealedfrom Melissa's view, as it was the opposite side of the house fromwhence she alighted. "Where is John?" asked Melissa's aunt. "My husbandis in the garden, replied the woman; I will call him, " and out shescampered. John soon appeared, and exhibited an exact counter part ofhis wife. "What does madam please to want?" said he, bowing three orfour times. "I want you John, " she answered, and immediately steppedinto the other room, and gave some directions, in a low voice, to himand his wife. "La me! said the woman, madam a'nt a going to live in thatdoleful place?" Melissa could not understand her aunt's reply, but heardher give directions to "first hang on the teakettle. " This done, whileJohn and his wife went out, Melissa's aunt prepared tea in her own room. In about an hour John and his wife returned, and gave the same bunch ofkeys to Melissa's aunt, which she had given to the servant who drove thecarriage. 

Melissa was involved in inscrutable mystery respecting theseextraordinary proceedings. She conjectured that they boded her no good, but she could not penetrate into her aunt's designs. She frequentlylooked out, hoping to see the carriage return, but was disappointed. When tea was made ready, she could neither eat nor drink. After her aunthad disposed of a dozen cups of tea, and an adequate proportion ofbiscuit, butter and dried beef, she directed Melissa to prepare to takea walk. The sun was low; they proceeded through fields, in a foot path, over rough and uneven ways, directly towards the Sound. They walkedabout a mile, when they came to a large, old fashioned, castle-likebuilding, surrounded by a high, thick wall, and almost totally concealedon all sides from the sight, by irregular rows of large locusts and elmtrees, dry prim[A] hedges, and green shrubbery. The gate which openedinto the yard, was made of strong hard wood, thickly crossed on theoutside with iron bars, and filled with old iron spikes. Melissa's auntunlocked the gate, and they entered the yard, which was overgrown withrank grass and rushes: the avenue which led to the house was almost inthe same condition. The house was of real Gothic architecture, built ofrude stone, with battlements. 

 [Footnote A: The botanical name of this shrub is not recollected. There were formerly a great number of prim hedges in New-England, and other parts of America. What is most remarkable is, that they all died the year previous to the commencement of the American war. ]

The doors were constructed in the same manner as the gate at which theyentered the yard. They unlocked the door, which creaked heavily on itshinges, and went in. They ascended a flight of stairs, wound throughseveral dark and empty rooms, till they came to one which was handsomelyfurnished, with a fire burning on the hearth. Two beds were in the room, with tables and chairs, and other conveniences for house keeping. "Herewe are safe, said Melissa's aunt, as I have taken care to lock all thedoors and gates after me; and here, Melissa, you are in the mansion ofyour ancestors. Your great grand father, who came over from England, built this house in the earliest settlements of the country, and here heresided until his death. The reason why so high and thick a wall wasbuilt round it, and the doors and gates so strongly fortified, was tosecure it against the Indians, who frequently committed depredations onthe early settlers. Your grandfather came in possession of this estateafter his father's death: it fell to me by will, with the landssurrounding it. The house has sometimes been tenanted, at others not. Ithas now been vacant for a few years. The lands are rented yearly. John, the person from whose house we last came, is my overseer and tenant. I had a small room built, adjoining that hut, where I generally residefor a week when I come to receive my rents. I have thought frequently offitting up this place for my future residence, but circumstances havehitherto hindered my carrying the scheme into effect, and now, perhaps, it will never take place. 

"Your perverseness, Melissa, in refusing to comply with the wishes ofyour friends, has induced us to adopt the method of bringing you here, where you are to remain until Alonzo leaves your neighbourhood, atleast. Notwithstanding your father's injunctions and my vigilance, youhad a clandestine interview with him last night. So we were told byBeauman this morning, before he set off for New-London, who discoveredhim at your window. It therefore became necessary to remove youimmediately. You will want for nothing. John is to supply us withwhatever is needful. --You will not be long here; Alonzo will soon begone. You will think differently; return home, marry Beauman, andbecome a lady. "

"My God! exclaimed Melissa, is it possible my father can be so cruel!Is he so unfeeling as to banish me from his house, and confine me withinthe walls of a prison, like a common malefactor?" She flung herself onthe bed in a state little inferior to distraction. Her aunt told her itwas all owing to her own obstinacy, and because she refused to be madehappy--and went to preparing supper. 

Melissa heard none of her aunt's observations; she lay in a stupifyingagony, insensible to all that passed. When supper was ready, her auntendeavoured to arouse her. She started up, stared around her with a wildagonizing countenance, but spoke not a word. Her aunt became alarmed. She applied stimulants to her temples and forehead, and persuaded her totake some cordials. She remained seemingly insensible through the night:just at morning, she fell into a slumber, interrupted by incoherentmoanings, convulsive startings, long drawn sighs, intermitting sobs, andby frequent, sudden and restless turnings from side to side. At lengthshe appeared to be in a calm and quiet sleep for about an hour. Aboutsunrise she awoke--her aunt sat by her bed side. She gazed languidlyabout the room, and burst into tears. She wept a long time; her auntstrove to console her, for she truly began to tremble, lest Melissa'sdistress should produce her immediate dissolution. Towards night, however, she became more calm and resigned; but a slight feversucceeded, which kept her confined for several days, after which sheslowly recovered. 

 * * * * *

John came frequently to the house to receive the commands of Melissa'saunt, and brought such things as they wanted. Her aunt also sometimeswent home with him, leaving the keys of the house with Melissa, butlocking the gate and taking the key of that with her. She generallyreturned before sunset. When Melissa was so far recovered as to walkout, she found that the house was situated on an eminence, about onehundred yards from the Sound. The yard was large and extensive. Withinthe enclosure was a spacious garden, now overrun with brambles andweeds. A few medinical and odoriferous herbs were scattered here andthere, and a few solitary flowers overtopped the tangling briars below;but there was plenty of fruit on the shrubbery and trees. The outbuildings were generally in a ruinous situation. The cemetery was themost perfect, as it was built of hewn stone and marble, and had bestwithstood the ravages of time. The rooms in the house were mostly emptyand decaying: the main building was firm and strong, as was also theextended wall which enclosed the whole. She found that although heraunt, when they first arrived, had led her through several upper roomsto the chamber they inhabited, yet there was from thence a directpassage to the hall. 

The prospect was not disagreeable. West, all was wilderness, from whicha brook wound along a little distance from the garden wall. North, werethe uneven grounds she had crossed when she came there, bounded bydistant groves and hills. East, beautiful meadows and fields, arrayed inflowery green, sloped to salt marshes or sandy banks of the Sound, orended in the long white beaches which extended far into the sea. South, was the Sound of Long Island. 

Melissa passed much of her time in tracing the ruins of this antiquatedplace, in viewing the white sails as they passed up and down the Sound, and in listening to the songs of the thousand various birds whichfrequented the garden and the forest. She could have been contented hereto have buried her afflictions, and for ever to retire from the world, could Alonzo but have resided within those walls. "What will he thinkhas become of me, " she would say, while the disconsolate tear glitteredin her eye. Her aunt had frequently urged her to yield to her father'sinjunctions, regain her liberty, and marry Beauman; and she every daybecame more solicitous and impertinent. A subject so hateful to Melissasometimes provoked her to tears; at other her keen resentment. Shetherefore, when the weather was fair, passed much of her time in thegarden and adjoining walks, wishing to be as much out of her aunt'scompany as possible. 

One day John came there early in the morning, and Melissa's aunt wenthome with him. The day passed away, but she did not return. Melissa satup until a late hour of the night, expecting her; she went to the gate, and found it was fast locked, returned, locked and bolted the doors ofthe house, went to bed and slept as soundly as she had done since herresidence in the old mansion. "I have at least, she said, escaped thedisgusting curtain-lecture about marrying Beauman. "

The next day her aunt returned. "I was quite concerned about you, child, said she; how did you sleep?" "Never better, she answered, since I havebeen here. " "I had forgotten, said her aunt, that my rents become duethis week. I was detained until late by some of my tenants; John wasout, and I dare not return in the night alone. I must go back to-day. Itwill take me a week to settle my business. If I am obliged to stay outagain I will send one of John's daughters to sleep with you. "----"Youneed not give yourself that trouble, replied Melissa; I am under noapprehension of staying here alone; nothing can get into or out of thesepremises. "----"Well, thou hast wonderful courage, child, said her aunt;but I shall be as frequently here as possible, and as soon as mybusiness is settled, I shall be absent no more. " So saying, she badeMelissa good morning, and set off for her residence at the dwelling ofJohn. 

She did not return in two days. The second night of her absence, Melissawas sitting in her chamber reading, when she heard a noise as of severalpeople trampling in the yard below. She arose, cautiously raised thewindow, and looked out. It was extremely dark; she thought she mighthave been discovered. 

Her aunt came the next day, and told her she was obliged to go into thecountry to collect some debts of those to whom she had rented lands: sheshould be gone a few days, and as soon as she returned should comethere. "The keys of the house, said she, I shall leave with you. Thegate I shall lock, and leave that key with John, who will come here asoften as necessary, to assist you, and see if you want any thing. " Shethen went off, leaving Melissa not dissatisfied with the prospect of herabsence. 

Melissa amused herself in evenings by reading in the few books her aunthad brought there, and in the day, in walking around the yard andgarden, or in traversing the rooms of the antique building. In some, were the remains of ancient furniture, others were entirely empty. Cobwebs and mouldering walls were the principal ornaments left. 

One evening as she was about retiring to rest, she thought she heard thesame trampling noise in the yard, as on a former occasion. She steppedsoftly to the window, suddenly raised it, and held out the candle. Shelistened and gazed with anxious solicitude, but discovered nothing more. All was silent; she shut the window, and in a short time went to bed. 

Some time in the night she was suddenly awakened by a sharp sound, apparently near her. She started in a trembling panic, but endeavouredto compose herself with the idea, that something had fallen from theshelves. As she lay musing upon the incident, she heard loud noises inthe rooms below, succeeded by an irregular and confused number ofvoices, and presently after, footsteps ascending the stairs which led toher chamber. She trembled; a cold chilly sweat run down her face. Directly the doors below opened and shut with a quick and violentmotion. And soon after she was convinced that she distinctly heard awhispering in her room. She raised herself up in the bed and castinquisitive eyes towards her chamber door. All was darkness--no newobject was visible--no sound was heard, and she again lay down. 

Her mind was too much agitated and alarmed to sleep. She had evidentlyheard sounds, footsteps and voices in the house, and whisperings whichappeared to be in her room. The yard gate was locked, of which John hadthe key. She was confident that no person could ascend or get over thewall of the enclosure. But if that were practicable, how was it possiblethat any human being could enter the house? She had the key of everydoor, and they were all fast locked, and yet she had heard themfuriously open and shut. A thought darted into her mind, --was it not aplan which her aunt had contrived in order to frighten her to acompliance with her wishes? But then how could she enter the housewithout keys? This might be done with the use of a false key. But fromwhence did the whisperings proceed, which appeared close to her bedside?Possibly it might be conveyed through the key-hole of her chamber door. These thoughts tended in some degree, to allay her fears;--they werepossibilities, at least, however improbable. 

As she lay thus musing, a hand, cold as the icy fingers of death, grasped her arm, which lay on the outside of the bed clothes. Shescreamed convulsively, and sprang up in the bed. Nothing was to beseen--no noise was heard. She had not time to reflect. She flew out ofthe bed, ran to the fire, and lighted a candle. Her heart beat rapidly. She cast timid glances around the room, cautiously searching everycorner, and examining the door. All things were in the same state shehad left them when she went to bed. Her door was locked in the samemanner; no visible being was in the room except herself. She sat down, pondering on these strange events. Was it not probable that she wasright in her first conjectures respecting their being the works of heraunt, and effected by her agents and instrumentality? All were possible, except the cold hand which had grasped her arm. Might not this be theeffect of a terrified and heated imagination? Or if false keys had beenmade use of to enter the rooms below, might they not also be used toenter her chamber? But could her room be unlocked, persons enter, approach her bed, depart and re-lock the door, while she was awake, without her hearing them?

She knew she could not go to sleep, and she determined not to go to bedagain that night. She took up a book, but her spirits had been too muchdisordered by the past scenes to permit her to read. She looked out ofthe window. The moon had arisen and cast a pale lustre over thelandscape. She recollected the opening and shutting of the door--perhapsthey were still open. The thought was alarming--She opened her chamberdoor, and with the candle in her hand, cautiously descended the stairs, casting an inquisitive eye in every direction, and stopping frequentlyto listen. --She advanced to the door; it was locked. She examined theothers; they were in the same situation. She turned to go up stairs, when a loud whisper echoed through the hall expressing "_away! away!_"She flew like lightning to her chamber, relocked the door and flungherself, almost breathless, into a chair. 

As soon as her scattered senses collected, she concluded that whateverhad been in the house was there still. She resolved to go out no moreuntil day, which soon began to discolour the east with a fainter blue, then purple streaks, intermingled with a dusky whiteness, ascended inpyramidical columns to the zenith; these fading slowly away, the easternhorizon became fringed with the golden spangles of early morn. A spot ofineffable brightness succeeded, and immediately the sun burst over theverge of creation, deluging the world in a flood of unbounded light andglory. 

As soon as the morning had a little advanced, Melissa ventured out. Sheproceeded with hesitating steps, carefully scrutinizing every objectwhich met her sight. She examined every door; they were all fast. Shecritically searched every room, closet, &c. Above and below. She thentook a light and descended into the cellar--here her inquisition was thesame. Thus did she thoroughly and strictly examine and search every partof the house from the garret to the cellar, but could find nothingaltered, changed, or removed; no outlet, no signs of there having beenany being in the house the evening before, except herself. 

She then unlocked the outer door and proceeded to the gate, which shefound locked as usual. She next examined the yard, the garden, and allthe out houses. 

Nothing could be discovered of any person having been recently there. She next walked around by the wall, the whole circle of the enclosure. She was convinced that the unusual height of the wall rendered itimpossible for any one to get over it. It was constructed of severaltier of hewed timbers, and both sides of it were as smooth as glass. On the top, long spikes were thickly driven in, sharpened at both ends. It was surrounded on the outside by a deep wide moat, which was nearlyfilled with water. Over this moat was a draw-bridge, on the road leadingto the gate, which was drawn up, and John had the key. 

The events of the past night, therefore, remained inscrutable. It mustbe that her aunt was the agent who had managed this extraordinarymachinery. 

She found John at the house when she returned. "Does madam want anything to-day?" asked he. "Has my aunt returned?" enquired Melissa. "Notyet, " he replied. "How long has she been gone?" she asked. "Four days, replied John, after counting his fingers, and she will not be back underfour or five more. " "Has the key of the gate been constantly in yourpossession?" asked she. "The key of the gate and draw-bridge, hereplied, have not been out of my possession for a moment since your aunthas been gone. " "Has any person been to enquire for me or my aunt, sheenquired, since I have been here?"--"No, madam, said he, not a singleperson. " Melissa knew not what to think; she could not give up the ideaof false keys--perhaps her aunt had returned to her father's. --Perhapsthe draw-bridge had been let down, the gate opened, and the houseentered by means of false keys. Her father would as soon do this as toconfine her in this solitary place; and he would go all lengths toinduce her, either by terror, persuasion or threats, to relinquishAlonzo and marry Beauman. 

A thought impressed her mind which gave her some consolation. It waspossible to secure the premises so that no person could enter even bythe aid of false keys. She asked John if he would assist her that day. "In anything you wish, madam, " he replied. She then directed him to goto work. Staples and iron bars were found in different parts of thebuilding, with which he secured the doors and windows, so that theycould be opened only on the inside. The gate, which swung in, wassecured in the same manner. She then asked John if he was willing toleave the key of the gate and the draw-bridge with her. "Perhaps I mayas well, " said he; "for if you bar the gate and let down the bridge, I cannot get in myself until you let me in. " John handed her the keys. "When I come, " said he, "I will halloo, and you must let me in. " Thisshe promised to do, and John departed. [A]

 [Footnote A: Of the place where Melissa was confined, as described in the foregoing pages, scarce a trace now remains. By the events of the revolution, the premises fell into other hands. The mansion, out houses and walls were torn down, the cemetery levelled, the moat filled up; the locusts and elm trees were cut down; all obstructions were removed, and the yard and garden converted into a beautiful meadow. An elegant farm-house is now erected on the place where John's hut then stood and the neighbourhood is thinly settled. ]

 * * * * *

That night Melissa let down the bridge, locked and barred the gate, andthe doors and windows of the house: she also went again over all partsof the building, strictly searching every place, though she was wellconvinced she should find nothing extraordinary. She then retired to herchamber, seated herself at a western window, and watched the slowdeclining sun, as it leisurely sunk behind the lofty groves. Pensivetwilight spread her misty mantle over the landscape; the western horizonglowed with the spangles of evening. Deepening glooms advanced. The lastbeam of day faded from the view, and the world was enveloped in night. The owl hooted solemnly in the forest, and the whippoorwill sungcheerfully in the garden. Innumerable stars glittered in the firmament, intermingling their quivering lustre with the pale splendours of themilky way. 

Melissa did not retire from the window until late; she then shut it andwithdrew within the room. She determined not to go to bed that night. Ifshe was to be visited by beings, material or immaterial, she chose notagain to encounter them in darkness, or to be surprised when she wasasleep. But why should she fear? She knew of none she had displeasedexcept her father, her aunt and Beauman. If by any of those the lateterrifying scenes had been wrought, she had now effectually precluded arecurrence thereof, for she was well convinced that no human being couldnow enter the enclosure without her permission. But if supernaturalagents had been the actors, what had she to fear from them? The nightpassed away without any alarming circumstances, and when daylightappeared she flung herself upon the bed, and slept until the morning wasconsiderably advanced. She now felt convinced that her formerconjectures were right; that it was her aunt, her father, or both, whohad caused the alarming sounds she had heard, a repetition of which hadonly been prevented by the precautions she had taken. 

When she awoke, the horizon was overclouded, and it began to rain. Itcontinued to rain until towards evening, when it cleared away. She wentto the gate, and found all things as she had left them: She returned, fastened the doors as usual, examined all parts of the house, and againwent to her chamber. 

She sat up until a late hour, when growing very drowsy, and convincedthat she was safe and secure, she went to bed; leaving, however, twocandles burning in the room. As she, for two nights, had been deprivedof her usual rest, she soon fell into a slumber. 

She had not long been asleep before she was suddenly aroused by theapparent report of a pistol, seemingly discharged close to her head. Awakened so instantaneously, her recollection, for a time, was confusedand imperfect. She was only sensible of a strong, sulphureous scent: butshe soon remembered that she had left two candles burning, and everyobject was now shrouded in darkness. This alarmed her exceedingly. Whatcould have become of the candles? They must have been blown out or takenaway. What was the sound she had just heard?----What the sulphureousstench which had pervaded the room?----While she was thus musing inperplexity, a broad flash like lightning, transiently illuminated thechamber, followed by a long, loud, and deep roar, which seemed to shakethe building to its centre. It did not appear like thunder; the soundsseemed to be in the rooms directly over her head. Perhaps, however, it was thunder. 

Perhaps a preceding clap had struck near the building, broken thewindows, put out the lights, and filled the house with the electriceffluvium. She listened for a repetition of the thunder--but a verydifferent sound soon grated on her ear. A hollow, horrible groan echoedthrough her apartment, passing off in a faint dying murmur. It wasevident that the groan proceeded from some person in the chamber. Melissa raised herself up in the bed; a tall white form moved from theupper end of the room, glided slowly by her bed, and seemed to pass offnear the foot. She then heard the doors below alternately open and shut, slapping furiously, and in quick succession, followed by violent noisesin the rooms below, like the falling of heavy bodies and the crash offurniture. Clamorous voices succeeded, among which she could distinguishboisterous menaces and threatenings, and the plaintive tone ofexpostulation. --A momentary silence ensued, when the cry of "_Murder!murder! murder!!_" echoed through the building, followed by the reportof a pistol, and shortly after, the groans of a person apparently in theagonies of death, which grew fainter and fainter until it died away in aseemingly expiring gasp. A dead silence prevailed for a few minutes, towhich a loud hoarse peal of ghastly laughter succeeded--then again allwas still. But she soon heard heavy footsteps ascending the stairs toher chamber door. It was now she became terrified and alarmed beyond anyformer example. ----"Gracious heaven, defend me! she exclaimed; what am Icoming to!" Knowing that every avenue to the enclosure was effectuallysecured; knowing that all the doors and windows of the house, as alsothat which opened into her chamber, were fast locked, strictly boltedand barred; and knowing that all the keys were in her possession, shecould not entertain the least doubt but the noises she had heard wereproduced by supernatural beings, and, she had reason to believe, of themost mischievous nature. She was now convinced that her father or heraunt could have no agency in the business. She even wished her aunt hadreturned. It must be exceedingly difficult to cross the moat, as thedraw bridge was up; it must be still more difficult to surpass the wallof the enclosure; it was impossible for any human being to enter thehouse, and still more impossible to enter her chamber. 

While she lay thus ruminating in extreme agitation, momentarilyexpecting to have her ears assailed with some terrific sound, a palelight dimly illuminated her chamber. It grew brighter. She raisedherself up to look towards the door;--the first object which met hereye, was a most horrible form, standing at a little distance from herbedside. Its appearance was tall and robust, wrapped in a tattered whiterobe, spotted with blood. The hair of its head was matted with clottedgore. A deep wound appeared to have pierced its breast, from which freshblood flowed down its garment. Its pale face was gashed and gory! itseyes fixed, glazed, and glaring;--its lips open, its teeth set, and inits hand was a bloody dagger. 

Melissa, uttering a shriek of terror, shrunk into the bed, and in aninstant the room was involved in pitchy darkness. A freezing ague seizedher limbs, and drops of chilling sweat stood upon her face. Immediatelya horrid hoarse voice burst from amidst the gloom of her apartment, "_Begone! begone from this house!_" The bed on which she lay then seemedto be agitated, and directly she perceived some person crawling on itsfoot. Every consideration, except present safety, was relinquished;instantaneously she sprang from the bed to the floor--with convulsedgrasp, seized the candle, flew to the fire and lighted it. She gazedwildly around the room--no new object was visible. With timid step sheapproached the bed; she strictly searched all around and under it, butnothing strange could be found. A thought darted into her mind to leavethe house immediately and fly to John's: this was easy, as the keys ofthe gate and draw-bridge were in her possession. She stopped not toreconsider her determination, but seizing the keys, with the candle inher hand, she unlocked her chamber door, and proceeded cautiously downstairs, fearfully casting her eyes on each side, as she tremblinglyadvanced to the outer door. She hesitated a moment. To what perils wasshe about to expose herself, by thus venturing out at the dead of thenight, and proceeding such a distance alone? Her situation she thoughtcould become no more hazardous, and she was about to unbar the door, when she was alarmed by a deep, hollow sigh. She looked around and saw, stretched on one side of the hall, the same ghastly form which had sorecently appeared standing by her bedside. The same haggard countenance, the same awful appearance of murderous death. A faintness came upon her;she turned to flee to her chamber--the candle dropped from her tremblinghand, and she was shrouded in impenetrable darkness. She groped to findthe stairs: as she came near their foot, a black object, apparently inhuman shape, stood before her, with eyes which seemed to burn like coalsof fire, and red flames issuing from its mouth. As she stood fixed amoment in inexpressible trepidation, a large ball of fire rolled alongthe hall, towards the door, and burst with an explosion which seemed torock the building to its deepest foundation. Melissa closed her eyes andsunk senseless to the floor. She revived and got to her chamber, shehardly knew how; locked her door, lighted another candle, and afteragain searching the room, flung herself into a chair, in a state of mindwhich almost deprived her of reason. 

Daylight soon appeared, and the cheerful sun darting its enlivening raysthrough the crevices and windows of the antique mansion, recovered herexhausted spirits, and dissipated, in some degree, the terrors whichhovered about her mind. She endeavoured to reason coolly on the eventsof the past night, but reason could not elucidate them. Not the leastnoise had been heard since she last returned to her chamber: shetherefore expected to discover no traits which might tend to adisclosure of those mysteries. She consoled herself only with a fixeddetermination to leave the desolate mansion. Should John come there thatday, he might be prevailed on to permit her to remain at her aunt'sapartment in his house until her aunt should return. If he should notcome before sunset, she resolved to leave the mansion and proceed there. 

She took some refreshment and went down stairs: she found the doors andwindows all fast as she had left them. She then again searched everyroom in the house, both above and below, and the cellar; but shediscovered no appearance of there having been any person there. Not thesmallest article was displaced; every thing appeared as it had formerlybeen. --She then went to the gate; it was locked as usual, and thedraw-bridge was up. She again traversed the circuit of the wall, butfound no alteration, or any place where it was possible the enclosuremight be entered. Again she visited the outer buildings, and evenentered the cemetery, but discovered not the least circumstance whichcould conduce to explain the surprising transactions of the precedingnight. She however returned to her room in a more composed frame ofspirit, confident that she should not remain alone another night in thatgloomy, desolate, and dangerous solitude. 

Towards evening Melissa took her usual walk around the enclosure. It wasthat season of the year when weary summer is lapsing into the arms offallow autumn. --The day had been warm, and the light gales borerevigorating coolness on their wings as they tremulously agitated thefoliage of the western forest, or fluttered among the branches of thetrees surrounding the mansion. The green splendours of spring had begunto fade into a yellow lustre, the flowery verdure of the fields waschanged to a russet hue. A robin chirped on a neighbouring oak, a wrenchattered beneath, swallows twittered around the decayed buildings, theludicrous mocking bird sung sportively from the top of the highest elmand the surrounding groves rung with varying, artless melody; while deepin the adjacent wilderness the woodcock, hammering on some dry andblasted trees, filled the woods with reverberant echoes. The Sound wasonly ruffled by the lingering breezes, as they idly wandered over itssurface. Long Island, now in possession of the British troops, wasthinly enveloped in smoky vapour; scattered along its shores lay thenumerous small craft and larger ships of the hostile fleet. A few skiffswere passing and repassing the Sound, and several American gun-boats layoff a point which jutted out from the main land, far to the eastward. Numberless summer insects mingled their discordant strains amidst theweedy herbage. A heavy black cloud was rising in the north west, whichseemed to portend a shower, as the sonorous, distant thunder was at longintervals distinctly heard. 

Melissa walked around the yard, contemplating the varying beauties ofthe scene: the images of departed joys--the days when Alonzo hadparticipated with her in admiring the splendours of rural prospects, raised in her bosom the sigh of deep regret. She entered the garden andtraversed the alleys, now overgrown with weeds and tufted knot-grass. The flower beds were choaked with the low running bramble and tanglingfive-finger; tall, rank rushes, mullens and daisies, had usurped theempire of the kitchen garden. The viny arbour was broken, andprincipally gone to decay; yet the "lonely wild rose" blushed mournfullyamidst the ruins. As she passed from the garden she involuntarilystopped at the cemetery: she paused in serious reflection:--"Here, saidshe, in this house of gloom rest, in undisturbed silence, my honourableancestors, once the active tenants of yonder mansion. Then, throughoutthese solitary demesnes, the busy occurrences of life glided in cheerfulcircles. Then, these now moss-clad alleys, and this wild weedy garden, were the resort of the fashionable and the gay. Then, evening musicfloated over the fields, while yonder halls and apartments shone inbrilliant illumination. Now all is sad, solitary and dreary, the hauntof spirits and spectres of nameless terror. All that now remains of thehead that formed, the hand that executed, and the bosom that relishedthis once happy scenery, is now, alas, only a heap of dust. "

She seated herself on a little hillock, under a weeping willow, whichstood near the cemetery, and watched the rising shower, which ascendedin gloomy pomp, half hidden behind the western groves, shrouding the lowsun in black vapour, while coming thunders more nearly and more awfullyrolled. The shrieking night hawk[A] soared high into the air, minglingwith the lurid van of the approaching storm, which widening, morerapidly advanced, until "the heavens were arrayed in blackness. "

 [Footnote A: Supposed to be the male whippoorwill; well known in the New-England states, and answering to the above peculiarity. ]

The lightning broader and brighter flashes, hurling down its forkystreaming bolts far in the wilderness, its flaming path followed by thevollying artillery of the skies. Now bending its long, crinkling spiresover the vallies, now glimmering along the summit of the hills. Convolving clouds poured smoky volumes through the expansion; a deep, hollow, distant roar, announced the approach of "summoned winds. " Thewhole forest bowed in awful grandeur, as from its dark bosom rushed theimpetuous hurricane, twisting off, or tearing up by the roots, thestoutest trees, whirling the heaviest branches through the air withirresistible fury. It dashed upon the sea, tossed it into irregularmountains, or mingled its white foamy spray with the gloom of the turbidskies. Slant-wise, the large heavy drops of rain began to descend. Melissa hastened to the mansion; as she reached the door a verybrilliant flash of lightning, accompanied by a tremendous explosion, alarmed her. A thunder bolt had entered a large elm tree within theenclosure, and with a horrible crash, had shivered it from top tobottom. She unlocked the door and hurried to her chamber. Deep night nowfilled the atmosphere; the rain poured in torrents, the wind rocked thebuilding, and bellowed in the adjacent groves: the sea raged and roared, fierce lightnings rent the heavens, alternately involving the world inthe sheeted flame of its many coloured fires; thunders rolled awfullyaround the firmament, or burst with horrid din, bounding andreverberating among the surrounding woods, hills and vallies. It seemednothing less than the crash of worlds sounding through the universe. 

Melissa walked her room, listening to the wild commotion of theelements. She feared that if the storm continued, she should becompelled to pass another night in the lone mansion: if so, she resolvednot to go to bed. She now suddenly recollected that in her haste toregain her chamber, she had forgotten to lock the outer door. The shockshe had received when the lightning demolished the elm tree, was thecause of this neglect. She took the candle, ran hastily down, andfastened the door. As she was returning, she heard footsteps, andimperfectly saw the glance of something coming out of an adjoining roominto the hall. Supposing some ghastly object was approaching, sheaverted her eyes and flew to the stairs. As she was ascending them, a voice behind her exclaimed, "Gracious heaven! Melissa!" The voiceagitated her frame with a confused, sympathetic sensation. She turned, fixed her eyes upon the person who had spoken; unconnected ideas floateda moment in her imagination: "Eternal powers! she cried, it is Alonzo. "

 * * * * *

Alonzo and Melissa were equally surprised at so unexpected a meeting. They could scarcely credit their own senses. --How he had discovered hersolitude--what led him to that lonely place--how he had got over thewall--were queries which first arose in her mind. He likewise could notconceive by what miracle he should find her in a remote, desolatebuilding, which he had supposed to be uninhabited. With rapture he tookher trembling hand; tears of joy choaked their utterance. "You are wet, Alonzo, said Melissa at length; we will go up to my chamber; I have afire there, where you can dry your clothes. "--"Your chamber; repliedAlonzo; who then inhabits this house?" "No one except myself, sheanswered; I am here alone, Alonzo. " "Alone! he exclaimed--here alone, Melissa! Good God! tell me how--why--by what means are you here alone?""Let us go up to my chamber, she replied, and I will tell you all. "

He followed her to her apartment and seated himself by the fire. "Youwant refreshment, " said Melissa--which was indeed the case, as he hadbeen long without any, and was wet, hungry and weary. 

She immediately set about preparing tea and soon had it ready, and acomfortable repast was spread for his entertainment. --And now, reader, if thou art a child of nature, if thy bosom is susceptible of refinedsensibility, contemplate for a moment, Melissa and Alonzo seated at thesame table, a table prepared by her own hand, in a lonely mansion, separated from society, and no one to interrupt them. After innumerabledifficulties, troubles and perplexities; after vexing embarrassments, and a cruel separation, they were once more together, and for some timeevery other consideration was lost. The violence of the storm had notabated. The lightning still blazed, the thunder bellowed, the windroared, the sea raged, the rain poured, mingled with heavy hail: Alonzoand Melissa heard a little of it. She told him all that had happened toher since they parted, except the strange noises and awful sights whichhad terrified her during her confinement in that solitary building: thisshe considered unnecessary and untimely, in her present situation. 

Alonzo informed her, that as soon as he had learned the manner in whichshe had been sent away, he left the house of Vincent and went to herfather's to see if he could not find out by some of the domestics whatcourse her aunt had taken. None of them knew any thing about it. He didnot put himself in the way of her father, as he was apprehensive of illtreatment thereby. He then went to several places among the relatives ofthe family where he had heretofore visited with Melissa, most of whomreceived him with a cautious coldness. At length he came to the house ofMr. Simpson, the gentleman to whose seat Alonzo was once driven by ashower, where he accidentally found Melissa on a visit, as mentionedbefore. Here he was admitted with the ardour of friendship. They hadheard his story: Melissa had kept up a correspondence with one of theyoung ladies; they were therefore informed of all, except Melissa'sremoval from her father's house: of this they knew nothing until toldthereof by Alonzo. 

"I am surprised at the conduct of my kinsman, said Mr. Simpson; forthough his determinations are, like the laws of the Medes and Persians, unalterable, yet I have ever believed that the welfare of his childrenlay nearest his heart. In the present instance he is certainly pursuinga mistaken policy. I will go and see him. " He then ordered his horse, desiring Alonzo to remain at his house until he returned. 

Alonzo was treated with the most friendly politeness by the family; hefound that they were deeply interested in his favour and the welfare ofMelissa. At evening Mr. Simpson returned. "It is in vain, said he, toreason with my kinsman; he is determined that his daughter shall marryyour rival. He will not even inform me to what place he has sentMelissa. Her aunt however is with her, and they must be at the residenceof some of the family relatives. --I will dispatch my son William amongour connections, to see if he can find her out. "

The next morning William departed, and was gone two days; but could notobtain the least intelligence either of Melissa or her aunt, although hehad been the rounds among the relations of the family. 

"There is some mystery in this affair, said Mr. Simpson. I am verylittle acquainted with Melissa's aunt. I have understood that she drawsa decent support from her patrimonial resources, which, it is said, arepretty large, and that she resides alternately with her differentrelatives. I have understood also that my kinsman expects her fortune tocome into his family, in case she never marries, which, in allprobability, she now will not, and that she, in consequence, holdsconsiderable influence over him. It is not possible but that Melissa isyet concealed at some place of her aunt's residence, and that the familyare in the secret. I think it cannot be long before they will disclosethemselves: You, Alonzo, are welcome to make my house your home; and ifMelissa can be found, she shall be treated as my daughter. "

Alonzo thanked him for his friendship and fatherly kindness. "I mustcontinue, said he, my researches for Melissa; the result you shallknow. "

He then departed, and travelled through the neighbouring villages andadjoining neighbourhoods, making, at almost every house, such enquiriesas he considered necessary on the occasion. He at length arrived at theinn in the last little village where Melissa and her aunt had stoppedthe day they came to the mansion. Here the inn-keeper informed him thattwo ladies, answering his description, had been at his house: he namedthe time, which was the day in which Melissa, with her aunt, left herfather's house. The inn-keeper told him that they purchased somearticles in the village, and drove off to the south. Alonzo thentraversed the country adjoining the Sound, far to the westward, and wasreturning eastward, when he was overtaken by the shower. No house beingwithin sight, he betook himself to the forest for shelter. From a littlehilly glade in the wilderness, he discovered the lonely mansion which, from its appearance, he very naturally supposed to be uninhabited. --Thetempest soon becoming severe, he thought he would endeavour to reach thehouse. 

When he arrived at the moat, he found it impossible to cross it, orascend the wall; and he stood in momentary jeopardy of his life, fromthe falling timber, some of which was broken and torn up by the tornado, and some splintered by the fiery bolts of heaven. At length a largetree, which stood near him, on the verge of the moat, or rather in thatplace, was hurled from its foundation, and fell, with a hideous crash, across the moat, its top lodging on the wall. He scrambled up on thetrunk, and made his way on the wall. By the incessant glare of lightninghe was able to see distinctly. The top of the tree was partly broken bythe force of its fall, and hung down the other side of the wall. Bythese branches he let himself down into the yard, proceeded to thehouse, found the door open, which Melissa had left in her fright, andentered into one of the rooms, where he proposed to stay until at leastthe shower was over, still supposing the house unoccupied, until thenoise of locking the door, and the light of the candle, drew him fromthe room, when, to his infinite surprise, he discovered Melissa, asbefore related. 

Melissa listened to Alonzo with varied emotion. The fixed obduracy ofher father, the generous conduct of the Simpsons, the constancy ofAlonzo, filled her heart with inexpressible sensations. She foresaw thather sufferings were not shortly to end--she knew not when her sorrowswere to close. 

Alonzo was shocked at the alteration which appeared in the features ofMelissa. The rose had faded from her cheek, except when it wastransiently suffused with a hectic flush. A livid paleness sat upon hercountenance, and her fine form was rapidly wasting. It was easy to beforeseen that the grief which preyed upon her heart would soon destroyher, unless speedily allayed. 

The storm had now passed into the regions of the east; the wind and rainhad ceased, the lightning more unfrequently flashed, and the thunderrolled at a distance. The hours passed hastily;--day would soon appear. Hitherto they had been absorbed in the present moment; it was time tothink of the future. After the troubles they had experienced; after sofortunate a meeting, they could not endure the idea of another andimmediate separation. And yet immediately separated they must be. Itwould not be safe for Alonzo to stay even until the rising sun, unlesshe was concealed; and of what use could it be for him to remain there inconcealment?

In this dilemma there was but one expedient. "Suffer me, said Alonzo toMelissa, to remove you from this solitary confinement. Your health isimpaired. To you, your father is no more a father; he has steeled hisbosom to paternal affection; he has banished you from his house, placedyou under the tyranny of others, and confined you in a lonely, desolatedwelling, far from the sweets of society; and this only because youcannot heedlessly renounce a most solemn contract, formed under his eye, and sanctioned by his immediate consent and approbation. Pardon me, Melissa, I would not censure your father; but permit me to say, thatafter such treatment, you are absolved from implicit obedience to hisrigorous, cruel, and stern commands. --It will therefore be considered aduty you owe to your preservation, if you suffer me to remove you fromthe tyrannical severity with which you are oppressed. "

Melissa sighed, wiping a tear which fell from her eye. "Unqualifiedobedience to my parents, said she, I have ever considered the first ofduties, and have religiously practised thereon----but where, Alonzo, would you remove me?" "To any place you shall appoint, " he answered. "I have no where to go, " she replied. 

"If you will allow me to name the place, said he, I will mention Mr. Simpson's. He will espouse your cause and be a father to you, and, ifconciliation is possible, will reconcile you to your father. This can bedone without my being known to have any agency in the business. It canseem as if Mr. Simpson had found you out. He will go any just lengths toserve us. It was his desire, if you could be found, to have you broughtto his house. There you can remain either in secret or openly, as youshall choose. Be governed by me in this, Melissa, and in all things Iwill obey you thereafter. I will then submit to the future events offate; but I cannot Melissa--I cannot leave you in this doleful place. "

Melissa arose and walked the room in extreme agitation. What could shedo? She had, indeed, determined to leave the house, for reasons whichAlonzo knew nothing of. But should she leave it in the way she hadproposed, she was not sure but she would be immediately remanded back, more strictly guarded, and more severely treated. To continue there, under existing circumstances, would be impossible, long to exist. Shetherefore came to a determination--"I will go, she said, to Mr. Simpson's. "

It was then agreed that Alonzo should proceed to Vincent's, interestthem in the plan, procure a carriage, and return at eleven o'clock thenext night. Melissa was to have the draw-bridge down, and the gate open. If John should come to the house the succeeding day, she would persuadehim to let her still keep the keys. But it was possible her aunt mightreturn. This would render the execution of the scheme more hazardous anddifficult. A signal was therefore agreed on; if her aunt should bethere, a candle was to be placed at the window fronting the gate, in theroom above; if not, it was to be placed against a similar window in theroom below. In the first case Alonzo was to rap loudly at the door. Melissa was to run down, under pretence of seeing who was there, flywith Alonzo to the carriage, and leave her aunt to scrape acquaintancewith the ghosts and goblins of the old mansion. For even if her auntshould return, which was extremely doubtful, she thought she couldcontrive to let down the bridge and unlock the gate in the eveningwithout her knowledge. At any rate she was determined not to let thekeys go out of her hands, unless they were forced from her, until shehad escaped from that horrid and dreary place. 

Daylight began to break from the east, and Alonzo prepared to depart. Melissa accompanied him to the gate and the bridge, which was let down:he passed over, and she slowly withdrew, both frequently turning to lookback. When she came to the gate, she stopped;--Alonzo stopped also. Shewaved a white handkerchief she had in her hand, and Alonzo bowed inanswer to the sign. She then leisurely entered and slowly shut thegate. --Alonzo could not forbear climbing up into a tree to catch anotherglimpse of her as she passed up the avenue. With lingering step he sawher move along, soon receding from his view in the gray twilight ofmisty morning. He then descended, and hastily proceeded on his journey. 

Traits of glory now painted the eastern skies. The glittering day-star, having unbarred the portals of light, began to transmit its retrocessivelustre. Thin scuds flew swiftly over the moon's decrescent form. Low, hollow winds, murmured among the bushes, or brushed the limpid dropsfrom intermingling foliage. The fire-fly[A] sunk, feebly twinkling, amidst the herbage of the fields. The dusky shadows of night fled to thedeep glens, and rocky caverns of the wilderness. The American larksoared high in the air, consecrating its matin lay to morn's approachingsplendours. The woodlands began to ring with native melody--the foresttops, on high mountains, caught the sun's first ray, which, widening andextending, soon gem'd the landscape with brilliants of a thousandvarious dies. 

 [Footnote A: The American lampyris, vulgarly called the lightning-bug. ]

As Alonzo came out of the fields near the road, he saw two personspassing in an open chair. They suddenly stopped, earnestly gazing athim. They were wrapped in long riding cloaks, and it could not bedistinguished from their dress whether they were men or women. He stoodnot to notice them, but made the best of his way to Vincent's, where hearrived about noon. --Rejoiced to find that he had discovered Melissa, they applauded the plan of her removal, and assisted him in obtaining acarriage. A sedan was procured, and he set out to return, promising tosee Vincent again, as soon as he had removed Melissa to Mr. Simpson's. He made such use of his time as to arrive at the mansion at the hourappointed. He found the draw-bridge down, the gate open, and saw, as hadbeen agreed upon, the light at the lower window, glimmering through thebranches of trees. He was therefore assured that Melissa was alone. Hisheart beat; a joyful tremor seized his frame; Melissa was soon to beunder his care, for a short time at least. --He drove up to the house, sprang out of the carriage, and fastened his horse to a locust tree: Thedoor was open; he went in, flew lightly up stairs, entered herchamber--Melissa was not there! A small fire was blazing on the hearth, a candle was burning on the table. He stood petrified with amazement, then gazed around in anxious solicitude. What could have become of her?It was impossible, he tho't, but that she must still be there. 

Had she been removed by fraud or force, the signal candle would not havebeen at the window. Perhaps, in a freakish moment, she had concealedherself for no other purpose than to cause him a little perplexity. Hetherefore took the candle and searched every corner of the chamber, andevery room of the house, not even missing the garret and the cellar. He then placed the candle in a lantern, and went out and examined theout-houses: he next went round the garden and the yard, strictlyexploring and investigating every place; but he found her not. Herepeatedly and loudly called her by name; he was answered only by thesolitary echoes of the wilderness. 

Again he returned to the house, traversed the rooms, there also callingon the name of Melissa: his voice reverberated from the walls, dyingaway in solemn murmurs in the distant empty apartments. Thus did hecontinue his anxious scrutiny, alternately in the house and theenclosure, until day--but no traces could be discovered, nothing seen orheard of Melissa. What had become of her he could not form the mostdistant conjecture. Nothing was removed from the house; the beds, thechairs, the table, all the furniture remained in the same condition aswhen he was there the night before;--the candle, as had been agreedupon, was at the window, and another was burning on the table:--it wastherefore evident that she could not have been long gone when hearrived. By what means she had thus suddenly disappeared, was a mostdeep and inscrutable mystery. 

When the sun had arisen, he once more repeated his inquisitive search, but with the same effect. He then, in extreme vexation anddisappointment, flung himself into the sedan, and drove from themansion. Frequently did he look back at the building, anxiously did hescrutinize every surrounding and receding object. A thrill of pensiverecollection vibrated through his frame as he passed the gate, and thekeen agonizing pangs of blasted hope, pierced his heart, as his carriagerolled over the bridge. 

Once more he cast a "longing, lingering look" upon the premises behind, sacred only for the treasure they lately possessed; then sunk backwardin his seat, and was dragged slowly away. 

 * * * * *

Alonzo had understood from Melissa, that John's hut was situated aboutone mile north from the mansion where she had been confined. When hecame out near the road, he left his horse and carriage, after securingthem, and went in search of it. --He soon discovered it, and knew it fromthe description given thereof by Melissa. --He went up and knocked at thedoor, which was opened by John, whom Alonzo also knew, from the portraitMelissa had drawn of him. 

John started in amazement. "Understanding, said Alonzo, that you havethe charge of the old mansion in yonder field, I have come to know ifyou can inform me what has become of the young lady who has beenconfined there. "

"Confined! answered John, I did not know she was confined. "

Recollecting himself, "I mean the young lady who has lately residedthere with her aunt, " replied Alonzo. 

"She was there last night, answered John; her aunt is gone into thecountry and has not returned. "

Alonzo then told him the situation of the mansion, and that she was notthere. John informed him that she was there about sunset, and accordingto her request he had left the keys of the gate and bridge with her:he desired Alonzo to tarry there until he ran to the mansion. 

He returned in about half an hour. "She is gone, sure enough, said John;but how, or where, it is impossible for me to guess. "--Convinced that heknew nothing of the matter, Alonzo left him and returned to Vincent's. 

Vincent and his lady were much surprised at Alonzo's account ofMelissa's sudden disappearance, and they wished to ascertain whether herfather's family knew any thing of the circumstance. Social intercoursehad become suspended between the families of Vincent and Melissa'sfather, as the latter had taxed the former of improperly endeavouring topromote the views of Alonzo. They therefore procured a neighbouringwoman to visit Melissa's mother, to see if any information could beobtained concerning Melissa; but the old lady had heard nothing of hersince her departure with her aunt, who had never yet returned. --Alonzoleft Vincent's and went to Mr. Simpson's. He told them all that hadhappened since he was there, of which, before, they had heard nothing. At the houses of Mr. Simpson and Vincent he resided some time, whilethey made the most dilligent search to discover Melissa; but nothingcould be learned of her fate. 

Alonzo then travelled into various parts of the country, making suchenquiries as caution dictated of all whom he thought likely to give himinformation;--but he found none who could give him the leastintelligence of his lost Melissa. 

In the course of his wanderings he passed near the old mansion housewhere Melissa had been confined. He felt an inclination once more tovisit it: he proceeded over the bridge, which was down, but he found thegate locked. He therefore hurried back and went to John's, whom he foundat home. On enquiring of John whether he had yet heard any thing of theyoung lady and her aunt; "All I know of the matter, said John, is, thattwo days after you were here, her aunt came back with a strangegentleman, and ordered me to go and fetch the furniture away from theroom they had occupied in the old mansion. I asked her what had becomeof young madam. She told me that young madam had behaved veryindiscreetly, and she found fault with me for leaving the keys in herpossession, though I did not know that any harm could arise from it. From the discourse which my wife and I afterwards overheard betweenmadam and the strange gentleman, I understood that young madam had beensent to reside with some friend or relation at a great distance, becauseher father wanted her to marry a man, and she wishes to marry somebodyelse. " From John's plain and simple narrative, Alonzo concluded thatMelissa had been removed by her father's order, or through the agency, or instigation of her aunt. Whether his visit to the old mansion hadbeen somehow discovered or suspected, or whether she was removed by somepreconcerted or antecedent plan, he could not conjecture. --Still, thesituation in which he found the mansion the night he went to convey heraway, left an inexplicable impression on his mind. He could in no manneraccount how the candle could be placed at the window according toagreement, unless it had been done by herself; and if so, how had she sosuddenly been conveyed away?

Alonzo asked John where Melissa's aunt now was. 

"She left here yesterday morning, he answered, with the strangegentleman I mentioned, on a visit to some of her friends. "

"Was the strange gentleman you speak of her brother?" asked Alonzo. 

"I believe not, replied John, smiling and winking to his wife;--I knownot who he was; somebody that madam seems to like pretty well. "

"Have you the care of the old mansion?" said Alonzo. 

"Yes, answered John, I have the keys; I will accompany you thither, perhaps you would like to purchase it; madam said yesterday she thoughtshe should sell it. "

Alonzo told him he had no thoghts of purchasing, thanked him for hisinformation, and departed. 

Convinced now that Melissa was removed by the agency of her persecutors, he compared the circumstances of John's relation. "She had been sent toreside with some friend or relation at a great distance. " This greatdistance, he believed to be New London, and her friend or relation, hercousin, at whose house Alonzo first saw her, under whose care she wouldbe safe, and Beauman would have an opportunity of renewing hisaddresses. Under these impressions, Alonzo did not long hesitate whatcourse to pursue--he determined to repair to New London immediately. 

In pursuance of his design he went to his father's. He found the oldgentleman with his man contentedly tilling his farm, and his mothercheerfully attending to household affairs, as their narrow circumstanceswould not admit her to keep a maid without embarrassment. Alonzo's soulsickened on comparing the present state of his family with its formeraffluence; but it was an unspeakable consolation to see his aged parentscontented and happy in their humble situation; and though the idea couldnot pluck the thorn from his own bosom, yet it tended temporarily toassuage the anguish of the wound. 

"You have been long gone, my son, said his father; I scarcely knew whathad become of you. Since I have become a farmer I know little of what isgoing forward in the world; and indeed we were never happier in ourlives. After stocking and paying for my farm, and purchasing therequisites for my business, I have got considerable money at command:we live frugally, and realize the blessings of health, comfort, andcontentment. Our only disquietude is on your account, Alonzo. Youraffair with Melissa, I suppose, is not so favourable as you could wish. But despair not, my son; hope is the harbinger of fairer prospects: relyon Providence, which never deserts those who submissively bow to thejustice of its dispensations. "

Unwilling to disturb the serenity of his parents, Alonzo did not tellthem his troubles. He answered, that perhaps all might yet come right;but that, as in the present state of his mind he thought a change ofsituation might be of advantage, he asked liberty of his father totravel for some little time. To this his father consented, and offeredhim a part of the money he had on hand, which Alonzo refused, saying hedid not expect to be long gone, and his resources had not failed him. 

He then sold off his books, his horses, his carriages, &c. The_insignia_ of his better days, but now useless appendages, from which heraised no inconsiderable sum. --He then took a tender and affectionateleave of his parents, and set out for New London. 

Alonzo journeyed along with a heavy heart and in an enfeebled frame ofspirits. Through disappointment, vexation, and the fatigues he hadundergone in wandering about, for a long time, in search of Melissa, despondency had seized upon his mind, and indisposition upon his body. He put up the first night within a few miles of New Haven, and as hepassed through that town the next morning, the scenes of early life inwhich he had there been an actor, moved in melancholy succession overhis mind. That day he grew more indisposed; he experienced an unusuallanguor, listlessness and debility; chills, followed by hot flashes, heavy pains in the head and back, with incessant and intolerable thirst. It was near night when he reached Killingsworth, where he halted, as hefelt unable to go farther: he called for a bed, and through the nightwas racked with severe pain, and scorched with a burning fever. 

The next morning he requested that the physician of the town might besent for;--he came and ordered a prescription which gave his patientsome relief; and by strict attention, in about ten days Alonzo was ableto pursue his journey. He arrived at New London, and took lodgings witha private family of the name of Wyllis, in a retired part of the town. 

The first object was to ascertain whether Melissa was at her cousin's. But how should he obtain this information? He knew no person in the townexcept it was those whom he had reason to suppose were leagued againsthim. Should he go to the house of her cousin, it might prove an injuryto her if she were there, and could answer no valuable purpose if shewere not. --The evening after he arrived there he wrapped himself up inhis cloak and took the street which led to the house of Melissa'scousin: he stopped when he came against it, to see if he could make anydiscoveries. As people were passing and repassing the street, he gotover into a small enclosure which adjoined the house, and stood under atree, about thirty yards from the house: he had not long occupied thisstation, before a lady came to the chamber window, which was flung up, opposite to the place where he stood; she leaned out, looked earnestlyaround for a few minutes, then shut it and retired. She had brought acandle into the room, but did not bring it to the window; of course hecould not distinguish her features so as to identify them. 

He knew it was not the wife of Melissa's cousin, and from her appearancehe believed it to be Melissa. Again the window opened, again the samelady appeared;--she took a seat at a little distance within the room;she reclined with her head upon her hand, and her arm appeared to besupported by a stand or table. Alonzo's heart beat violently; he now hada side view of her face, and was more than ever convinced that it wasMelissa. Her delicate features, though more pale and dejected than whenlast he saw her;--her brown hair, which fell in artless circles aroundher lily neck; her arched eye-brows and commanding aspect. Alonzo movedtowards the house, with a design, if possible, to draw her attention, and should it really prove to be Melissa, to discover himself. He hadproceeded but a few steps before she arose, shut the window, retired, and the light disappeared. Alonzo waited a considerable time, but sheappeared no more. Supposing she had retired for the night, he slowlywithdrew, chagrined at this disappointment, yet pleased at the discoveryhe had made. 

The family with whom Alonzo had taken lodgings were fashionable andrespectable. The following afternoon they had appointed to visit afriend, and they invited Alonzo to accompany them. When they named thefamily where their visit was intended, he found it to be Melissa'scousin. Alonzo therefore declined going under pretence of business. Hehowever waited with anxiety for their return, hoping he should be ableto learn by their conversation, whether Melissa was there or not. --Whenthey returned he made some enquiries concerning the families in town, until the conversation turned upon the family they had visited. "Theyoung lady who resides there, said Mrs. Wyllis, is undoubtedly in aconfirmed decline; she will never recover. "

Alonzo started, deeply agitated. "Who is the young lady?" he asked. "Sheis sister to the gentleman's wife where we visited, answered Mr. Wyllis;--her father lives in Newport, and she has come here for herhealth. " "Do you not think, said Mrs. Wyllis, that she resembles theircousin Melissa, who resided there some time ago?" "Very much indeed, replied her husband, only she is not quite so handsome. "

Again was Alonzo disappointed, and again did he experience a melancholypleasure: he had the last night hoped that he had discovered Melissa;but to find her in a hopeless decline, was worse than that she shouldremain undiscovered. 

"It is reported, said Mrs. Wyllis, that Melissa has been upon the vergeof matrimony, but that the treaty was somehow broken off; perhapsBeauman will renew his addresses again, should this be the case. ""Beauman has other business besides addressing the ladies, answered Mr. Wyllis. He has marched to the lines near New-York with his new raisedcompany of volunteers. "[A]

 [Footnote A: New-York was then in possession of the British troops. ]

From this discourse, Alonzo was convinced that Melissa was not theperson he had seen at her cousin's the preceding evening, and that shewas not there. He also found that Beauman was not in town. Where tosearch next, or what course to pursue, he was at a loss to determine. 

The next morning he rose early and wandered about the town. As he passedby the house of Melissa's cousin, he saw the lady, who had appeared atthe window, walking in the garden. Her air, her figure, had very muchthe appearance of Melissa; but the lineaments of her countenance were, when viewed by the light of day, widely dissimilar. Alonzo felt nostrong curiosity farther to examine her features, but passing on, returned to his lodgings. 

How he was now to proceed, Alonzo could not readily decide. To return tohis native place, appeared to be as useless as to tarry where he was. For many weeks had he travelled and searched every place where hethought it probable Melissa might be found, both among her relatives andelsewhere. He had made every effort to obtain some clue to her removalfrom the old mansion, but he could learn nothing but what he had beentold by John. If his friends should ever hear of her, they could notinform him thereof, as no one knew where he was. Would it not, therefore, be best for him to return back, and consult with his friends, and if nothing had been heard of her, pursue some other mode of enquiry?He might, at least, leave directions where his friends might write tohim, in case they should have any thing whereof to apprise him. 

An incident tended to confirm this resolution. He one night dreamed thathe was sitting in a strange house, contemplating on his presentsituation, when Melissa suddenly entered the room. Her appearance wasmore pale, sickly and dejected, than when he last saw her. Her elegantform had wasted away, her eyes were sunk, her cheeks fallen, her lipslivid. He fancied it to be night, she held a candle in her hand, smilinglanguidly upon him;--she turned and went out of the room, beckoning himto follow: he thought he immediately arose and followed her. She glidedthrough several winding rooms, and at length he lost sight of her, andthe light gradually fading away, he was involved in deep darkness. --Hegroped along, and at length saw a faint distant glimmer, the course ofwhich he pursued, until he came into a large room, hung with blacktapestry, and illuminated by a number of bright tapers. On one side ofthe room appeared a hearse, on which some person was laid: he went up toit--the first object that arrested his attention was the lovely form ofMelissa, shrouded in the sable vestments of death! Cold and lifeless, she lay stretched upon the hearse, beautiful even in dissolution; thedying smile of complacency had not yet deserted her cheek. The music ofher voice had ceased; her fine eyes had closed for ever. Insensible toobjects in which she once delighted; to afflictions which had blastedher blooming prospects, and drained the streams of life, she lay likeblossomed trees of spring, overthrown by rude and boisterous winds. Thedeep groans which convulsed the distracted bosom, and shocked thetrembling frame of Alonzo, broke the delusive charm: he awoke, rejoicedto find it but a dream, though it impressed his mind with doleful andportentous forebodings. 

It was a long time before he could again close his eyes to sleep; he atlength fell into a slumber, and again he dreamed. He fancied himselfwith Melissa, at the house of her father, who had consented to theirunion, and that the marriage ceremony between them was there performed. He thought that Melissa appeared as she had done in her most fortunateand sprightly days, before the darts of adversity, and the thorns ofaffliction, had wounded her heart. Her father seemed to be divested ofall his awful sternness, and gave her to Alonzo with cheerful freedom. He awoke, and the horrors of his former dream were dissipated by thehappy influences of the last. 

"Who knows, he said, but that this may finally be the case; but that thesun of peace may yet dispel the glooms of these distressful hours!" Hearose, determined to return home in a few days. He went out and enjoyedhis morning walk in a more composed frame of spirits than he had forsome time experienced. He returned, and as he was entering the door hesaw the weekly newspaper of the town, which had been published thatmorning, and which the carrier had just flung into the hall. ----Thefamily had not yet arisen. He took up the paper, carried it to hischamber, and opened it to read the news of the day. He ran his eyehastily over it, and was about to lay it aside, when the death listarrested his attention, by a display of broad black lines. The firstarticle he read therein was as follows:

"Died, of a consumption, on the 26th ult. At the seat of her uncle, Col. W. D--, near Charleston, South Carolina, whither she had repaired forher health, Miss Melissa D----, the amiable daughter of J---- D----, Esq. Of *******, Connecticut, in the eighteenth year of her age. "

The paper fell from the palsied hand--a sudden faintness came uponhim--the room grew dark--he staggered, and fell senseless upon thefloor. 

 * * * * *

The incidents of our story will here produce a pause. ----The fancifulpart of our readers may cast it aside in chagrin and disappointment. "Such an event, " may they say, "we were not prepared to expect. --Afterso many, and such various trials of heart; after innumerabledifficulties surmounted; almost invincible objects overcome, andinsuperable barriers removed--after attending the hero and heroine ofyour tale through the diversified scenes of anxiety, suspense, hope, disappointment, expectation, joy, sorrow, anticipated bliss, sudden anddisastrous woe----after elevating them to the threshold of happiness, by the premature death of one, to plunge the other, instantaneously, indeep and irretrievable despair, must not, cannot be right. --Your storywill hereafter become languid and spiritless; the subject will beuninteresting, the theme unengaging, since the _genius_ which animatedand enlivened it is gone for ever. "

Reader of sensibility, stop. Are we not detailing facts? Shall we glossthem over with false colouring? Shall we describe things as they are, oras they are not? Shall we draw with the pencil of nature, or of art? Dowe indeed paint life as it is, or as it is not? Cast thine eyes, reader, over the ephemeral circle of passing and fortuitous events; view thechange of contingencies; mark well the varied and shifting scenery inthe great drama of time;--seriously contemplate nature in heroperations; minutely examine the entrance, the action, and the exit ofcharacters on the stage of existence--then say, if disappointment, distress, misery and calamitous woe, are not the inalienable portion ofthe susceptible bosom. Say, if the possession of refined feeling isenviable----the lot of _Nature's children_ covetable--whether to such, through life, the sprinklings of comfort are sufficient to give a zestto the bitter banquets of adversity--whether, indeed, sorrow, sighing, and tears, are not the inseparable attendants of all those whose heartsare the repositories of tender affections and pathetic sympathies. 

But what says the moralist?--"Portray life as it is. Delude not thesenses by deceptive appearances. Arouse your hero? call to his aid sternphilosophy and sober reason. They will dissipate the rainbow-glories ofunreal pleasure, and banish the glittering meteors of unsubstantialhappiness. Or if these fail, lead him to the holy fane of religion: shewill regulate the fires of fancy, and assuage the tempest of thepassions: she will illuminate the dark wilderness, and smooth the thornypaths of life: she will point him to joys beyond the tomb--to _anotherand a better world_; and pour the balm of consolation and serenity overhis wounded soul. "

Shall we indeed arouse Alonzo? Alas! to what paths of grief andwretchedness shall we arouse him! To a world to him void andcheerless--a world desolate, sad and dreary. 

Alonzo revived. "Why am I, he exclaimed, recalled to this dungeon oftorment? Why was not my spirit permitted to take its flight to regionswhere my guardian is gone? Why am I cursed with memory? O that I mightbe blessed with forgetfulness! But why do I talk of blessings?--Heavennever had one in store for me. Where are fled my anticipated joys?To the bosom, the dark bosom of the oblivious tomb! There lie all thegraces worthy of love in life--all the virtues worthy of lamentation indeath! There lies perfection; perfection has here been found. Was shenot all that even Heaven could demand?--Fair, lovely, holy and virtuous. Her tender solicitudes, her enrapturing endearments, her soul-inspiringblandishments, --gone, gone for ever? That heavenly form, thatdiscriminate mind--all lovely as light, all pure as a seraph's--a preyto worms--mingled with incorporeal shadows, regardless of formerinquietudes or delights, regardless of the keen anguish which now wringstears of blood from my despairing heart!

"Eternal Disposer of events! if virtue be thy special care, why is thefairest flower in the garden of innocence and purity blasted like anoxious weed? Why is the bright gem of excellence trampled in the dustlike a worthless pebble?--Why is Melissa hurried to the tomb?"

Thus raved Alonzo. It was evident that delirium had partially seized hisbrain. He arose and flung himself on the bed in unspeakable agony. "Andwhat, Alas! he again exclaimed, now remains for me? Existence andunparalleled misery. The consolation even of death is denied me. ButMelissa! she--ah, where is she! Oh, reflection insupportable!insufferable consideration! Must that heavenly frame putrify, moulder, and crumble into dust? Must the loathsome spider nestle on her lilybosom? the odious reptile riot on her delicate limbs? the worm revelamid the roses of her cheek, fatten on her temples, and bask in thelustre of her eyes? Alas! the lustre has become dimmed in death; therose and the lily are withered; the harmony of her voice has ceased; thegraces, the elegancies of form, the innumerable delicacies of air, allare gone, and I am left in a state of misery which defies mitigation orcomparison. "

Exhausted by excess of grief, he now lay in a stupifying anguish, untilthe servant summoned him to breakfast. He told the servant he wasindisposed and requested he might not be disturbed. Mr. Wyllis and hislady came up, anxious to yield him any assistance in their power, andadvised him to call a physician. He thanked them, but told them it wasunnecessary; he only wanted rest. His extreme distress of mind broughton a relapse of fever, from which he had but imperfectly recovered. Forseveral days he lay in a very dangerous and doubtful state. A physicianwas called, contrary to his choice or knowledge, as for most part of thetime his mind was delirious and sensation imperfect. This was, probablythe cause of baffling the disorder. He was in a measure insensible tohis woes. He did not oppose the prescriptions of the physician. Thefever abated; nature triumphed over disease of body, and he slowlyrecovered, but the malady of his mind was not removed. 

He contemplated on the past. "I fear, said he, I have murmured againstthe wisdom of Providence. Forgive, O merciful Creator! Forgive thefrenzies of distraction!" He now recollected that Melissa once told himthat she had an uncle who resided near Charleston in South Carolina;thither he supposed she had been sent by her father, when she wasremoved from the old mansion, in order to prevent his having access toher, and with a view to compel her to marry Beauman. Her appearance hadindicated a deep decline when he last saw her. "There, said he, farremoved from friends and acquaintance, there did she languish, there didshe die--a victim to excessive grief, and cruel parental persecution. "

As soon as he was able to leave his room, he walked out one evening, andin deep contemplation roved, he knew not where. The moon shonebrilliantly from her lofty throne; the chill, heavy dews of autumnglittered on the decaying verdure. The _cadeat_[A] croaked hoarselyamong the trees; the _dircle_[B] sung mournfully on the grass. --Alonzoheard them not; he was insensible to all external objects, until he hadimperceptibly wandered to the rock on the point of the beach, vergingthe Sound, to which he had attended Melissa the first time he saw her ather cousin's. [C] Had the whole artillery of Heaven burst, in sheetedflame, from the skies--had raging winds mingled the roaring waves withthe mountains--had an instantaneous earthquake burst beneath his feet, his frame would not have been so shocked, his soul so agitated!--Suddenas the blaze darts from the electric cloud was he aroused to a livelysense of blessings entombed! The memory of departed joys passed withrapidity over his imagination; his first meeting with Melissa; theevening he had attended her to that place; her frequent allusions to thescenery there displayed, when they had traversed the fields, or reclinedin the bower on her favourite hill; in fine, all the vicissitudesthrough which they had passed, were called to his mind. His fancy sawher--felt her gently leaning on his arm, while he tremblingly pressedher hand. --Again he saw smiling health crimsoning the lilies of hercheek; again he saw the bright soul of sympathetic feelings sparkling inher eye; the air of ease; the graces of attitude; her brown lockscircling the borders of her snowy robe. Again he was enraptured by themelody of her voice. --Once more would he have been happy, had not fancychanged the scene. But, alas! she shifted the curtain. He saw Melissastretched on the sable hearse, wrapped in the dreary vestments of thegrave; the roses withered; the lilies faded; motionless; the gracesfled; her eyes fixed, and sealed in the glaze of death! Spontaneously hefell upon his knees, and thus poured forth the overcharged burden of hisanguished bosom. 

 [Footnote AB: Local names given to certain American insects, from their sound. They are well known in various parts of the United States; generally make their appearance about the latter end of August, and continue until destroyed by the frost. The notes of the first are hoarse, sprightly, and discordant; of the last, solemn and mournfully pleasing. ]

 [Footnote C: See page 8. See also allusions to this scene in several subsequent parts of the story. ]

"Infinite Ruler of all events! Great Sovereign of this ever changingworld! Omnipotent Controller of vicissitudes! Omniscient dispenser ofdestinies! The beginning, the progression, the end is thine. Unsearchable are thy purposes! mysterious thy movements! inscrutable thyoperations! An atom of thy creation, wildered in the mazes of ignoranceand woe, would bow to thy decrees. Surrounded with impenetrable gloom, unable to scrutinize the past, incompetent to explore the future----fainwould he say, THY WILL BE DONE! And Oh, that it might be consistent withthat HIGH WILL to call _this atom_ from a dungeon of wretchedness, toworlds of light and glory, where his only CONSOLATION is gone. "

Thus prayed the heart-broken Alonzo. It was indeed a worldly prayer; butperhaps as pure and as acceptable as many of our modern professors wouldhave made on a similar occasion. He arose and repaired to his lodgings. One determination only he had now fallen upon--to bury himself and hisgriefs from all with whom he had formerly been acquainted. Why should hereturn to the scenes of his former bliss and anxiety, where everycountenance would tend to renew his mourning; where every door would beinscribed with a _memento mori_, and where every object would beshrouded in crape? He therefore turned his attention to the army; butthe army was far distant, and he was too feeble to prosecute a journeyof such an extent. 

There were at that time preparations for fitting out a convoy, atprivate expense, from various parts of the United States, for theprotection of our European trade; they were to rendezvous at a certainstation, and thence proceed with the merchantmen under their care to theports of France and Holland, where our trade principally centered, andreturn as convoy to some other mercantile fleet. 

One of these ships of war was then nearly fitted out at New-London. Alonzo offered himself to the captain, who, pleased with his appearance, gave him the station of commander of marines. 

Alonzo prepared himself with all speed for the voyage. He sought, hewished no acquaintance. His only place of resort, except to his lodgingsand the ship, was to Melissa's favourite rock: there he bowed as to theshrine of her spirit, and there he consecrated his devotions. 

As he was one day passing through the town, a gentleman stepped out ofan adjoining house and accosted him. Alonzo immediately recognized himto be the cousin of Melissa, at whose house he had first seen her. Hewas dressed in full mourning, which was a sufficient indication that hewas apprised of her death. He invited Alonzo to his house, and he couldnot complaisantly refuse the invitation. He therefore accepted it, andpassed an hour with him, from whom he learnt that Melissa had been sentto her uncle's at Charleston, for the recovery of her health, where shedied. "Her premature death, said her cousin, has borne so heavily uponher aged father, that it is feared he will not long survive. "----"Wellmay it wring his bosom, thought Alonzo;----his conscience can never beat peace. " Whether Melissa's cousin had been informed of the particularsof Alonzo's unfortunate attachment, was not known, as he instituted noconversation on the subject. Neither did he enquire into Alonzo'sprospects; he only invited him to call again. Alonzo thanked him, butreplied it would be doubtful, as he should shortly leave town. He madeno one acquainted with his intentions. 

The day at length arrived when the ship was to sail, and Alonzo to leavethe shores of America. They spread their canvass to propitious gales;the breezes rushed from their woody coverts, and majestically waftedthem from the harbour. 

Slowly the land receded; fields, forests, hills, mountains, towns andvillages leisurely withdrew, until they were mingled in one common mass. The ocean opening, expanded and widened, presenting to the astonishedeyes of the untried mariner its wilderness of waters. Near sunset, Alonzo ascended the mast to take a last view of a country once so dear, but whose charms were now lost forever. The land still appeared like asimicircular border of dark green velvet on the edge of a convex mirror. The sun sunk in fleecy golden vapours behind it. It now dwindled todiscoloured and irregular spots, which appeared like objects floating, amidst the blue mists of distance, on the verge of the main, andimmediately all was lost beneath the spherical, watery surface. 

Alonzo had fixed his eyes, as near as his judgment could direct, towardsMelissa's favourite rock, till nothing but sea was discoverable. With aheart-parting sigh he then descended. They had now launched into theillimitable world of billows, and the sable wings of night brooded overthe boundless deep. 

 * * * * *

A new scene was now opened to Alonzo in the wonders of the mighty deep. The sun rising from and setting in the ocean; the wide-spread region ofwatery waste, now smooth as polished glass, now urged into irregularrolling hillocks, then swelled to

 "Blue trembling billows, topp'd with foam, "

or gradually arising into mountainous waves. Often would he traverse thedeck amid the still hours of midnight, when the moon silvered over theliquid surface: "Bright luminary of the lonely hour, he would say, thatnow sheddest thy mild and placid ray on the woe-worn head of fortune'sfugitive, dost thou not also pensively shine on the sacred and silentgrave of my Melissa?"

Favourable breezes wafted them for many days over the bosom of theAtlantic. --At length they were overtaken by a violent storm. The windbegan to blow strongly from the southwest, which soon increased to aviolent gale. The dirgy scud first flew swiftly along the sky; then darkand heavy clouds filled the atmosphere, mingling with the top-gallantstreamers of the ship. Night hovered over the ocean, rendered horribleby the intermitting blaze of lightnings, the awful crash of thunder, and the deafening roar of winds and waves. The sea was rolled intomountains, capped with foaming fire. Now the ship was soaring among thethunders of heaven, now sunk in the abyss of waters. 

The storm dispersed the fleet, so that when it abated, the ship in whichAlonzo sailed was found alone; they, however, kept on their course ofdestination, after repairing their rigging, which had been considerablydisordered by the violence of the gale. 

The next morning they discovered a sail which they fondly hoped mightprove to be one of their own fleet, and accordingly made for it. Theship they were in pursuit of shortened sail, and towards noon wore roundand bore down upon them, when they discovered that it was not a shipbelonging to their convoy. It appeared to be of equal force anddimensions with that of their own; they therefore, in order to preparefor the worst, got ready with all speed for action. They slowlyapproached each other, manoeuvering for the advantage, till the strangeship ran up British colours, and fired a gun, which was immediatelyanswered by the other, under the flag of the United States. It was notlong before a close and severe action took place, which continued forthree hours, when both ships were in so shattered a condition that theywere unable to manage a gun. [A] The British had lost their captain, andone half their crew, most of the remainder being wounded. ----TheAmericans had lost their second officer, and their loss in men, bothkilled and wounded, was nearly equal to that of the enemy. 

 [Footnote A: The particulars of this action, in the early stage of the American war, are yet remembered by many. ]

While they lay in this condition, unable either to annoy each othermore, or to get away, a large sail appeared, bearing down upon them, which soon came up and proved to be an English frigate, and whichimmediately took the American ship in tow, after removing the crew intothe hold of the frigate. The crew of the British ship were also taken onboard of the frigate, which was no sooner done than the ship went downand was for ever buried beneath mountains of ponderous waves. Thefrigate then, with the American ship in tow, made sail, and in a fewdays reached England. The wounded prisoners were sent to a hospital, butthe others were confined in a strong prison within the precincts ofLondon. 

The American prisoners were huddled into an apartment with Britishconvicts of various descriptions. Among these Alonzo observed one whosedemeanor arrested his attention. A deep melancholy was impressed uponhis features; his eye was wild and despairing; his figure wasinteresting, tall, elegant and handsome. He appeared to be abouttwenty-five years of age. He seldom conversed, but when he did, it wasreadily discovered that his education had been above the common cast, and he possessed an enlightened and discriminating mind. Alonzosympathetically sought his acquaintance, and discovered therein a unisonof woe. 

One evening, when the prisoners were retired to rest, the stranger, uponAlonzo's request, rehearsed the following incidents of his life. 

"You express, said he, some surprise at finding a man of my appearancein so degraded a situation; and you wish to learn the events which haveplunged me in this abject state. These, when I briefly relate, yourwonder will cease. 

"My name is Henry Malcomb; my father was a clergyman in the west ofEngland, and descended from one of the most respectable families inthose parts. I received a classical education, and then entered themilitary school, as I was designed for the army, to which my earliestinclinations led. As soon as my education was considered complete, anensign's commission was procured for me in one of the regiments destinedfor the West Indies. Previous to its departure for those islands, I became acquainted with a Miss Vernon, who was a few years youngerthan myself, and the daughter of a gentleman farmer, who had recentlypurchased and removed to an estate in my father's parish. Every thingthat was graceful and lovely appeared centered in her person; everything that was virtuous and excellent in her mind. I sought her hand. Our souls soon became united by the indissoluble bonds of sincerestlove, and as there were no parental or other impediments to our union, it was agreed that as soon as I returned from the Indies, where it wasexpected that my stay would be short, the marriage solemnities should beperformed. Solemn oaths of constancy passed between us, and I sailed, with my regiment, for the Indies. 

"While there, I received from her, and returned letters filled with thetenderest expressions of anxiety and regret of absence. At length thetime came when we were to embark for England, where we arrived after anabsence of about eighteen months. The moment I got on land I hastened tothe house of Mr. Vernon, to see the charmer of my soul. She received mewith all the ardency of affection, and even shed tears of joy in mypresence. I pressed her to name the day which was to perfect our unionand happiness, and the next Sunday, four days only distant, was agreedupon for me to lead her to the altar. How did my heart bound at theprospect of making Miss Vernon my own!--of possessing in her all thatcould render life agreeable; I hastened home to my family and informedthem of my approaching bliss, who all sympathized in the anticipated joywhich swelled my bosom. 

"I had a sister some years older than myself, who had been the friendand inmate of my angel in my absence. They were now almost every daytogether, so that I had frequent opportunities of her company. One dayshe had been with my sister at my father's, and I attended her home. Onmy return, my sister requested me to attend her in a private room. Wetherefore retired, and when we were seated she thus addressed me:

"Henry, you know that to promote your peace, your welfare, and yourhappiness, has ever been the pride of my heart. Nothing except thiscould extort the secret which I shall now disclose, and which has yetremained deposited in my own bosom: my duty to a brother whom I esteemdear as life, forbids me to remain silent. As an affectionate sister, Icannot tacitly see you thus imposed upon; I cannot see you the dupe andslave of an artful and insidious woman, who does not sincerely returnyour love; nor can I bear to see your marriage consummated with onewhose soul and affections are placed upon another object. "

"Here she hesitated--while I, with insufferable anguish of mind, beggedher to proceed. 

"About six or eight months after your departure, she continued, it wasreported to Miss Vernon that she had a rival in the Indies; that you hadthere found an American beauty, on whom you lavished those endearmentswhich belonged of right to her alone. This news made, at first, a deepimpression on her mind, but it soon wore away; and whether from thiscause, from fickleness of disposition, or that she never sincerely lovedyou, I know not; but this I do know, that a youth has been for some timepast her almost constant companion. To convince you of this, you needonly tomorrow evening, about sunset, conceal yourself near the longavenue by the side of the rivulet, back of Mr. Vernon's country-house, where you will undoubtedly surprise Miss Vernon and her companion intheir usual evening's walk. If I should be mistaken I will submit toyour censure; but should you find it as I have predicted, you have onlyto rush from your concealment, charge her with her perfidy, and renounceher forever. "

"Of all the plagues, of all the torments, of all the curses whichtorture the soul, jealousy of a rival in love is the worst. Enraged, confounded and astonished, it seemed as if my bosom would haveinstantaneously burst. To conceal my emotions, I left my sister'sapartment, after having thanked her for her information, and proceededto obey her injunctions. I retired to my own room, and there poured outmy execrations. 

"Cursed woman! I exclaimed, is it thus you requite my tender love! Coulda vague report of my inconstancy drive you to infidelity! Did not mycontinual letters breathe constant adoration? And did not yours portraythe same sincerity of affection? No, it was not that which caused you toperjure your plighted vows. It was that damnable passion for novelty, which more or less holds a predominancy over your whole sex. To a newcoat, a new face, a new lover, you will sacrifice honour, principle andvirtue. And to those, backed by splendid power and splendid property, you will forfeit your most sacred engagements, though made in thepresence of heaven. "--Thus did I rave through a sleepless night. 

"The next day I walked into the fields, and before the time my sisterappointed had arrived, I had worked up my feelings almost to the frenzyof distraction. I repaired, however, to the spot, and concealed myselfin the place she had named, which was a tuft of laurels by the side ofthe walk. I soon perceived Miss Vernon strolling down the avenue, arm inarm with a young man elegantly dressed, and of singular, delicateappearance. They were earnestly conversing in a low tone of voice; thehand of my false fair one was gently pressed in the hand of thestranger. As soon as they had passed the place of my concealment, theyturned aside and seated themselves in a little arbour, a few yardsdistant from where I sat. The stranger clasped Miss Vernon in his arms:"Dearest angel! he exclaimed, what an interruption to our bliss by thereturn of my hated rival!" With fond caresses and endearingblandishments, "fear nothing, she replied; I have promised and mustyield him my hand, but you shall never be excluded from my heart; weshall find sufficient opportunities for private conference. " I couldcontain myself no longer--my brain was on fire. Quick as lightning Isprang from my covert, and presenting a pistol which I had concealedunder my robe, --"Die! said I, thou false and perjured wretch, by thehand thou hast dishonoured, a death too mild for so foul a crime!" andimmediately shot Miss Vernon through the head, who fell lifeless at myfeet! Then suddenly drawing my sword, "And thou, perfidious contaminatorand destroyer of my bliss! cried I--go! attend thy companion in iniquityto the black regions of everlasting torment!" So saying, I plunged mysword into his bosom. A screech of agony, attended by the exclamation, "_Henry, your wife! your sister!_" awoke me, too late, to terrorsunutterable, to anguish unspeakable, to woes irretrievable, andinsupportable despair! It was indeed my betrothed wife, it was indeed myaffectionate sister, arrayed in man's habit. The one lay dead before me, the other weltering in her blood! With a feeble and expiring voice, mysister informed me, that in a gay and inconsiderate moment they hadconcerted this plan, to try my jealousy, determining to discoverthemselves as soon as they had made the experiment. "I forgive you, Henry, she said, forgive your mistake, " and closed her eyes for ever indeath! What a scene for sensibilities like mine! To paint or describeit, exceeds the power of language or imagination. I instantly turned thesword against my own bosom; an unknown hand arrested it, and preventedits entering my heart. The report of the pistol, and the dying screechof my sister, had alarmed Mr. Vernon's family, who arrived at thatmoment, one of whom had seized my arm, and thus hindered me fromdestroying my own life. I submitted to be bound and conveyed to prison. My trial came on at the last assizes. I made no defence; and wascondemned to death. My execution will take place in eight weeks fromto-morrow. I shall cheerfully meet my fate; for who would endure lifewhen rendered so peculiarly miserable!"

The wretched Malcomb here ended his tale of woe. No tear moistened hiseye--his grief was too despairing for tears; it preyed upon his heart, drank the vital streams of life, and burst in convulsive sighs from hisburning bosom. 

Alonzo seriously contemplated on the incidents and events of thistragical story. Conscience whispered him, are not Malcomb's miseriessuperior to thine? Candour and correct reason must have answered yes. "Melissa perished, said Alonzo, but not by the hand of her lover: sheexpired, but not through the mistaken frenzy of him who adored her. Shedied, conscious of the unfeigned love I bore her. "

Alonzo and his fellow prisoners had been robbed, when they werecaptured, of every thing except the clothes they wore. Their allowanceof provisions was scanty and poor. They were confined in the third storyof a lofty prison. Time rolled away; no prospects appeared of theirliberation, either by exchange or parole. Some of the prisoners wereremoved, as new ones were introduced, to other places of confinement, until not one American was left except Alonzo. 

Meantime the day appointed for the execution of Malcomb drew near. Hispast and approaching fate filled the breast of Alonzo with sympatheticsorrow. He saw his venerable father, his mother, his friends andacquaintance, with several pious clergymen, frequently enter the prisonto console and comfort him, and to prepare him for the unchangeablestate on which he was soon to enter. He saw his mind softened by theiradvice and counsel;--frequently would he burst into tears;--often in thesolitary hours of night was he heard addressing the throne of grace formercy and forgiveness. But the grief that preyed at his heart had wastedhim to a mere skeleton; a slow but deleterious fever had consequentlyimplanted itself in his constitution. Exhausted nature could make but aweak struggle against disease and affliction like his, and about a weekprevious to the day appointed for his execution, he expired in peace andpenitence, trusting in the mercy of his Creator through the sufferingsof a Redeemer. 

Soon after this event, orders came for removing some of the prisoners toa most loathsome place of confinement in the suburbs of the city. It fell to Alonzo's lot to be one. He therefore formed a project forescaping. He had observed that the gratings in one of the windows of theapartment were loose and could be easily removed. One night when theprisoners were asleep, he stripped off his clothes, every article ofwhich he cut into narrow strips, tied them together, fastened one end toone of the strongest gratings, removed the others until he had made anopening large enough to get out, and then, by the rope he had made ofhis clothes, let himself down into the yard of the prison. There hefound a long piece of timber, which he dragged to the wall, clambered upthereon, and sprang over into the street. His shoes and hat he had leftin the prison, as a useless encumbrance without his clothes, all whichhe had converted into the means of escape, so that he was now literallystark naked. He stood a moment to reflect:--"Here am I, said he, freedfrom my local prison indeed, but in the midst of an enemy's country, without a friend, without the means of obtaining one day's subsistence, surrounded by the darkness of night, destitute of a single article ofclothing, and even unable to form a resolution what step next to take. The ways of heaven are marvellous--may I silently bow to itsdispensations!"

 * * * * *

Alonzo passed along the street in this forlorn condition, not knowingwhere to proceed, or what course to take. It was about three o'clock inthe morning; the street was illuminated by lamps, and he feared fallinginto the hands of the watch. For some time he saw no person; at length avoice from the other side of the street called out, ----"Hallo, messmate!what, scudding under bare poles? You must have experienced a severe galeindeed thus to have carried away every rag of sail!"

Alonzo turned, and saw the person who spoke. He was a decent lookingman, of middle age, dressed in a sailor's habit. Alonzo had often heardof the generosity and honourable conduct of the British tars: hetherefore approached him and told him his real case, not even concealinghis being taken in actual hostility to the British government, and hisescape from prison. The sailor mused a few minutes. "Thy case, said he, is a little critical, but do not despair. Had I met thee as an enemy, I should have fought thee; but as it is, compassion is the firstconsideration. Perhaps I may be in as bad a situation before the war isended. " Then slipping off his coat and giving it to Alonzo, "follow me, "he said, and turning, walked hastily along the street, followed byAlonzo; he passed into a bye-lane, entered a small house, and takingAlonzo into a back room, opened a trunk, and handed out a shirt: "there, said he, pointing to a bed, you can sleep till morning, when we will seewhat can be done. "

The next morning the sailor brought in a very decent suit of clothes andpresented them to Alonzo. "You will make this place your home, said he, until more favorable prospects appear. In this great city you will besafe, for even your late gaoler would not recognize you in this dress. And perhaps some opportunity may offer by which you may return to yourown country. " He told Alonzo that his name was Jack Brown; that he was amidshipman on board the Severn; that he had a wife and four children, and owned the house in which they then were. "In order to preventsuspicion or discovery, said he, I shall consider you as a relation fromthe country until you are better provided for. " Alonzo was thenintroduced to the sailor's wife, an amiable woman, and here he remainedfor several weeks. 

One day Alonzo was informed that a number of American prisoners werebrought in. He went to the place where they were landed, and saw severalled away to prison, and some who were sick or disabled, carried to thehospital. As the hospital was near at hand, Alonzo entered it to see howthe sick and disabled prisoners were treated. 

He found that they received as much attention as could reasonably beexpected. [A] As he passed along the different apartments he wassurprised at hearing his name called by a faint voice. He turned to theplace from whence it proceeded, and saw stretched on a mattress, a person who appeared on the point of expiring. His visage was pale andemaciated, his countenance haggard and ghastly, his eyes inexpressiveand glazy. He held out his withered hand, and feebly beckoned to Alonzo, who immediately approached him. His features appeared not unfamiliar toAlonzo, but for a moment he could not recollect him. "You do not knowme, " said the apparently dying stranger. "Beauman!" exclaimed Alonzo, in surprise. "Yes, replied the sick man, it is Beauman; you behold me onthe verge of eternity; I have but a short time to continue in thisworld. " Alonzo enquired how he came in the power of the enemy. "By thefate of war, he replied; I was taken in an action on York Island, carried on board a prison-ship in New-York, and sent with a number ofothers for England. I had received a wound in my thigh, from a musketball, during the action; the wound mortified, and my thigh was amputatedon the voyage; since which I have been rapidly wasting away, and I nowfeel that the cold hand of death is laid upon me. " Here he becameexhausted, and for some time remained silent. Alonzo had not beforediscovered that he had lost his leg: he now found that it had been takenoff close to his body, and that he was worn to a skeleton. When Beaumanrevived, he enquired into Alonzo's affairs. Alonzo related all that hadhappened to him after leaving New London. 

 [Footnote A: The Americans who were imprisoned in England, in the time of war, were treated with much more humanity than those who were imprisoned in America. ]

"You are unhappy, Alonzo, said Beauman, in the death of your Melissa, to which it is possible I have been undesignedly accessory. I could saymuch on the subject, would my strength permit; but it is needless. Sheis gone, and I must soon go also. She was sent to her uncle's atCharleston, by her father, where I was soon to follow her. It wassupposed that thus widely removed from all access to your company, shewould yield to the persuasion of her friends to renounce you: herunexpected death, however, frustrated every design of this nature, andoverwhelmed her father and family in inexpressible woe. "

Here Beauman ceased. Alonzo found he wanted rest: he enquired whether hewas in want of any thing to render him more comfortable. Beauman repliedthat he was not: "For the comforts of this life, said he, I have norelish; medical aid is applied, but without effect. " Alonzo then lefthim, promising to call again in the morning. 

When Alonzo called the next morning, he perceived an alarming alterationin Beauman. His extremities were cold, a chilling, clammy sweat stoodupon his face, his respiration was short and interrupted, his pulse weakand intermitting. He took the hand of Alonzo, and feebly pressingit, --"I am dying, said he in a faint voice. If ever you return toAmerica, inform my friends of my fate. " This Alonzo readily engaged todo, and told him also that he would not leave him. 

Beauman soon fell into a stupor; sensation became suspended; his eyesrolled up and fixed. Sometimes a partial revival would take place, whenhe would fall into incoherent muttering, calling on the names of hisdeceased father, his mother and Melissa; his voice dying away inimperfect moanings, till his lips continued to move without sound. Towards night he lay silent, and only continued to breathe withdifficulty, till a slight convulsion gave the freed spirit to theunknown regions of immaterial existence. Alonzo followed his remains tothe grave: a natural stone was placed at its head, on which Alonzo, unobserved, carved the initials of the deceased's name, with the date ofhis death, and left him to moulder with his native dust. 

A few days after this event, Jack Brown informed Alonzo that he hadprocured the means of his escape. "A person with whom I am acquainted, said he, and whom I suppose to be a smuggler, has agreed to carry you toFrance. There, by application to the American minister, you will beenabled to get to your own country, if that is your object. Aboutmidnight I will pilot you on board, and by to-morrow's sun you may be inFrance. "

At the time appointed, Jack set out bearing a large trunk on hisshoulder, and directed Alonzo to follow him. They proceeded down to aquay, and went on board a small skiff. "Here, said Jack to the captain, is the gentleman I spoke to you about, " and delivered him the trunk. Then taking Alonzo aside, "in that trunk, said he, are a few changes oflinen, and here is something to help you till you can help yourself. "So saying, he slipped ten guineas into his hand. Alonzo expressed hisgratitude with tears. "Say nothing, said Jack, we were born to help eachother in distress, and may Jack never weather a storm or splice a rope, if he permits a fellow creature to suffer with want while he has aluncheon on board. " He then shook Alonzo by the hand, wishing him a goodvoyage, and went whistling away. The skiff soon sailed, and the nextmorning Alonzo was landed in France. Alonzo proceeded immediately toParis, not with a view of returning to America; he had yet no relish forrevisiting the land of his sorrows, the scenes where at every step hisheart must bleed afresh, though to bleed it had never ceased. But he wasfriendless in a strange land: perhaps, through the aid of the Americanminister, Dr. Franklin, to whose fame Alonzo was no stranger, he mightbe placed in a situation to procure bread, which was all he at presenthoped or wished. 

He therefore presented himself before the doctor, whom he found in hisstudy. --To be informed that he was an American and unfortunate, wassufficient to arouse the feelings of Franklin. He desired Alonzo to beseated, and to recite his history. This he readily complied with, notconcealing his attachment to Melissa, her father's barbarity, her deathin consequence, his own father's failure, with all the particulars ofhis leaving America, his capture, escape from prison, and arrival inFrance; as also the town of his nativity, the name of his father, andthe particular circumstances of his family; concluding by expressing hisunconquerable reluctance to return to his native country, which nowwould be to him only a gloomy wilderness, and that his present objectwas only some means of support. 

The doctor enquired of Alonzo the particular circumstances and time ofhis father's failure. Of this Alonzo gave him a minute account. Franklinthen sat in deep contemplation for the space of fifteen minutes, withoutspeaking a word. He then took his pen, wrote a short note, directed it, and gave it to Alonzo: "Deliver this, said he, to the person to whom itis directed; he will find you employment, until something morefavourable may offer. "

Alonzo took the note, thanked the doctor, and went in search of theperson to whom it was addressed. He soon found the house, which wassituated in one of the most popular streets in Paris. He knocked at thedoor, which was opened by an elderly looking man: Alonzo enquired forthe name to whom the note was addressed. The gentleman informed him thathe was the man. Alonzo presented him the note, which having read, hedesired him to walk in, and ordered supper. After supper he informedAlonzo that he was an English bookseller; that he should employ him as aclerk, and desired to know what wages he demanded. Alonzo replied thathe should submit that to him, being unacquainted with the customarysalary of clerks in that line of business. The gentleman told him thatthe matter should be arranged the next day. His name was Grafton. 

The next morning Mr. Grafton took Alonzo into his bookstore, and gavehim his instructions. His business was to sell the books to customers, and a list of prices was given him for that purpose. Mr. Grafton countedout twenty crowns and gave them to Alonzo: "You may want somenecessaries, said he; and as you have set no price on your services, weshall not differ about the wages if you are attentive and faithful. "

Alonzo gave his employer no room to complain; nor had he any reason tobe discontented with his situation. Mr. Grafton regularly advanced himtwenty crowns at the commencement of every month, and boarded him in hisfamily. Alonzo dressed himself in deep mourning. He sought no company;he found consolation only in solitude, if consolation it could becalled. 

As he was walking out early one morning, he discovered something lyingin the street, which he at first supposed to be a small piece of silk:he took it up and found it to be a curiously wrought purse, containing afew guineas with some small pieces of silver, and something at thebottom carefully wrapped in a piece of paper; he unfolded it, and wasthunderstruck at beholding an elegant miniature of Melissa! Her sweetlypensive features, her expressive countenance, her soul-enlivening eye!The shock was almost too powerful for his senses. Wildered in a maze ofwonders, he knew not what to conjecture. Melissa's miniature found inthe streets of Paris, after she had some time been dead! He viewed it, he clasped it to his bosom. --"Such, said he, did she appear, ere thecorroding cankers of grief had blighted her heavenly charms! By whatprovidential miracle am I possessed of the likeness, when the originalis no more? What benevolent angel has taken pity on my sufferings, andconveyed to me this inestimable prize?"

But though he had thus become possessed of what he esteemed mostvaluable, what right had he to withhold it from the lawful owner, couldthe owner indeed be found? Perhaps the person who had lost it would partwith it; perhaps the money contained in the purse was of more value tothat person than the miniature. At any rate, justice required that heshould endeavour to find to whom it belonged: this he might do byadvertising, which he immediately concluded upon, resolving, should theowner appear, to purchase the miniature, if possibly within his power. 

Passing into another street, he saw several hand-bills stuck up on thewalls of houses; stepping up to one, he read as follows:

"Lost, between the hours of nine and ten last evening, in the _Rue deLoir_, a small silk purse, containing a few pieces of money, and alady's miniature. One hundred crowns will be given to the person who mayhave found it, and will restore it to the owner at the _American Hotel_, near the _Louvre_, Room No. 4. "

It was printed both in the French and English languages. By the rewardhere offered, Alonzo was convinced that the miniature belonged to someperson who set a value upon it. Determined to explicate the mystery, he proceeded immediately to the place, found the room mentioned in thebill, and knocked at the door. A servant appeared, of whom Alonzoenquired for the lodger. The servant answered him in French, whichAlonzo did not understand: he replied in his own language, but found itwas unintelligible to the servant. A grave middle aged gentleman thencame to the door from within the room and ended their jabbering at eachother: he, in the English language, desired Alonzo to walk in. It was anapartment, neatly furnished; no person was therein except the gentlemanand servant before mentioned, and a person who sat writing in a cornerof the room, with his back towards them. 

Alonzo informed the gentleman that he had called according to thedirection in a bill of advertisement to enquire for the person who thepreceding night, had lost a purse and miniature. The person who waswriting had hitherto taken no notice of what had passed; but at thesound of Alonzo's voice, after he had entered the room, he started andturned about, and at mention of the miniature, he rose up. Alonzo fixedhis eyes upon him: they both stood for a few moments silent: for a shorttime their recollection was confused and imperfect, but the mists ofdoubt were soon dissipated. "Edgar!"--"Alonzo!" they alternatelyexclaimed. It was indeed Edgar, the early friend and fellow student ofAlonzo--the brother of Melissa! In an instant they were in each othersarms. 

 * * * * *

Edgar and Alonzo retired to a separate room. Edgar informed Alonzo thatthe news of Melissa's death reached him, by a letter from his father, while with the army; that he immediately procured a furlough, andvisited his father, whom, with his mother, he found in inconsolabledistress. --"The letter which my uncle had written, said Edgar, announcing her death, mentioned with what patience and placidity sheendured her malady, and with what calmness and resignation she met theapproach of death. Her last moments, like her whole life, were unruffledand serene. She is in heaven Alonzo--she is an angel!"--Swelling griefhere choaked the utterance of Edgar; for some time he could proceed nofarther, and Alonzo, with bursting bosom, mingled his tears. 

"My father, resumed Edgar, bent on uniting her to Beauman or at least ofpreventing her union with you, had removed her to a desolate familymansion, and placed her under the care of an aunt. At that place, heeither suspected, or really discovered that you had recourse to herwhile my aunt was absent on business. She was therefore no longerentrusted to the care of her aunt, but my father immediately formed andexecuted the plan of sending her to his brother in South Carolina, underpretence of restoring her to health by change of climate, as her healthin reality had began rapidly to decay. There it was designed thatBeauman should shortly follow her, with recommendations from my fatherto her uncle, urging him to use all possible means which might tend topersuade her to become the wife of Beauman. But change of climate onlyencreased the load of sorrows, and she soon sunk beneath them. Theletter mentioned nothing of her troubles: possibly my uncle's familyknew nothing of them: to them, probably, ----"She never told her love, But sat like Patience on a monument Smiling at grief; while sad concealment, Like a worm in the bud, Fed on her damask cheek. 

"My father's distress was excessive: often did he accuse himself ofbarbarity, and he once earnestly expressed a wish that he had consentedto her union with you. My father, I know, is parsimonious, but hesincerely loved his children. Inflexible as is his nature, the untimelydeath of a truly affectionate and only daughter will, I much fear, precipitate him, and perhaps my mother also, to a speedy grave. 

"As soon as my feelings would permit, I repaired to your father's, andmade enquiry concerning you. I found your parents content in theirhumble state, except that your father had been ill, but was recovering. Of you they had heard nothing since your departure, and they deeplylamented your absence. And from Vincent I could obtain no fartherinformation. 

"Sick of the world, I returned to the army. An American consul was soonto sail for Holland:--I solicited and obtained the appointment ofsecretary. I hoped by visiting distant countries, in some measure torelieve my mind from the deep melancholy with which it was oppressed. Wewere to proceed first to Paris, where we have been a few days; to-morrowwe are to depart for Holland. The consul is the man who introduced youinto the room where you found me. 

"Last evening I lost the miniature which I suppose you have found: thechain to which it was suspended around my neck, had broken while I waswalking the street. I carefully wrapped it in paper and deposited it inmy purse, which I probably dropped on replacing it in my pocket, and didnot discover the loss until this morning. I immediately made diligentsearch, but not finding it, I put up bills of advertisement. Thelikeness was taken in my sister's happiest days. After I had enteredupon my professional studies in New-York, I became acquainted with aminiature painter, who took my likeness. He afterwards went into thecountry, and as I found he was to pass near my father's, I engaged himto call there and take my sister's likeness also. We exchanged them soonafter. It was dear to me, even while the original remained; but sinceshe is gone it has become a most precious and valuable relique. "

All the tender powers of Alonzo's soul were called into action byEdgar's recital. The "days of other years"--the ghosts of sepulcheredblessings, passed in painful review. Added to these, the penuriouscondition of his parents, his father's recent illness, and his probableinability to procure the bread of his family, all tended more deeply tosink his spirits in the gulf of melancholy and misery. He howeverinformed Edgar of all that had happened since they parted atVincent's--respecting the old mansion Melissa's extraordinarydisappearance therefrom, the manner in which he was informed of herdeath, his departure from America, capture, escape, Beauman's death, arrival in France, and his finding the miniature. To Edgar as well asAlonzo, Melissa's sudden and unaccountable removal from the mansion wasmysterious and inexplicable. 

As Edgar was to depart early the next morning, they neither slept norseparated that night. 

"If it were not for your reluctance to revisit your native country, saidEdgar, I should urge you to accompany me to Holland, and thence returnwith me to America. Necessity and duty require that I should not be longabsent, as my parents want my assistance, and they are now childless. "

"Suffer me, answered Alonzo, to bury myself in this city for thepresent: should I ever again awake to real life, I will seek you out ifyou are on the earth;--but now, I can only be a companion to mymiseries. "

The next morning as they were about to depart, Alonzo took Melissa'sminiature from his bosom, contemplated the picture a few moments withardent emotion, and presented it to Edgar. "Keep it, said Edgar, it isthine. I bestow it upon thee as I would the original, had not deathbecome the rival of thy love, and my affection. --Suffer not the sacredsymbol too tenderly to renew your sorrows. How swiftly, Alonzo, doesthis restless life fleet away!--How soon shall we pass the barriers ofterrestrial existence! Let us live worthy of ourselves, of our holyreligion, of Melissa--Melissa, whom, when a few more suns have arisenand set, we shall meet in regions where all tears shall be eternallywiped from every eye. "

With what unspeakable sensibilities was it returned to Alonzo's bosom!Edgar offered Alonzo pecuniary assistance, which the latter refused:"I am in business, said he, which brings me a decent support, and thatis sufficient. " They agreed to write each other as frequently aspossible, and then affectionately parted: Edgar sailed for Holland, and Alonzo returned to his business at Mr. Grafton's. 

Some time after this Alonzo received a message from Dr. Franklin, requiring his attendance at his house, which summons he immediatelyobeyed. The doctor introduced him into his study, and after beingseated, he earnestly viewed Alonzo for some time, and thus addressedhim:

"Young man, your views, your resolutions, and your present conduct, aretotally wrong. Disappointment, you say, has driven you from your nativecountry. Disappointment in what? In obtaining the object on which youmost doated. And suppose this object had been obtained, would yourhappiness have been complete? Your own reason, if you coolly consult it, will convince you of the contrary. Do you not remember when an infant, how you cried, and teazed your nurse, or your parents, for a rattle, orsome gay trinket?--Your whole soul was fixed upon the enchanting bauble;but when obtained, you soon cast it away, and sighed as earnestly forsome other trifle, some new toy. Thus it is through life; the fanciedvalue of an object ceases with the attainment; it becomes familiar, andits charm is lost. 

"Was it the splendours of beauty which enraptured you? Sickness may, andage must destroy the symmetry of the most finished form--the brilliancyof the finest features. Was it the graces of the mind? I tell you, thatby familiarity, these allurements are lost, and the mind, left vacant, turns to some other source to supply _vacuum_. 

"Stripped of all their intrinsic value, how poor, how vain, and howworthless, are those things we name pleasures, and enjoyments. 

"Besides, the attainment of your wishes might have been the death ofyour hopes. If my reasoning is correct, the ardency of your passionmight have closed with the pursuit. An every day suit, however rich andcostly the texture, is soon worn threadbare. On your part, indifferencewould consequently succeed: on the part of your partner, disappointment, jealousy, and disgust. What might follow is needless for me toname;--your soul must shudder at the idea of conjugal infidelity!

"But admitting the most favourable consequences; turn the brightest sideof the picture; admitting as much happiness as the connubial state willallow: how might your bosom have been wounded by the sickness and deathof your children, or their disorderly and disobedient conduct! You mustknow also, that the warmth of youthful passion must soon cease, and itis merely a hazardous chance whether friendship will supply the absenceof affection. 

"After all, my young friend, it will be well for you to consider, whether the all-wise dispensing hand of Providence, has not directedthis matter which you esteem so great an affliction, for your greatestgood, and most essential advantage. And suffer me to tell you, that inall my observations on life, I have always found that those connectionswhich were formed from inordinate passion, or what some would call pureaffection, have been ever the most unhappy. Examine the varied circlesof society, you will there see this axiom demonstrated; you will theresee how few among the sentimentally refined are even apparently at ease;while those, insusceptible of what you name tender attachments, or whoreceive them only as things of course, plod on through life, withouteven experiencing the least inconvenience from a want of the pleasuresthey are _supposed_ to bestow, or the pains they are sure to create. Beware, then, my son, beware of yielding the heart to the effeminaciesof passion. Exquisite sensibilities are ever subject to exquisiteinquietudes. Counsel with correct reason, place entire dependence on theSUPREME, and the triumph of fortitude and resignation will be yours. "

Franklin paused. His reasonings, however they convinced theunderstanding, could not heal the wounds of Alonzo's bosom. --In Melissahe looked for as much happiness as earth could afford, nor could he seeany prospect in life which could repair the loss he had sustained. 

"You have, resumed the philosopher, deserted an indulgent father, a fondand tender mother, who must want your aid; now, perhaps, unable to toilfor bread; now, possibly laid upon the bed of sickness, calling, inanguish or delirium, for the filial hand of their only son to administerrelief. "----All the parental feelings of Alonzo were now called intopoignant action. ----"You have left a country, bleeding at every pore, desolated by the ravages of war, wrecked by the thunders of battle, herheroes slain, her children captured. This country asks--she demands--youowe her your services: God and nature call upon you to defend her, whilehere you bury yourself in inglorious inactivity, pining for a haplessobject, which, by all your lamentations, you can never bring back to theregions of mortality. "

This aroused the patriotic flame in the bosom of Alonzo; and hevoluntarily exclaimed, "I will go to the relief of my parents--I willfly to the defence of my country!"

"In former days, continued Franklin, I was well acquainted with yourfather. As soon as you informed me of his failure, I wrote to mycorrespondent in England, and found, as I expected, that he had beenoverreached by swindlers and sharpers. ----The pretended failure of themerchants with whom he was in company, was all a sham, as, also thereported loss of the ships in their employ. The merchants fled toEngland: I have had them arrested, and they have given up their effectsto much more than the amount of their debts. I have therefore procured areversion of your father's losses, which, with costs, damages, andinterests, when legally stated, he will receive of my agent inPhiladelphia, to whom I shall transmit sufficient documents by you, andI shall advance you a sum equal to the expenses of your voyage, whichwill be liquidated by the said agent. A ship sails in a few days fromHavre, for Savannah in Georgia: it would, indeed, be more convenientwere she bound to some more northern port, but I know of no other whichwill sail for any part of America for some time. In her therefore Iwould advise you to take passage: it is not very material on what partof the continent you are landed; you will soon reach Philadelphia, transact your business, restore your father to his property, and beready to serve your country. "

If any thing could have given Alonzo consolation, it must have been thisnoble, generous and disinterested conduct of the great Franklin infavour of his father, by which his family were restored to ease and toindependence. Ah! had this but have happened in time to save a life fardearer than his own! The reflection was too painful. The idea, however, of giving joy to his aged parents, hastened his departure. Furnishedwith proper documents and credentials from Franklin, his benefactor, hetook leave of him, with the warmest expressions of gratitude, as also ofMr. Grafton, and sailed for Savannah, where he arrived in about eightweeks. 

Intent on his purpose, he immediately purchased a carriage and proceededon for Philadelphia. As he approached Charleston, his bosom swelled withmournful recollections. He arrived in that city in the afternoon, and atevening he walked out, and entered a little ale house, which stood nearthe large burial ground. An elderly woman and two small children werethe only persons in the house, except himself. After calling for a pintof ale, he enquired of the old lady, if Col. D----, (Melissa's uncle)did not live near the city. She informed him that he resided about amile from the town, where he had an elegant seat, and that he was veryrich. 

"Was there not a young lady, asked Alonzo, who died there about eighteenmonths ago?"

"La me! said she, did you know her? Yes: and a sweeter or more handsomelady the sun never shined on. And then she was so good, so patient inher sickness. --Poor, dear distressed girl, she pined away to skin andbones before she died. She was not Col. D----'s daughter, only somehowrelated: she came here in hopes that a change of air might do her good. She came from--la me! I cannot think of the name of the place;--it is acrabbed name though. "

"Connecticut, was it not?" said Alonzo. 

"O yes, that was it, replied she. Dear me! then you knew her, did you, sir?--Well, we have not her like left in Charleston; that we han't;--andthen there was such ado at her funeral; five hundred people, I dare say, with eight young ladies for pall-bearers, all dressed in white, withblack ribbons, and all the bells tolling. "

"Where was she buried?" enquired Alonzo. 

"In the church-yard right before our door, she answered. My husband isthe sexton; he put up her large white marble tomb-stones;----they arethe largest and whitest in the whole burying-ground; and so, indeed, they ought to be, for never was there a person who deserved them more. "

Tired with the old woman's garrulity, and with a bosom bursting withanguish, Alonzo paid for his ale without drinking it, bade her goodnight, and slowly proceeded to the church-yard. The moon, in fulllustre, shone with solemn, silvery ray, on the sacred piles, and funeralmonuments of the sacred dead; the wind murmured mournfully among theweeping willows; a solitary nightingale[A] sang plaintively in thedistant forest; and a whippoorwill, Melissa's favourite bird, whistlednear the portico of the church. The large white tomb-stones soon caughtthe eye of Alonzo. He approached them with tremulous step, and withfeelings too agitated for description. On the head-stone he read asfollows:

 SACRED To the Memory of inestimable departed WORTH; To unrivalled Excellence and Virtue. Miss MELISSA D----, Whose remains are deposited here, and whose ethereal part became a seraph, October 26, 1776, In the 18th year of her age. 

 [Footnote A: This bird, though not an inhabitant of the northern states, is frequently to be met with in Georgia and the Carolinas. ]

Alonzo bent, kneeled, he prostrated himself, he clasped the green turfwhich enclosed her grave, he watered it with his tears, he warmed itwith his sighs. "Where art thou, bright beam of heavenly light! he said. Come to my troubled soul, blessed spirit! Come, holy shade! come in allthy native loveliness, and cheer the bosom of wretchedness, by thy griefdispersing smile! On the ray of yon evening star descend. One momentleave the celestial regions of glory--leave, one moment, thy sisterbeatitudes, and glide, in entrancing beauty, before me: wave, benignlywave thy white hand, and assuage the anguish of despairing sorrow! Alas!in vain my invocation! A curtain, impenetrable, is drawn betwixt me andthee, only to be disclosed by the dissolution of nature. "

He arose and walked away: suddenly he stopped. "Yet, said he, if spiritsdeparted lose not the power of recollection;--if they have knowledge ofpresent events on earth, Melissa cannot have forgotten me--she must pityme. " He returned to the grave; he took her miniature from his bosom;he held it up, and earnestly viewed it by the moon's pale ray. 

"Ah, Franklin! he exclaimed, how tenderly does she beam her lovely eyeupon me! How often have I drank delicious extacy from the delicacy ofthose unrivalled charms! How often have they taught me to anticipatesuperlative and uninterrupted bliss! Mistaken and delusive hope![_returning the miniature to his bosom. _] Vain and presumptuousassurance. Then [_pointing to the grave_] there behold how my dearestwishes, my fondest expectations are realized!----Hallowed turf! lielightly on her bosom!--Sacred willows! sprinkle the dews gently over hergrave, while the mourning breezes sigh sadly amid your branches! Heremay the "widowed wild rose love to bloom!" Here may the first placidbeams of morning delight to linger; from hence, the evening rayreluctantly withdraw!--And when the final trump shall renovate andarouse the sleeping saint;--when on "buoyant step" she soars to glory, may our meeting spirits join in beatifick transport! May my enrapturedear catch the first holy whisper of her consecrated lips. "

 * * * * *

Alonzo having thus poured out the effusions of an overcharged heart, pensively returned to the inn, which he entered and seated himself inthe common room, in deep contemplation. As usual at public inns, anumber of people were in the room, among whom were several officers ofthe American army. Alonzo was too deeply absorbed in melancholyreflection, to notice passing incidents, until a young officer came, seated himself by him, and entered into conversation respecting theevents of the war. He appeared to be about Alonzo's age; his person wasinteresting, his manners sprightly, his observations correct. --Alonzowas, in some degree, aroused from his abstractedness;--the manners ofthe stranger pleased him. His frankness, his ease, his understanding, his urbanity, void of vanity or sophistication, sympathetically caughtthe feelings of Alonzo, and he even felt a sort of solemn regret whenthe stranger departed. He soon retired to bed, determining to proceedearly in the morning. 

He arose about daylight; the horizon was overcast, and it had begun torain, which before sunrise had encreased to a violent storm. He foundtherefore that he must content himself to stay until it was over, whichdid not happen till near night, and too late to pursue his journey. Hewas informed by the inn-keeper, that the theatre, which had been closedsince the commencement of the war, was to be opened that night only, with the tragedy of _Gustavus_, and close with a representation ofBurgoyne's capture, and some other recent events of the American war. To "wing the hours with swifter speed, " Alonzo determined to go to thetheatre, and at the hour appointed he repaired thither. 

As he was proceeding to take his seat, he passed the box where sat theyoung officer, whose manners had so prepossessed him the precedingevening at the inn. He immediately arose: they exchanged salutations, and Alonzo walked on and took his seat. The evening was warm, and thehouse exceedingly crowded. After the tragedy was through, and before theafter-piece commenced, the young officer came to Alonzo's box, and madesome remarks on the merit of the actors. While they were discoursing, abustle took place in one part of the house, and several people gatheredaround a box, at a little distance from them. The officer turned, leftAlonzo, and hastened to the place. To the general enquiry, "_what's thematter?_" it was answered, that "a lady had fainted. " She was led out, and the tumult subsided. 

As soon as the after-piece was closed, Alonzo returned to the inn. As hepassed along he cast his eyes toward the church-yard, where lay the"wither'd blessings of his richest joys. " Affection, passion, inclination, urged him to go and breathe a farewell sigh, to drop afinal tear over the grave of Melissa. Discretion, reason, wisdom forbadeit--forbade that he re-pierce the ten thousand wounds of his bosom, bythe acute revival of unavailing sorrows. He hurried to his chamber. 

As he prepared to retire to rest, he saw a book lying on the table nearhis bed. On taking it up he found it to be _Young's Night Thoughts_, abook which, in happier days, had been the solace of many a gloomy, manya lucid hour. He took it up and the first lines he cast his eyes uponwere the following:

 "Song, beauty, youth, love, virtue, joy: this group Of bright ideas--flowers of Paradise, As yet unforfeit! in one blaze we bind. Kneel, and present it to the skies; as all We guess of Heaven! And _these_ were all her own And she was mine, and I was--was most blest-- Like blossom'd trees o'erturn'd by vernal storm, Lovely in death the beauteous ruin lay-- Ye that e'er lost an angel, pity me. "

His tears fell fast upon the book! He replaced it and flung himself intobed. Sleep was far from him; he closed not his eyes till the portals oflight were unbarred in the east, when he fell into interrupted slumbers. 

When he awoke, the morning was considerably advanced. He arose. Oneconsolation was yet left--to see his parents happy. He went down toorder his carriage; his favourite stranger, the young officer, was inwaiting, and requested a private interview. They immediately retired toa separate room, when the stranger thus addressed Alonzo:

"From our short acquaintance, you may, sir, consider it singular that Ishould attempt to scrutinize your private concerns, and moreextraordinary you may esteem it, when I inform you of my reasons for sodoing. Judging, however, from appearances, I have no doubt of yourcandour. If my questions should be deemed improper, you will tell meso. "

Alonzo assured him he would treat him candidly. "This I believe, saidthe young officer; I take the liberty therefore to ask if you are anAmerican?"----"I am, " answered Alonzo. "I presume, said thestranger--the question is a delicate one--I presume your family isrespectable?" "Sacredly so, " replied Alonzo. "Are you married, sir?""I am not, and have ever been single. " "Have you any prospects ofconnecting in marriage?" "I have not, sir. " "I may then safely proceed, said the stranger; I trust you will hear me attentively; you will judgematurely; you will decide correctly, and I am confident that you willanswer me sincerely. 

"A young lady of this city, with whom I am well acquainted, and to whom, indeed, I am distantly related, whose father is affluent, whoseconnections are eminently respectable, whose manners are engaging, whosemind is virtue, whose elegance of form and personal beauty defycompetition, is the cause, sir, of this mission. --Early introduced intothe higher walks of life, she has passed the rounds of fashionablecompany; numberless suitors sighed for her hand, whom she complaisantlydismissed without disobliging, as her heart had not yet been touched bythe tender passion of love. Surprising as it may, however, seem, it isnow about six months since she saw in her dream the youth who possessedthe power to inspire her with this passion. In her dream she saw a younggentleman whose interesting manners and appearance, impressed her sodeeply that she found she must be unhappy without him. She thought itwas in a mixed company she saw him, but that she could not get anopportunity to speak to him. It seemed that if she could but speak withhim, all difficulties would at once be removed. At length he approachedher, and just as he was about to address her, she awoke. 

"This extraordinary dream she had communicated to several of heracquaintance. --Confident that she should some time or other behold thereal person whose semblance she had seen in her dream, she has neversince been perfectly at ease in her mind. Her father, who has but twochildren, one beside herself, being dotingly fond of her, has promisedthat if ever she meets this unknown stranger, he will not oppose theirunion, provided he is respectable, and that, if worthy of her hand, he will make him independent. 

"On my return from the inn the evening I first saw you, I told mysister--I beg pardon, sir--I was wandering from my subject--after Ifirst met you at the inn, I fell in company with the lady, and in arallying way told her that I had seen her _invisible beau_, as we usedto call the gentleman of the dream. I superficially described yourperson, and descanted a little on the embellishments of your mind. Shelistened with some curiosity and attention; but I had so often jestedwith her in this manner, that she thought little of it. At the play lastnight, I had just been speaking to her when I came to your box: her eyesfollowed me, but no sooner had they rested on you, than she fainted!This was the cause of my leaving you so abruptly, and not returning. Weconveyed her home, when she informed me that you was the person she hadseen in her dream!

"To me only, she preferred disclosing the circumstance at present, forreasons which must be obvious to your understanding. --Even her fatherand mother are not informed of it, and should my mission proveunsuccessful, none except you, sir, she and myself, I hope and trust, will ever know any thing of the matter. 

"Now, sir, it is necessary for me farther to explain. As singular as thecircumstances which I have related may appear to you, to me they mustappear as strange. --One valuable purpose is, however, answered thereby;it will exclude the imputation of capriciousness----the freakish whim of_love at first sight_, which exists only in novels and romances. You, sir, are young, unmarried, unaffianced, your affections free: such isthe condition of the lady. She enquires not into the state of yourproperty! she asks not riches:--If she obtains the object of her choice, on him, as I have told you, will her father bestowaffluence. ----Whatever, sir, may be your pretensions to eminence, andthey may be many, the lady is not your inferior. Her education also issuch as would do honour to a gentleman of taste. 

"I will not extend my remarks; you perfectly understand me--what answershall I return?"

Alonzo sighed: for a few moments he was silent. 

"Perhaps, said the stranger, you may consider the _mode_ of this messageas bearing the appearance of indecorum. If so, I presume, on reviewingthe incidents which to--which _enforced it_, as the most safe, the_only_ means of sure communication, you will change your opinion. Probably you would not wish finally to decide until you have visited thelady. This was my expectation, and I am, therefore, ready to introduceyou to her presence. "

"No, sir, said Alonzo, so far from considering the message indecorous, Iesteem it a peculiar honour, both as respects the lady and yourself. Noris it necessary that I should visit the lady, to confirm the truth ofwhat you have related. You will not, sir, receive it as an adulatorycompliment, when I say, that although our acquaintance is short, yet myconfidence in your integrity is such as to require no corroboratingfacts to establish your declaration. But, sir, there are obstacles, insuperable obstacles, to the execution of the measures you wouldpropose. 

"Your frankness to me, demands, on my part, equal candour. I assured youthat I was unmarried, and had no prospect of entering into matrimonialengagements; this is indeed the fact: but it is also true that myaffections--my first, my earliest affections were engaged, unalienablyengaged, to an object which is now no more. Perhaps you may esteem itsingular; perhaps you will consider it enthusiasm; but, sir, it isimpossible that my heart should admit a second and similar impression. "

The stranger paused. "Recent disappointments of this nature, he replied, commonly leave the mind under such gloomy influences. Time, however, thesoother of severest woes, will, though slowly, yet surely, disperse theclouds of anguish, and the rays of comfort and consolation will beamupon the soul. I wish not to be considered importunate, but the day mayarrive when you may change your present determination, and then will younot regret that you refused so advantageous an overture?"

"That day will never arrive, sir answered Alonzo: I have had time fordeliberate reflection since the melancholy event took place. I haveexperienced a sufficient change of objects and country; the effect isthe same. The wound is still recent, and so it will ever remain: indeedI cannot wish it otherwise. There is a rich and sacred solemnity in mysorrows, sir, which I would not exchange for the most splendidacquirements of wealth, or the most dignified titles of fame. "

The young officer sat for some time silent. "Well, sir, he said, sinceit is thus, seeing that these things are so, I will urge you no farther. You will pardon me respecting the part I have taken in this business, since it was with the purest designs. May consolation, comfort, andhappiness, yet be yours. "

"To you and your fair friend, said Alonzo, I consider myself under thehighest obligations. The gratitude I feel I can but feebly express. Believe me, sir, when I tell you, (and it is all I can say, ) that youringenuous conduct has left impressions in my bosom which can never beobliterated. "

The stranger held out his hand, which Alonzo ardently grasped. They weresilent, but their eyes spoke sympathy, and they parted. 

Alonzo immediately prepared, and was soon ready to depart. As he wasstepping into his carriage, he saw the young officer returning. As hecame up, "I must detain you a few moments longer, he said, and I willgive you no farther trouble. You will recollect that the lady about whomI have so much teazed you, when she became _acquainted_ with you in herdream, believed that if she could speak with you, all difficulties wouldbe removed. Conscious that this may be the case, (for with all heraccomplishments she is a little superstitious, ) she desires to see you. You have nothing to fear, sir; she would not for the world yield you herhand, unless in return you could give her your heart. Nor was shewilling you should know that she made this request, but wished me tointroduce you, as it were by stratagem. Confident, however, that youwould thus far yield to the caprice of a lady, I chose to tell you thetruth. She resides near by, and it will not hinder you long. "

"It is capriciousness in the extreme, " thought Alonzo; but he told thestranger he would accompany him--who immediately stepped into thecarriage, and they drove, by his direction, to an elegant house in astreet at a little distance, and alighted. As they entered the house, aservant handed the stranger a note, which he hastily looked over: "Tellthe gentleman I will wait on him in a moment, " said he to the servant, who instantly withdrew. Turning to Alonzo, "a person is in waiting, saidhe, on urgent business; excuse me, therefore, if it is with reluctance Iretire a few moments, after I have announced you; I will soon again bewith you. "

They then ascended a flight of stairs: the stranger opened the door of achamber--"The gentleman I mentioned to you madam, " he said. Alonzoentered; the stranger closed the door and retired. The lady was sittingby a window at the lower end of the room, but arose as Alonzo wasannounced. She was dressed in sky-blue silk, embroidered with spangledlace; a gemmed _tiara_ gathered her hair, from which was suspended agreen veil, according to the mode of those times; a silken girdle, withdiamond clasps, surrounded her waist, and a brilliant sparkled upon herbosom. "The stranger's description was not exaggerated, thought Alonzo;for, except one, I have never seen a more elegant figure:" and he almostwished the veil removed, that he might behold her features. 

"You will please to be seated, sir, she said. I know not how--I feel aninconceivable diffidence in making an excuse for the inconveniences mysilly caprices have given you. "

Enchanting melody was in her voice! Alonzo knew not why, but it thrilledhis bosom, electrified his soul, and vibrated every nerve of his heart. Confused and hurried sensations, melancholy, yet pleasing; transportingas the recurrence of youthful joys, enrapturing as dreams of earlychildhood, passed in rapid succession over his imagination!

She advanced towards him and turned aside her veil. Her eyes weresuffused, and tears streamed down her cheeks. --Alonzo started--his wholeframe shook--he gasped for breath!----"Melissa! he convulsivelyexclaimed, --God of infinite wonders, it is Melissa!"

 * * * * *

Again will the incidents of our history produce a pause. Our sentimentalreaders will experience a recurrence of sympathetic sensibilities, andwill attend more eagerly to the final scene of our drama. ----"Melissaalive!" may they say--"impossible! Did not Alonzo see her death in thepublic prints? Did not her cousin at New-London inform him of thecircumstances, and was he not in mourning? Did not the dying Beaumanconfirm the melancholy fact? And was not the unquestionable testimony ofher brother Edgar sufficient to seal the truth of all this? Did not thesexton's wife who knew not Alonzo, corroborate it? And did not Alonzofinally read her name, her age, and the time of her death, on hertomb-stone, which exactly accorded with the publication of her death inthe papers, and his own knowledge of her age? And is not this sufficientto prove, clearly and incontestibly prove, that she is dead? And yethere she is again, in all her primitive beauty and splendour! No, thissurely can never be. However the author may succeed in his description, in painting reanimated nature, he is no magician, or if he is, he cannotraise the dead. 

"Melissa has long since mouldered into dust, and he has raised up somefemale Martin Guerre, or Thomas Hoag--some person, from whose nearresemblance to the deceased, he thinks to impose upon us and upon Alonzoalso, for Melissa. But it will not do; it must be the identical Melissaherself, or it might as well be her likeness in a marble statue. What!can Alonzo realize the delicacies, the tenderness, the blandishments ofMelissa in another? Can her substitute point him to the rock on NewLondon beach, the bower on her favourite hill, or so feelingly describethe charms of nature? Can he, indeed, find in her representative thosealluring graces, that pensive sweetness, those unrivalled virtues andmatchless worth which he found in Melissa, and which attracted, fixedand secured the youngest affections of his soul? Impossible!----Or couldthe author even make it out that Alonzo was deceived by a person sonearly resembling Melissa that he could not distinguish the difference, yet to his readers he must unveil the deception, and, of course, thestory will end in disappointment; it will leave an unpleasant anddisagreeable impression on the mind of the reader, which in novelwriting is certainly wrong. It is proved as clearly as facts can prove, that he has suffered Melissa to die; and since she is dead, it istotally beyond his power to bring her to life----and so his history isintrinsically _good for nothing_. "

Be not quite so hasty, my zealous censor. Did we not tell you that wewere detailing facts? Shall we disguise or discolour truth to please_your_ taste? Have we not told you that disappointments are the lot oflife? Have we not, according to the advice of the moralist, led Alonzoto the temple of philosophy, the shrine of reason, and the sanctuary ofreligion? If all these fail--if in these Alonzo cannot find a balsamsufficient to heal his wounded bosom; then if, in despite of graves andtomb-stones, Melissa will come to his relief--will pour the balm ofconsolation over his anguished soul, cynical critic, can the author helpit?

It was indeed Melissa, the identical Melissa, whom Alonzo ascended atree to catch a last glimpse of, as she walked up the avenue to the oldmansion, after they had parted at the draw-bridge, on the morning of theday when she was so mysteriously removed. "Melissa!"---- "Alonzo!"----were all they could articulate: and frown not, my fair readers, if wetell you that she was instantly in his arms, while he pressed his ardentlips to her glowing cheek. 

Sneer not, ye callous hearted insensibles, ye fastidious prudes, if weinform you that their tears fell in one intermingling shower, that theirsighs wafted in one blended breeze. 

The sudden opening of the door aroused them to a sense of their impropersituation; for who but must consider it _improper_ to find a young ladylocked in the arms of a gentleman to whom she had just been introduced?The opening of the door, therefore, caused them quickly to change their_position_; not so hastily, however, but that the young officer who thenentered the room had a glimpse of their situation. ----"Aha! said he, have I caught you? Is my philosophic Plato so soon metamorphosed to a_bon ton_ enamarato? But a few hours ago, sir, and you were proofagainst the whole arcana of beauty, and all the artillery of the graces;but no sooner are you for one moment _tete a tete_ with a fashionablebelle, than your heroism and your resolutions are vanquished, yourformer ties dissolved, and your deceased charmer totally forgotten orneglected, by the virtue of a single glance. Well, so it is: _Amorvincit omnia_ is my motto; to thee all conquering beauty, our firmestdeterminations must bow. I cannot censure you for discovering, thoughlate, that one living object is really of more intrinsic value than twodead ones. Indeed, sir, I cannot but applaud your determination. "

"The laws of honour, said Alonzo, smiling, compel me to submit to becomethe subject of your raillery and deception; I am in your power. "

"I acknowledge, said the officer, that I have a little deceived you, my story was fiction founded on truth--the novel style: but for thedeceptive part, you may thank your little gipsey of a nymph there, pointing to Melissa; she planned and I executed. "

"How ready you gentlemen are, replied Melissa, when accused ofimpropriety, to cast the blame on the defenceless! So it was with ourfirst parents, and so it is still. But you must remember that Alonzo isyet to hear my story; there, sir, I have the advantage of you. "

"Then I confess, said he, looking at Alonzo, you will be too hard forme, and so I will say no more about it. "

Melissa then introduced the young officer to Alonzo, by the appellationof Capt. Wilmot. "He is the son of my deceased uncle, said she, a cousinto whom I am much indebted, as you shall hereafter know. "

A coach drove up to the door, which Melissa informed Alonzo was heruncle's, and was sent to convey Alfred and her home. "You will have noobjection to breakfast with me at my uncle's, said Alfred, if it be onlyto keep our cousin Melissa in countenance. "

Alonzo did not hesitate to accept the invitation: They immediatelytherefore entered the coach, a servant took care of Alonzo's carriage, and they drove to the seat of Col. D----, who, with his family, receivedAlonzo with much friendship and politeness. Alfred had apprized them ofAlonzo's arrival in town, and of course he was expected. 

Col. D---- was about fifty years old, his manners were majesticallygrave, and commanding, yet polished and polite. His family consisted ofan amiable wife, considerably younger than himself, and three children:the eldest son, about ten years of age, and two daughters, one seven, the other four years old. Harmony and cheerfulness reigned in hisfamily, which diffused tranquillity and ease to its members and itsguests. 

It was agreed that Alonzo should pass a few days at the house ofMelissa's uncle, when Melissa was to accompany him to Connecticut. Alfred, with some other officers, was recruiting for the army, where hisregiment then lay, and which he was shortly to join. He could not, therefore, be constantly at his uncle's, though he was principally therewhile Alonzo staid: but being absent the day after his arrival, Melissaand Alonzo having retired to a room separate from the family, she gavehim the following account of what happened after they had parted at theold mansion. 

"The morning after you left me, she said, John came to the bridge andcalled to be let in:--I immediately went to the gate, opened it, and letdown the bridge. John informed me that my aunt had suddenly andunexpectedly arrived that morning in company with a strange gentleman, and that he had come for the keys, as my aunt was to visit the mansionthat day. I strove to persuade John to leave the keys in my possession, and that I would make all easy with my aunt when she arrived. This, though with much reluctance, he at length consented to, and departed. Soon after this my aunt came, and without much ceremony demanded thekeys, insinuating that I had obtained them from John by imposition, andfor the basest purposes. This aroused me to indignation, and I answeredby informing her that whatever purposes the persecution and cruelty ofmy family had compelled me to adopt, my conscience, under presentcircumstances approved them, and I refused to give her the keys. Shethen ordered me to prepare to leave the mansion, and accompany her toher residence at the house of John. I told her that I had been placedthere by my father, and should not consent to a removal unless by hisexpress orders. She then left me, intimating that she would soon let meknow that her authority was not to be thus trampled upon with impunity. 

"I immediately raised the bridge, and made fast the gate, determining, on no considerations, to suffer it to be opened until evening. The daypassed away without any occurrence worthy of note, and as soon as it wasdark, I went, opened the gate, and cautiously let down the bridge. I then returned to the mansion, and placed the candle, as we hadconcerted, at the window. Shortly after I heard a carriage roll over thebridge and proceed up the avenue. --My heart fluttered; I wished--Ihardly knew what I did wish; but I feared I was about to act improperly, as I had no other idea but that it was you, Alonzo, who was approaching. The carriage stopped near the door of the mansion; a footstep ascendedthe stairs. Judge of my surprise and agitation, when my father enteredthe chamber! A maid and two men servants followed him. He directed me tomake immediate preparations for leaving the mansion--which command, withthe assistance of the servants, I obeyed with a heart too full forutterance. 

"As soon as I was ready, we entered the carriage, which drove rapidlyaway. As we passed out of the gate, I looked back at the mansion, andsaw the light of the candle, which I had forgotten to remove, streamingfrom the window, and it was by an extraordinary effort that I preventedmyself from fainting. 

"The carriage drove, as near as I could judge, about ten miles, when westopped at an inn for the night, except my father, who returned home onhorseback, leaving me at the inn in company with the servants, where thecarriage also remained. The maid was a person who had been attached tome from my infancy. I asked her whether she could explain thesemysterious proceedings. 

"All I know, Miss, I will tell you, said she. Your father received aletter to-day from your aunt, which put him in a terrible flutter:--heimmediately ordered his carriage and directed us to attend him. He metyour aunt at a tavern somewhere away back, and she told him that thegentleman who used to come to our house so much once, had contrived tocarry you off from the place where you lived with her; so your fatherconcluded to send you to your uncle's in Carolina, and said that I mustgo with you. And to tell you the truth, Miss, I was not displeased withit; for your father has grown so sour of late, that we have little peacein the house. 

"By this I found that my fate was fixed, and I gave myself up for sometime to unavailing sorrow. The maid informed me that my mother was well, which was one sweet consolation among my many troubles; but she knewnothing of my father's late conduct. 

"The next morning we proceeded, and I was hurried on by rapid stages tothe Chesapeak, where, with the maid and one man servant, I was put onboard a packet for Charleston, at which place we arrived in due time. 

"My uncle and his family received me with much tenderness: the servantdelivered a package of letters to my uncle from my father. The carriagewith one servant (the driver) had returned from the Chesapeak toConnecticut. 

"My father had but one brother and two sisters, of which my uncle hereis the youngest. One of my aunts, the old maid, who was my _protectress_at the old mansion, you have seen at my father's. The other was themother of Alfred:--she married very young, to a gentleman in Hartford, of the name of Wilmot, who fell before the walls of Louisburg, in theold French war. My aunt did not long survive him;--her health, which hadbeen for some time declining, received so serious a shock by thiscatastrophe, that she died a few months after the melancholy tidingsarrived, leaving Alfred, their only child, then an infant, to theprotection of his relations, who as soon as he arrived at a suitableage, placed him at school. 

"My grandfather, who had the principal management of Mr. Wilmot'sestate, sent my uncle, who was then young and unmarried, to Hartford, for the purpose of transacting the necessary business. Here he becameacquainted with a young lady, eminent for beauty and loveliness, butwithout fortune, the daughter of a poor mechanic. As soon as mygrandfather was informed of this attachment, he, in a very peremptorymanner, ordered my uncle to break off the connection on pain of hishighest displeasure. But such is the force of early impressions, (Melissa sighed) that my uncle found it impossible to submit to thesefirm injunctions; a clandestine marriage ensued, and my grandfather'smaledictions in consequence. The union was, however, soon dissolved; myuncle's wife died in about twelve months after their marriage, and soonafter the birth of the first child, which was a daughter. Inconsolableand comfortless, my uncle put the child out to nurse, and travelled tothe south. After wandering about for some time, he took up his residencein Charleston, where he amassed a splendid fortune. He finally marriedto an amiable and respectable woman, whose tenderness, though it did notentirely remove, yet greatly alleviated the pangs of early sorrow; andthis, added to the little blandishments of a young family, fixed him ina state of more contentedness than he once ever expected to see. 

"His daughter by his first wife, when she became of proper age, was sentto a respectable boarding-school in Boston, where she remained untilwithin about two years before I came here. 

"Alfred was educated at Harvard College: as soon as he had graduated, hecame here on my uncle's request, and has since remained in his family. 

"Soon after I arrived here; my uncle came into my chamber one day. "Melissa, said he, I find by your father's letters that he considers youto have formed an improper connection. I wish you to give me a truestatement of the matter, and if any thing can be done to reconcile youto your father, you may depend upon my assistance. I have seen sometroubles in this way myself, in my early days; perhaps my counsel may beof some service. "

"I immediately gave a correct account of every particular circumstance, from the time of my first acquaintance with you until my arrival at thishouse. He sat some time silent, and then told me that my father, hebelieved, had drawn the worst side of the picture; and that he had urgedhim to exert every means in his power to reclaim me to obedience: ThatBeauman was to follow me in a few months, and that, if I still refusedto yield him my hand, my father positively and solemnly declared that hewould discard me forever, and strenuously enjoined it upon him to do thesame. "I well know my brother's temper, continued my uncle; the case isdifficult, but something must be done. I will immediately write to yourfather, desiring him not to proceed too rashly; in the mean time we mustconsider what measures to pursue. You must not, my niece, you must notbe sacrificed. " So saying, he left me, highly consoled that, instead ofa tyrant, I had found a friend in my new protector. 

"Alfred was made acquainted with the affair, and many were the plansprojected for my benefit, and abandoned as indefeasible, till an eventhappened which called forth all the fortitude of my uncle to support it, and operated in the end to free me from persecution. 

"My uncle's daughter, by his first wife, was of a very delicate andsickly constitution, and her health evidently decreasing. After she cameto this place, she was sent to a village on one of the high hills ofPedee, where she remained a considerable time; she then went to one ofthe inland towns in North Carolina, from whence she had but justreturned with Alfred when I arrived. Afterwards I accompanied her toGeorgetown, and other places, attended by her father, so that she waslittle more known in Charleston than myself. But all answered no purposeto the restoration of her health; a confirmed hectic carried her off inthe bloom of youth. 

"I was but a few months older than she; her name was Melissa, a namewhich a pious grandmother had borne, and was therefore retained in thefamily. Our similarity of age, and in some measure of appearance, ourbeing so little known in Charleston, and our names being the same, suggested to Alfred the idea of imposing on my father, by passing off mycousin's death as my own. This would, at least, deter Beauman fromprosecuting his intended journey to Charleston; it would also give timefor farther deliberation, and might so operate on my father's feelingsas to soften that obduracy of temper, which deeply disquieted himselfand others, and thus finally be productive of happily effecting thedesigned purpose. 

"My uncle was too deeply overwhelmed in grief to be particularlyconsulted on this plan. He however entrusted Alfred to act with fullpowers, and to use his name for my interest, if necessary. Alfredtherefore procured a publication, as of my death, in the Connecticutpapers, particularly at New London, the native place of Beauman. InCharleston it was generally supposed that it was the niece, and not thedaughter of Col. D----, who had died. --This imposition was likewisepractised upon the sexton, who keeps the register of deaths. [A] Alfredthen wrote a letter to my father, in my uncle's name, stating theparticulars of my cousin's death, and applying them to me. The epitaphon her tombstone was likewise so devised that it would with equalpropriety apply either to her or to me. 

 [Footnote A: This was formerly the case. ]

 * * * * *

"To undeceive you, Alonzo, continued Melissa, was the next object. Iconsulted with Alfred how this should be done. ----"My sister, he said, (in our private circles he always called me by the tender name ofsister, ) I am determined to see you happy before I relinquish thebusiness I have undertaken: letters are a precarious mode ofcommunication; I will make a journey to Connecticut, find out Alonzo, visit your friends, and see how the plan operates. I am known to yourfather, who has ever treated me as a relative. I will return as speedilyas possible, and we shall then know what measures are best next topursue. "

"I requested him to unfold the deception to my mother, and, if he foundit expedient, to Vincent and Mr. Simpson, in whose friendship andfidelity I was sure he might safely confide. 

"He soon departed, and returned in about two months. He found my fatherand mother in extreme distress on account of my supposed death: mymother's grief had brought her on the bed of sickness; but when Alfredhad undeceived her she rapidly revived. My father told Alfred that heseriously regretted opposing my inclinations, and that, were it possiblehe could retrace the steps he had taken, he should conduct in a verydifferent manner, as he was not only deprived of me, but Edgar also, whohad gone to Holland in an official capacity, soon after receiving thetidings of my death. "I am now childless, " said my father in tears. Alfred's feelings were moved, and could he then have found you, he wouldhave told my father the truth; but lest he should relapse from presentdeterminations, he considered it his duty still with him, to continuethe deception. 

"On enquiring at your father's, at Vincent's, and at Mr. Simpson's, he could learn nothing of you, except that you had gone to New London, judging possibly that you would find me there. Alfred thereforedetermined to proceed to that place immediately. He then confidentiallyunfolded to your father, Vincent, and Mr. Simpson, the scheme, desiringthat if you returned you would proceed immediately to Charleston. Myfather was still to be kept in ignorance. 

"Alfred proceeded immediately to New London: from my cousin there he wasinformed of your interview with him; but from whence you then came, orwhere you went, he knew not; and after making the strictest enquiry, hecould hear nothing more of you. By a vessel in that port, bound directlyfor Holland, he wrote an account of the whole affair to Edgar, mentioning his unsuccessful search to find you; and returned toCharleston. 

"Alfred learnt from my friends the circumstances which occasioned mysudden removal from the old mansion. The morning you left me you wasdiscovered by my aunt, who was passing the road in a chair with agentleman, whom she had then but recently become acquainted with. Myaunt knew you. They immediately drove to John's hut. On finding thatJohn had left the keys with me, she sent him for them; and on myrefusing to give them up, she came herself, as I have before related;and as she succeeded no better than John, she returned and dispatched amessage to my father, informing him of the circumstances, and hersuspicions of your having been to the mansion, and that, from my havingpossession of the keys and refusing to yield them up, there was littledoubt but that we had formed a plan for my escape. 

"Alarmed at this information, my father immediately ordered hiscarriage, drove to the mansion, and removed me, as I have beforeinformed you. 

"I ought to have told you, that the maid and man servant who attended meto Charleston, not liking the country, and growing sickly, were sentback by my uncle, after they had been there about two months. "

Alonzo found by this narrative that John had deceived him, when he madehis enquiries of him concerning his knowledge of Melissa's removal. Butthis was not surprising: John was tenant to Melissa's aunt, andsubservient to all her views;--she had undoubtedly given himinstructions how to act. 

"But who was the strange gentleman with your aunt?" enquired Alonzo. "This I will also tell you, answered Melissa, tho' it unfolds a talewhich reflects no great honour to my family. 

"Hamblin was the name which this man assumed: he said he had been aneminent merchant in New York, and had left it about the time it wastaken by the British. He lodged at an inn where my aunt frequentlystopped when she was out collecting her rents, where he first introducedhimself to her acquaintance, and ingratiated himself into her favour byart and insidiousness. He accompanied her on her visits to her tenants, and assisted her in collecting her rents. He told her, that when the warcame on, he had turned his effects into money, which he had with him, and was now in pursuit of some country place where he might purchase aresidence to remain during the war. To cut the story as short aspossible, he finally initiated himself so far in my aunt's favour thatshe accepted his hand, and, contrary to my father's opinion, she marriedhim, and he soon after persuaded her to sell her property, underpretence of removing to some populous town, and living in style. Herproperty, however, was no sooner sold (which my father bought for readycash, at a low price) than he found means to realize the money, andabsconded. 

"It was afterwards found that his real name was Brenton; that he hadleft a wife and family in Virginia in indigent circumstances, where hehad spent an ample fortune, left him by his father, in debauchery, andinvolved himself deeply in debt. He had scarcely time to get off withthe booty he swindled from my aunt, when his creditors from Virginiawere at his heels. He fled to the British at New York, where he riotedfor a few months, was finally stabbed by a soldier in a fracas, and diedthe next day. He was about thirty-five years old. 

"All these troubles bore so heavily upon my aunt, that she went into adecline, and died about six months ago. 

"After Alfred returned from Connecticut, he wrote frequently to Vincentand Mr. Simpson, but could obtain no intelligence concerning you. Itwould be needless, Alonzo, to describe my conjectures, my anxieties, myfeelings! The death of my cousin and aunt had kept me in crape until, atthe instance of Alfred, I put it off yesterday morning at my uncle'shouse, which Alfred had proposed for the scene of action, after he haddiscovered the cause of my fainting at the theatre. I did not readilycome into Alfred's plan to deceive you: "Suffer me, he said, to try theconstancy of your _Leander_;----I doubt whether he would swim theHellespont for you. " This aroused my pride and confidence, and Ipermitted him to proceed. "

Alonzo then gave Melissa a minute account of all that happened to himfrom the time of their parting at the old mansion until he met with herthe day before. At the mention of Beauman's fate Melissa sighed. "Withhow many vain fears, said she, was I perplexed, lest, by some means heshould discover my existence and place of residence, after he, alas, wassilent in the tomb!"

Alonzo told Melissa that he had received a letter from Edgar, after hearrived in Holland, and that he had written him an answer, just as heleft Paris, informing him of his reasons for returning to America. 

When the time arrived that Alonzo and Melissa were to set out forConnecticut, Melissa's uncle and Alfred accompanied them as far asGeorgetown, where an affectionate parting took place: The latterreturned to Charleston, and the former proceeded on their journey. 

Philadelphia was now in possession of the British troops. Alonzo foundDr. Franklin's agent at Chester, transacted his business, went on, arrived at Vincent's, where he left Melissa, and proceeded immediatelyto his father's. 

The friends of Alonzo and Melissa were joyfully surprised at theirarrival. Melissa's mother was sent for to Vincent's. Let imaginationpaint the meeting! As yet however they were not prepared to undeceiveher father. 

Alonzo found his parents in penurious circumstances; indeed, his fatherhaving the preceeding summer, been too indisposed to manage his littlefarm with attention, and being unable to hire laborers, his crops hadyielded but a scanty supply, and he had been compelled to sell most ofhis stock to answer pressing demands. With great joy they welcomedAlonzo, whom they had given up as lost. "You still find your fatherpoor, Alonzo, said the old gentleman, but you find him stillhonest. --From my inability to labour, we have latterly been a littlemore pressed than usual; but having now recovered my health, I trustthat that difficulty will soon be removed. "

Alonzo asked his father if he ever knew Dr. Franklin. 

"We were school-mates, he replied, and were intimately acquainted afterwe became young men in business for ourselves. We have done each otherfavours; I once divided my money with Franklin on an urgent occasion tohim; he afterwards repaid me with ample interest--he will never forgetit. "

Alonzo then related to his father all the incidents of his travels, minutely particularizing the disinterested conduct of Franklin, and thenpresented his father with the reversion of his estate. The old man fellon his knees, and with tears streaming down his withered cheeks, offereddevout thanks to the great Dispenser of all mercies. 

Alonzo then visited Melissa's father, who received him with muchcomplacency. "I have injured, said he, my young friend, deeply injuredyou; but in doing this, I have inflicted a wound still deeper in my ownbosom. "

Alonzo desired him not to renew his sorrows. "What is past, said he, isbeyond recal; but a subject of some importance to me, is the object ofmy present visit. --True it is, that your daughter was the object of myearliest affection--an affection which my bosom must ever retain; butbeing separated by the will of Providence--for I view Providence asoverruling all events for wise purposes--I betook myself to travel. Time, you know it is said, sir, will blunt the sharpest thorns ofsorrow. --[The old man sighed. ]----In my travels I have found a lady sonearly resembling your daughter, that I was induced to sue for her hand, and have been so happy as to gain the promise of it. The favour I haveto ask of you, sir, is only that you will permit the marriage ceremonyto be celebrated in your house, as you know my father is poor, his housesmall and inconvenient, and that you will also honour me by giving thelady away. In receiving her from your hands, I shall in some measurerealize former anticipations; I shall receive her in the character ofMelissa. "

"Ah! said Melissa's father, were it in my power--could I but give youthe original; But how vain that wish! Yes, my young friend, your requestshall be punctually complied with: I will take upon myself thepreparations. Name your day, and if the lady is portionless, in that sheshall be to me a Melissa. "

Alonzo bowed his head in gratitude; and after appointing that day week, he departed. 

Invitations were once more sent abroad for the wedding of Alonzo andMelissa. --Few indeed knew it to be the real Melissa, but they weregenerally informed of Alonzo's reasons for preferring the celebration ather father's. 

The evening before the day on which the marriage was to take place, Alonzo and Melissa were sitting with the Vincents in an upper room, whena person rapped at the door below. Vincent went down, and immediatelyreturned, introducing, to the joy and surprise of the company, Edgar!

Here, again, we shall leave it for the imagination to depict the sceneof an affectionate brother, meeting a tender and only sister, whom hehad long since supposed to be dead! He had been at his father's, and hismother had let him into the secret, when he immediately hastened toVincent's. He told them that he did not stay long in Holland; that afterreceiving Alonzo's letter from Paris, he felt an unconquerablepropensity to return, and soon sailed for America, arrived at Boston, came to New-Haven, took orders in the ministry, and had reached homethat day. He informed them that Mr. Simpson and family had arrived athis father's, and some relatives whom his mother had invited. 

The next morning ushered in the day in which the hero and heroine of ourstory were to consummate their felicity. No _cross purposes_ stood readyto intervene their happiness, no obdurate father, no watchful, scowlingaunt, to interrupt their transports. It was the latter end of May;nature was arrayed in her richest ornaments, and adorned with hersweetest perfumes. The sun blended its mild lustre with the landscape'slovely green; silk-winged breezes frolicked amidst the flowers; thespring birds carolled in varying strains:

 "The air was fragrance, and the world was love. "

Evening was appointed for the ceremony, and Edgar was to be theofficiating clergyman. 

 "To tie those bands which nought but death can sever. "

When the hour arrived, they repaired to the house of Melissa's father, where numerous guests had assembled. Melissa was introduced into thebridal apartment, and took her seat among a brilliant circle of ladies. She was attired in robes "white as the southern clouds, " spangled withsilver, and trimmed with deep gold lace; her hair hung loosely upon hershoulders, encircled by a wreath of artificial flowers. She had regainedall her former loveliness; the rose and the lily again blended theirtinges in her cheek; again _pensive sprightliness_ sparkled in her eye. 

Alonzo was now introduced, and took his seat at the side of Melissa. Hisfather and mother came next, who were placed at the right hand of theyoung couple: Melissa's parents followed, and were stationed at theleft. Edgar then came and took his seat in front; after which the guestswere summoned, who filled the room. Edgar then rising, motioned to theintended bride and bridegroom to rise also. He next turned to Alonzo'sfather for his sanction, who bowed assent. Then addressing his ownfather, with emotions that scarcely suffered him to articulate. "Do you, sir, said he, give this lady to that gentleman?" A solemn silenceprevailed in the room. Melissa was extremely agitated, as her fatherslowly rising, and with down-cast eyes, "Where tides of heavy sorrow swell'd, "

took her trembling hand, and conveying it into Alonzo's, "May the smilesof heaven rest upon you, he said; may future blessings crown yourpresent happy prospects; and may your latter days never be embittered bythe premature loss of near and dear----"

Pungent grief here choaked his utterance, and at this moment Melissa, falling upon her knees, "Dear father! she exclaimed, bursting intotears, pardon deception; acknowledge your daughter--your own Melissa!"

Her father started--he gazed at her with scrutinizing attention, andsunk back in his chair. --"My daughter! he cried--God of mysteriousmercy! it is my daughter!"

The guests caught the contagious sympathy; convulsive sobs arose fromall parts of the room. Melissa's father clasped her in his arms--"And Ireceive thee as from the dead! he said. I am anxious to hear the mightymystery unfolded. But first let the solemn rites for which we areassembled be concluded; let not an old man's anxiety interrupt theceremony. "

"But you are apprised, sir, said Alonzo, of my inability to support yourdaughter according to her deserts. "

"Leave that to me, my young friend, replied her father. I have enough:my children are restored, and I am happy. "

Melissa soon resumed her former station. The indissoluble knot was tied:they sat down to the wedding feast, and mirth and hilarity danced incheerful circles. 

Before the company retired, Edgar related the most prominent incidentsof Alonzo and Melissa's history, since they had been absent. The guestslistened with attention: they applauded the conduct of our new bride andbridegroom, in which Melissa's father cordially joined. They rejoiced tofind that Alonzo's father had regained his fortune, and copiouslibations were poured forth in honour of the immortal Franklin. 

And now, reader of sensibility, indulge the pleasing sensations of thybosom--for Alonzo and Melissa are MARRIED. 

 * * * * *

Alonzo's father was soon in complete repossession of his formerproperty. The premises from which he had been driven by his unfeelingcreditors, were yielded up without difficulty, and to which heimmediately removed. He not only recovered the principal of the fortunehe had lost, but the damages and the interest; so that, although likeJob, he had seen affliction, like him his latter days were better thanhis beginning. But wearied with the bustles of life, he did not againenter into the mercantile business, but placing his money at interest insafe hands, lived retired on his little farm. 

A few days after the wedding, as Melissa was sitting with Alonzo, Edgarand her parents, she asked her father whether the old mansion wasinhabited. 

"Not by human beings, he replied. ----Since it has fallen into my hands Ihave leased it to three or four different families, who all left itunder the foolish pretence or impression of hearing noises and seeingfrightful objects, and such is the superstition of the people that noone now, will venture to try it again, though I suppose its inhabitantsto consist only of rats and mice. "

Melissa then informed them of all that had happened when she was there, the alarming noises and horrible appearances she had been witness to, and in which she was confident her senses had not deceived her. Exceedingly astonished at her relation; it was agreed that Edgar andAlonzo, properly attended, should proceed to the mansion, in order tofind whether any discoveries could be made which might tend to theelucidation of so mysterious an affair. 

For this purpose they chose twenty men, armed them with muskets andswords, and proceeded to the place, where they arrived in the dusk ofthe evening, having chosen that season as the most favourable to theirdesigns. 

They found the drawbridge up, and the gate locked, as Edgar's fathersaid he had left them. They entered and secured them in the same manner. When they came to the house, they cautiously unlocked the door, andproceeded to the chamber, where they struck a fire and lighted candles, which they had brought with them. It was then agreed to plant fifteen ofthe men at suitable distances around the mansion, and retain five in thechamber with Alonzo and Edgar. 

The men, who were placed around the house, were stationed behind trees, stumps or rocks, and where no object presented, lay flat on the ground, with orders not to stir, or discover themselves, let what would ensue, unless some alarm should be given from the house. 

Alonzo and Edgar were armed with pistols and side arms, and postedthemselves with the five men in the chamber, taking care that the lightsshould not shine against the window shutters, so that nothing could bediscovered from without. Things thus arranged, they observed almost animplicit silence, no one being allowed to speak, except in a lowwhisper. 

For a long time no sound was heard except the hollow roar of winds inthe neighbouring forest, their whistling around the angles of themansion, or the hoarse murmers of the distant surge. The night was dark, and only illuminated by the feeble twinkling of half clouded stars. 

They had watched until about midnight, when they were alarmed by noisesin the rooms below, among which they could distinguish footsteps andhuman voices. Alonzo and Edgar, then taking each a pistol in one hand, and a drawn sword in the other, ordered their men to follow them, prepared for action. Coming to the head of the stairs, they saw abrilliant light streaming into the hall; they therefore concluded totake no candles, and to prevent discovery they took off their shoes. When they came into the hall opposite the door of the room from whencethe light and noises proceeded, they discovered ten men genteellydressed, sitting around a table, on which was placed a considerablequantity of gold and silver coin, a number of glasses and severaldecanters of wine. Alonzo and his party stood a few minutes, listeningto the following discourse, which took place among this _ghostly_gentry. 

"Well, boys, we have made a fine haul this trip. "----"Yes, but poor Bob, though, was plump'd over by the d----d skulkers!"----"Aye, and had wenot tugged bravely at the oars, they would have hook'd us. "----"Rascallycow-boys detained us too long. "----"Well, never mind it; let us knockaround the wine, and then divide the spoil. "

At this moment, Alonzo and Edgar, followed by the five men, rushed intothe room, crying. "_Surrender, or you are all dead men!_" In an instantthe room was involved in pitchy darkness; a loud crash was heard, then ascampering about the floor, and a noise as if several doors shut to, with violence. They however gave the alarm to the men without, by loudlyshouting "_Look out_;" and immediately the discharge of several guns washeard around the mansion. One of the men flew up stairs and brought alight; but, to their utter amazement, no person was to be discovered inthe room except their own party. The table, with its apparatus, and thechairs on which these now invisible beings had sat, had disappeared, nota single trace of them being left. 

While they stood petrified with astonishment, the men from withoutcalled for admittance. The door being unlocked, they led in a strangerwounded, whom they immediately discovered to be one of those they hadseen at the table. 

The men who had been stationed around the mansion informed, that sometime before the alarm was made, they saw a number of persons crossingthe yard from the western part of the enclosure, towards the house; thatimmediately after the shout was given, they discovered several peoplerunning back in the same direction: they hailed them, which beingdisregarded, they fired upon them, one of whom they brought down, whichwas the wounded man they had brought in. The others, though they pursuedthem, got off. 

The prisoner's wound was not dangerous, the ball had shattered his arm, and glanced upon his breast. They dressed his wound as well as theycould, and then requested him to unfold the circumstances of thesuspicious appearance in which he was involved. 

"First promise me, on your honour, said the stranger, that you will useyour influence to prevent my being punished or imprisoned. "

This they readily agreed to, on condition that he would conceal nothingfrom them--and he gave them the following relation:

That they were a part of a gang of _illicit traders_; men who hadcombined for the purpose of carrying on a secret and illegal commercewith the British army on Long Island, whom, contrary to the existinglaws, they supplied with provisions, and brought off English goods, which they sold at very extortionate prices. But this was not all; theyalso brought over large quantities of counterfeit continental money, which they put off among the Americans for live stock, poultry, produce, &c. Which they carried to the Island. The counterfeit money theypurchased by merely paying for the printing; the British having obtainedcopies of the American emission, struck immense quantities of it inNew-York, and insidiously sent it out into the country, in order to sinkour currency. 

This gang was likewise connected with the cow-boys, who made it theirbusiness to steal, not only milch cows, and other cattle, but also hogsand sheep, which they drove by night to some convenient place on theshores of the Sound, where these _thief-partners_ received them, andconveyed them to the British. 

"In our excursions across the Sound, continued the wounded man, we hadfrequently observed this mansion, which, from every appearance, we wereconvinced was uninhabited:--we therefore selected it as a suitable placefor our future rendezvous, which had therefore been only in the openwoods. To cross the moat, we dragged up an old canoe from the sea shore, which we concealed in the bushes as soon as we recrossed from the oldmansion. To get over the wall we used ladders of ropes, placing a flatof thick board on the top of the spikes driven into the wall. We foundmore difficulty in getting into the house:--we however at lengthsucceeded, by tearing away a part of the back wall, where we fitted in adoor so exactly, and so nicely painted it, that it could not bedistinguished from the wall itself. This door was so constructed, thaton touching a spring, it would fly open, and when unrestrained, wouldshut to with violence. Finding the apartment so eligible for ourpurpose, and fearing that at some future time we might be disturbedeither by the owner of the building or some tenant, we cut similar doorsinto every room of the house, so that on an emergency we could traverseevery apartment without access to the known doors. Trap-doors on asimilar construction, communicated with the cellar:--the table, whichyou saw us sitting around, stood on one of those, which, on your abruptappearance, as soon as the candles were extinguished, was with itscontents, precipitated below, and we made our escape by those secretdoors, judging, that although you had seen us, if we could get off, youwould be unable to find out any thing which might lead to our discovery. 

"A circumstance soon occurred, which tended to embarrass our plans, andat first seemed to menace their overthrow. Our assembling at the mansionwas irregular, as occasion and circumstances required; often not morethan once a week, but sometimes more frequent, and always in thenight. --Late one night, as we were proceeding to the mansion, and hadarrived near it, suddenly one of the chamber windows was opened and alight issued from within. We entered the house with caution, and soondiscovered that some person was in the chamber from whence we had seenthe light. We remained until all was silent, and then entered thechamber by one of our secret doors, and to our inexpressible surprise, beheld a beautiful young lady asleep on the only bed in the room. Wecautiously retired, and reconnoitering all parts of the mansion, foundthat she was the only inhabitant except ourselves. The singularity ofher being there alone, is a circumstance we have never been able todiscover, but it gave us fair hopes of easily procuring her ejectment. We then immediately withdrew, and made preparations to dispossess thefair tenant of the premises to which we considered ourselves moreproperly entitled, as possessing a prior incumbency. 

"We did not effect the completion of our apparatus under three or fourdays. As soon as we were prepared, we returned to the mansion. As weapproached the house, it appears the lady heard us, for again shesuddenly flung up a window and held out a candle: we skulked from thelight, but feared she had a glimpse of us. --After we had got into thehouse we were still until we supposed her to be asleep, which we foundto be the case on going to her chamber. 

"We then stationed one near her bed, who, by a loud rap on the floorwith a cane, appeared to arouse her in a fright. Loud noises were thenmade below, and some of them ran heavily up the stairs which led to herchamber; the person stationed in the room whispering near her bed--sheraised herself up, and he fled behind the curtains. Soon after she againlay down; he approached nearer the bed with a design to lay his hand, on which he had drawn a thin sheet-lead glove, across her face; butdiscovering her arm on the out side of the bedclothes, he graspedit--she screamed and sprang up in the bed; the man then left the room. 

"As it was not our intention to injure the lady, but only to drive herfrom the house, we concluded we had sufficiently alarmed her, and havingextinguished the lights, were about to depart, when we heard herdescending the stairs. She came down and examined the doors, when one ofour party, in a loud whisper, crying "_away! away_;" she darted upstairs, and we left the house. 

"We did not return the next night, in order to give her time to get off;but the night after we again repaired to the mansion, expecting that shehad gone, but we were disappointed. As it was late when we arrived, shewas wrapped in sleep, and we found that more forcible measures must beresorted to before we could remove her, and for such measures we wereamply prepared. "

The stranger then unfolded the mysteries of that awful night, whenMelissa was so terrified by horrible appearances. One of the tallest andmost robust of the gang, was attired, as has been described, when heappeared by her bed side. The white robe was an old sheet, stained insome parts with a liquid red mixture; the wound in his breast wasartificial, and the blood issuing therefrom was only some of thismixture, pressed from a small bladder, concealed under his robe. On hishead and face he wore a mask, with glass eyes----the mask was painted tosuit their purposes. The bloody dagger was of wood, and painted. 

Thus accoutred, he took his stand near Melissa's bed, having first blownout the candles she had left burning, and discharged a small pistol. Perceiving this had awakened her, a train of powder was fired in theadjoining room opposite the secret door, which was left open, in orderthat the flash might illuminate her apartment; then several large cannonballs were rolled through the rooms over her head, imitative of thunder. The person in her room then uttered a horrible groan, and gliding alongby her bed, took his stand behind the curtains, near the foot. Thenoises below, the cry of murder, the firing of the second pistol, andthe running up stairs, were all corresponding scenes to impress terroron her imagination. The pretended ghost then advanced in front of herbed, while lights were slowly introduced, which first shone faintly, until they were ushered into the room by the private door, exhibitingthe person before her in all his horrific appearances. On her shrieking, and shrinking into the bed, the lights were suddenly extinguished, andthe person, after commanding her to be gone in a hoarse voice, passedagain to the foot of the bed, shook it violently, and made a seemingattempt to get upon it, when, perceiving her to be springing up, he fledout of the room by the secret door, cautiously shut it, and joined hiscompanions. 

The operators had not yet completed their farce, or rather, to Melissa, tragedy. They had framed an image of paste-board, in human shape, arrayed it in black, its eyes being formed of large pieces of what isvulgarly called _fox-fire_, [A] made into the likeness of human eyes, some material being placed in its mouth, around which was a piece of thethinnest scarlet tiffany, in order to make it appear of a flame colour. They had also constructed a large combustible ball, of severalthicknesses of paste-board, to which a match was placed. The image wasto be conveyed into her room, and placed, in the dark, before herbed;--while in that position, the ball was to be rubbed over withphosphorus, the match set on fire, and rolled across her chamber, andwhen it burst, the image was to vanish, by being suddenly conveyed outof the private door, which was to close the scene for that night. But asMelissa had now arisen and lighted candles, the plan was defeated. 

 [Footnote A: A sort of decayed or rotten wood, which in the night looks like coals of fire, of a bright whitish colour. It emits a faint light. ]

While they were consulting how to proceed, they heard her unlock herchamber door, and slowly descend the stairs. Fearing a discovery, theyretired with their lights, and the person who had been in her chamber, not having yet stripped off his ghostly habiliments, laid himself downon one side of the hall. The man who had the image, crowded himself withit under the stairs she was descending. On her dropping the candle, whenshe turned to flee to her chamber, from the sight of the same objectwhich had appeared at her bed-side, the person under the stairspresented the image at their foot, and at the same instant thecombustible ball was prepared, and rolled through the hall; and when onits bursting she fainted, they began to grow alarmed; but on findingthat she recovered and regained her chamber, they departed, for thattime, from the house. 

"Our scheme, continued the wounded man, had the desired effect. Onreturning a few evenings after, we found the lady gone and the furnitureremoved. Several attempts were afterwards made to occupy the house, butwe always succeeded in soon frightening the inhabitants away. "

Edgar and Alonzo then requested their prisoner to show them the springsof the secret doors, and how they were opened. The springs were sunk inthe wood, which being touched by entering a gimblet hole with a piece ofpointed steel, which each of the gang always had about him, the doorwould fly open, and fasten again in shutting to. On opening thetrap-door over which the gang had sat when they first discovered them, they found the table and chairs, with the decanters broken, and themoney, which they secured. In one part of the cellar they were shown akind of cave, its mouth covered with boards and earth--here the companykept their furniture, and to this place would they have removed it, hadthey not been so suddenly frightened away. The canoe they found secretedin the bushes beyond the canal. 

 * * * * *

It was then agreed that the man should go before the proper authoritiesin a neighbouring town, and there, as state's evidence, make affidavitof what he had recited, and as complete a developement of the charactersconcerned in the business as possible, when he was to be released. Theman enquired to what town they were to go, which, when they had informedhim, "Then, said he, it will be in my power to perform one deed ofjustice before I leave the country, as leave it I must, immediatelyafter I have given in my testimony, or I shall be assassinated by someof those who will be implicated in the transaction I have related. "

He then informed them, that while he, with the gang, was prosecuting theillicit trade, a British ship came and anchored in the Sound, which theysupplied with provisions, but that having at one time a considerablequantity on hand, the ship sent its boat on shore, with an officer andfive men, to fetch it; the officer came with them on shore, leaving themen in the boat: "As we were about to carry the provisions on board theboat, continued the man, a party of Americans fired upon us, and woundedthe officer in the thigh, who fell: "I shall be made prisoner, said he, taking out his purse; keep this, and if I live and regain my liberty, perhaps you may have an opportunity of restoring it:--alarm the boat'screw, and shift for yourselves. " The boat was alarmed, returned to theship, and we saved ourselves by flight. 

"This happened about four months ago; the ship soon after sailed for NewYork, and the officer was imprisoned in the gaol of the town to which weare to go; I can therefore restore him his purse. "

The man farther informed them, that they had several times come nearbeing taken, and the last trip they were fired upon, and one of theirparty killed. 

They immediately set out for the aforesaid town, after having dismissedtheir fifteen men; and when they arrived there, Alonzo and Edgaraccompanied their prisoner to the gaol. On making the proper enquiries, they were conducted into a dark and dirty apartment of the gaol, wherewere several prisoners in irons. The British officer was soondistinguished among them by his regimentals. Though enveloped in filthand dust, his countenance appeared familiar to Alonzo; and on a fewmoments recollection, he recognized in the manacled officer, thegenerous midshipman, Jack Brown, who had so disinterestedly relievedhim, when he escaped from the prison in London!

In the fervency of his feelings, Alonzo flew to him and clasped him inhis arms. "What do I behold! he cried. My friend, my brave deliverer, in chains in my own country!"

"The fortune of war, boy! said Jack--it might have been worse. But mylad, I am heartily glad to see you; how has it fared with you since youleft Old England?"--"We will talk of that by and by, " said Alonzo. 

There were then some American officers of distinction in town, with whomEdgar was acquainted, to whom he applied for the relief of the noblesailor;----and as there were several other British prisoners in gaolit was agreed that a cartel should be immediately sent to New York toexchange them. Alonzo had, therefore, the satisfaction to see the ironsknocked off of his liberal hearted benefactor, and his prison doorsopened. 

The man they had taken at the mansion, returned him his purse, containing only twenty-five guineas, of which Jack gave him ten. "There, boy, said he, you have been honest, so I will divide with you. "

They then repaired to an inn. Jack, whose wound was healed, was putunder the hands of a barber, cleaned, furnished with a change ofclothes, and soon appeared in a new attitude. 

He informed Alonzo, that soon after he left England, his ship wasordered for America: that the price of provisions growing high, it hadtaken almost all his wages to support his family; that he had sent homehis last remittance just before he was taken, reserving only thetwenty-five guineas which had been restored him that day. --"But I havenever despaired, said he; the great Commodore of life orders all for thebest. My tour of duty is to serve my king and country, and provide formy dear Poll and her chicks, which, if I faithfully perform, I shallgain the applause of the Commander. "

When the cartel was ready to depart, Alonzo, taking Jack apart from thecompany, presented him with a draught of five hundred pounds sterling, on a merchant in New York, who privately transacted business with theAmericans. "Take this, my friend, said he; you can ensure it byconverting it into bills of exchange on London. Though you once saw menaked, I can now conveniently spare this sum, and it may assist you inbuffeting the billows of life. "--The generous tar shed tears ofgratitude, and Alonzo enjoyed the pleasure of seeing him depart, callingdown blessings on the head of his reciprocal benefactor. 

The man who came with Alonzo and Edgar from the mansion, then wentbefore the magistrates of the town, and gave his testimony andaffidavit, by which it appeared that several eminent characters ofConnecticut were concerned in this illicit trade. They then releasedhim, gave him the money they had found in the cellar at the mansion, andhe immediately left the town. Precepts were soon after issued for anumber of those traders; several were taken, among whom were some of thegang, and others who were only concerned--but most of them absconded, so that the company and their plans were broken up. 

When Alonzo and Edgar returned home and related their adventure, theywere all surprised at the fortitude of Melissa in being enabled tosupport her spirits in a solitary mansion, amidst such great, and somany terrors. 

It was now that Alonzo turned his attention to future prospects. It wastime to select a place for domestic residence. He consulted Melissa, andshe expressively mentioned the little secluded village, where

 "Ere fate and fortune frown'd severe, "

they projected scenes of connubial bliss, and planned the structure oftheir family edifice. This intimation accorded with the ardent wishes ofAlonzo. The site formerly marked out, with an adjoining farm, wasimmediately purchased, and suitable buildings erected, to which Alonzoand Melissa removed the ensuing summer. 

The clergyman of the village having recently died in a _good old age_, Edgar was called to the pastoral charge of this unsophisticated people. Here did Melissa and Alonzo repose after the storms of adversity werepast. Here did they realize all the happiness which the sublunary handof time apportions to mortals. The varying seasons diversified theirjoys, except when Alonzo was called with the militia of his country, wherein he bore an eminent commission, to oppose the enemy; and this wasnot unfrequent, as in his country's defence he took a very conspicuouspart. Then would anxiety, incertitude, and disconsolation possess thebosom of Melissa, until dissipated by his safe return. But the happytermination of the war soon removed all cause of these disquietudes. 

Soon after the close of the war, Alonzo received a letter from hisfriend, Jack Brown, dated at an interior parish in England, --in which, after pouring forth abundance of gratitude, he informed, that onreturning to England he procured his discharge from the navy, sold hishouse, and removed into the country, where he had set up an inn with thesign of _The Grateful American_. "You have made us all happy, said he;my dear Poll blubbered like a fresh water sailor in a hurricane, when Itold her of your goodness. My wife, my children, all hands upon deck areyours. We have a good run of business, and are now under full sail, forthe land of prosperity. "

Edgar married to one of the Miss Simpsons, whose father's seat was inthe vicinity of the village. The parents of Alonzo and Melissa weretheir frequent visitors, as were also Vincent and his lady, with manyothers of their acquaintance, who all rejoiced in their happy situation, after such a diversity of troubles. Alfred was generally once a yeartheir guest, until at length he married and settled in the mercantilebusiness in Charleston, South Carolina. 

To our hero and heroine, the rural charms of their secluded village werea source of ever pleasing variety. Spring, with its verdured fields, flowery meads, and vocal groves: its vernal gales, purling rills, andits evening whippoorwill: summer, with its embowering shades, reflectedin the glassy lake, and the long, pensive, yet sprightly notes of thesolitary strawberry-bird;[A] its lightning and its thunder; autumn withits mellow fruit, its yellow foliage and decaying verdure; winter, withits hoarse, rough blasts, its icy beard and snowy mantle, all tended tothrill with sensations of pleasing transition, the feeling bosoms of_Alonzo and Melissa_. 

 [Footnote A: A bird which, in the New England states, makes its first appearance about the time strawberries begin to ripen. Its song is lengthy, and consists of a variety of notes, commencing sprightly, but ending plaintive and melancholy. ]

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Chronology

Based on references to datable external events, the story covers atleast ten years. The parts of the book that take place in Connecticutare filled with descriptions of changing seasons. Europe and thesouthern states have no climate. 

"two young gentlemen of Connecticut . . . Graduated at Yale College""Beauman . . . Came regularly once in two or three months""Beauman's visits to Melissa became more frequent""[Beauman's] visits became more and more frequent. ""It was summer, and towards evening when [Alonzo] arrived. "

 To accommodate Beauman's repeated visits, a full year would have to pass. 

"The troubles which gave rise to the disseveration of England fromAmerica had already commenced, which broke out the ensuing spring intoactual hostilities, by the battle of Lexington, followed soon after bythe battle of Bunker Hill. "

 The battles took place in April and June of 1775; "the ensuing spring" would mean that the year is 1774. 

"Winter came on; it rapidly passed away. Spring advanced. . . "

 1774 changes to 1775

"The spring opened . . . The colonies, which had now been dissevered fromthe British empire, by the declaration of independence"

 This is the same spring as in the previous quotation, but if the Declaration of Independence (July 1776) is in the past, it would have to be the spring of 1777. 

"It was at the latter end of the month of May"

 May 1775 or 1777, depending on one's chosen chronology. 

"The particulars of this action, in the early stage of the American war, are yet remembered by many. "

 The "action" may be a conflation of two different episodes involving the _Trumbull_, neither of them early in the war: the first was in June 1780, the second in late August 1781. The _Trumbull_ was towed to New York, not to London. 

"who died there about eighteen months ago"

 Alonzo took sail shortly after learning of Melissa's death, so we are now in early 1783. 

[Melissa's gravestone] "October 26, 1776 / In the 18th year of her age. "

 Depending on the chronology chosen, Melissa's reported death could have been in 1775, 1777 or 1781. Her 18th year is properly the year _leading up to_ her 18th birthday, but may mean that she was 18 years old. 

"to be opened that night only, with the tragedy of _Gustavus_"

 _Gustavus_ was written by Henry Brooke in 1739 and immediately banned. Its American premiere was in Baltimore on 14 June 1782. 

 * * * * * * * * *

Quotations

Only a few quotations have been identified. Some of the others may beparaphrases. 

 "Call round her laughing eyes, in playful turns, The glance that lightens, and the smile that burns. " Erasmus Darwin, 1731-1802, "The Temple of Nature, or, The Origin of Society"

 But far beyond the pride of pomp, and power, He lov'd the realms of nature to explore; . . . Timothy Dwight (president of Yale), 1752-1817, _The Conquest of Canaan_. The _Cambridge History of English and American Literature_ says that the poem was "written by the time he was twenty-two, but published when he was thirty-three and should have known better. "

 "musing, moping melancholy. " Arthur Murphy, _The Upholsterer or What News_ (1758), I:i: "musing, moping, melancholy lover". 

 "The breeze's rustling wing was in the tree" This unidentified line is also quoted in Mitchell's _Albert and Eliza_. 

 the "stilly sound" of the low murmuring brook Misprinted in 1851 as "slitty sound". Probably John Home, _Douglas_ (1756) IV:i. 

 "the confused noise of the warriors, and garments rolled in blood, " 1804 text has "warrior". Isaiah 9:5 (King James): For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood. 

 until "the heavens were arrayed in blackness. " Isaiah 50:3: "I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering. "

 he cast a "longing, lingering look" Thomas Gray (1716-71) _Elegy_. 

 "Blue trembling billows, topp'd with foam, " The 1804 and 1811 texts have the correct form "tumbling billows". _Anarchiad, a New England Poem_ (1786-87) with joint authors Joel Barlow (1754-1812), David Humphreys (1752-1818), John Trumbull (1750-1831) and Lemuel Hopkins (1750-1801). 

 "dingy scud" Printed "dirgy scud" in all but the 1804 original. Possibly from Charles Dibdin (b. 1745), "Ev'ry Inch a Sailor": The wind blew hard, the sea ran high, The dingy scud drove 'cross the sky . . . 

 ". . . Like Patience on a monument . . . " _Twelfth Night_ II:iv. 

 The "days of other years" Possibly from "Ossian" (James MacPherson); the phrase is used often. 

 Here may the "widowed wild rose love to bloom!" May be a paraphrase of another line in _The Conquest of Canaan_. 

 "Song, beauty, youth, love, virtue, joy . . . . " Identified in the text as Edward Young, _Night Thoughts_, 1745. The couplet on the title page is from the same source. 

 "To tie those bands which nought but death can sever. " May be "bonds" as in 1804 text. The phrase "that naught but death can sever" occurs in Spenser, _Amoretti_ VI (1595). 

 "white as the southern clouds" The phrase occurs in a translation of Salomon Gessner, as well as in an 1817 text (Pennie, "The Royal Minstrel"). Both passages are descriptions of sheep. 

 "a good old age" The phrase occurs at least four times in the King James Bible. 

 * * * * * * * * *

Other Editions

The editions available for comparison were:

 1804 Weekly installments in _The Political Barometer_, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. This version was only available in an online transcription. A number of questioned words were checked with the transcriber, Hugh MacDougall of the Cooper Society. 1811 Plattsburgh, N. Y. "Printed For The Proprietor. " The first of the pirated editions. Some copies have no author credit. 1851 Boston. "Printed for the Publishers. " Attached to the end, without page break, is a short narrative poem with prose introduction, "Henry and Julia, a tale of real life" (omitted from this e-text). 1864 Philadelphia, Lippincott. With two exceptions, this is a reprint of the 1851 edition, including obvious typographical errors and with identical punctuation. There is a new frontispiece (the 1851 edition had none). The "Henry and Julia" poem is omitted. Instead, the final page compresses the last two pages (one full page plus seven lines of text and a four-line footnote) of the 1851 edition into one, using a noticeably smaller font. 1870? New York, Leavitt & Allen. The date is hypothetical, based on librarian's notation. The book is probably a reprint of the 1836 Boston edition, which has the same page count (significantly different from other known editions); 1836 is also a plausible date for the frontispiece. 

General Differences:

In the 1804 and 1811 texts, dialogue is usually punctuated as

 "To this place (said Melissa) have I taken. . . . "

with some variation between brackets [] and parentheses (). In the 1870text, dialogue has "modern" punctuation with single quotes:

 'To this place, ' said Melissa, 'have I taken. . . . '

The earlier versions are _more_ likely to use "American" spellings suchas "jail" (but "gaoler") and "honor"; later editions (published in theU. S. ) use "British" spellings such as "gaol" and "honour". The olderform "shew" appears only in the earliest editions. 

The spelling "stupify" is used consistently, and "vallies" is almostuniversal. The spellings "discreet(ly)" and "discrete(ly)" seem to havebeen used interchangeably. Names in "New" such as "New London" weregenerally hyphenated in 1804; later versions have fewer hyphens, butthey never disappear altogether. 

The ampersand & appears a few dozen times in the original (1804)version; in 1811 most were changed to "and", and in later editions itsurvived only in the form "&c. "

The 1804 and 1811 texts use "consolate" for "console" almost everywhere, and the name is spelled Wyllys, changed in later editions to Wyllis. The1811 text consistently uses the spelling "whipperwill", and often uses"come" and "become" for "came" and "became". The 1851 text often usesnon-standard spellings such as "visiter", "suiter", "persuit". The 1870text consistently spells "lilly" with two l's, and uses "set" for "sit";it often interchanges or omits "the/this/that" and similar. 

In All Editions:

 With lingering gaze Edinian spring survey'd [for Edenian] The panic and general bustle which took place in America on these events, is yet well remembered by many. ["is" for "are"] to level on the property of the former [common error or variant for "levy"] this measure, once adopted, her father must consent also [sentence structure is the same in all editions] constructed of several tier of hewed timbers ["tier" used as a plural] he should conduct in a very different manner [sentence structure is the same in all editions]

Details:

The following are highlights, not an exhaustive list. See below forerrors corrected in the 1851 text. Spelling and punctuation have beenregularized in some cases. 

 In the time of the late American revolution 1811ff . . . The late revolution at the day appointed 1811ff on the day appointed her aspect was attempered with a pensive mildness 1870 her aspect was tempered . . . [QUOTATION] For far beyond the pride and pomp of power 1870 pride or pomp The heaven embosom'd sun; the rainbow's die 1851 the rainbow's dye a few days, during which time they passed in visiting select friends and in social parties. 1870 a few days, which time they passed in was visiting . . . 1811/51 and social parties the sound of various instrumental music 1811ff . . . Of instrumental music mortgages on lands and houses for security 1811ff . . . Securities attracted him hither. If he had admired the manly virtues of the brother, could he fail to adore the sublimer graces 1870 thither . . . The sublime graces the milder and more refined excellencies of the other? 1870 . . . Of the latter? He came regularly, about once in two or three months 1811ff He came regularly, once in . . . It was not probable, therefore, that he would be objectionable to Melissa's friends--_Nor to Melissa herself_----said Alonzo, with an involuntary sigh. 1811ff "It is not probable therefore that he will be objectionable to Melissa's friends or to Melissa herself, " . . . Was it not then highly probable that he had secured her affections? 1870 Was it not highly probable then that . . . The foliage glittering to the western ray 1851 glittering the 1870 glittering in the the extremest verge of the horizon. "This is a most beautiful scene, " said Melissa. 1811ff the extreme verge 1851/70 a most delightful scene he was not always my _beau_-man 1851/70 he was not always my Beauman He formally addresses you. 1851 He formerly. Al. Melissa. [A pause ensued. ] 1870 . . . [A pause. ] but his fears declared otherways 1811ff . . . Otherwise friendship must yield its pretensions to a superior claim 1870 friendship must yield to a superior claim Were Beauman here, my position might be demonstrated. 1811ff Was Beauman here . . . She was still silent. 1870 She was silent. Mel. (confused. ) If it be a proper one. You are entitled to candour. 1811ff . . . If it be a proper one you are . . . Her voice tremulous, her eyes still cast down. ) My parents have informed me that it is improper to receive the particular addresses of more than one. 1870 her voice trembles 1811 the particular address But-- (she hesitated. ) 1870 But (she blushed. ) [QUOTATION] Darted her silvery intercepted ray 1811 Darted his silvery . . . Nor had they attempted to influence or forestal her choice 1811ff . . . To influence or direct her choice We must pour a liberal libation upon the mystic altar 1870 We must pour out a liberal libation to the mystic altar And why have I ever doubted this event" said Alonzo. "What infatuation hath thus led me on the pursuit of fantastic and unreal bliss? 1870 And why have I doubted . . . Led me on to the pursuit . . . And will convince both Melissa and Beauman 1811ff and I will convince Melissa and Beauman she has treated me as a friend to her brother. She was the unsuspecting object of my passion. She was unconscious of the flame 1811/51/70 . . . As a friend to her brother. She was unconscious . . . Said that business had prevented him; he esteemed him as his most valued friend 1851/70 said that business prevented him . . . Most valuable to which you attended me when you was last here 1870 . . . When you last was here The solemn herds lowed in monotonous symphony. The autumnal insects in sympathetic wailings 1870 in solemn symphony 1811 waftings 1851/70 wafting the rude despoiling hand of winter 1870 the despoiling hand of winter She was still silent 1851/70 She was silent. The "stilly sound" of the low murmuring brook 1851 slitty sound 1870 distant sound the frequent lights darted their paly lustre thro' the gloom 1811/51 palely lustre 1870 pale lustre but other subjects engaged the mental attention of Alonzo. 1811ff but the other subject . . . Alonzo and Beauman pledged their honour to abide explicitly by these injunctions 1851 . . . Abide implicitly by . . . 1870 . . . Abide implicitly to . . . That time has now arrived 1851/70 That time has arrived the deep and solemn silence of night 1870 the deep and sullen silence of night bowed to the minutia of female volatility 1870 minutiae [[Note that "minutiae" is the correct form. All earlier editions, including the 1804 original, have the incorrect word "minutia". ]] finally appointed a day to give both him and Alonzo a determinate answer 1811ff . . . To give him and Alonzo a determinate answer to make a journey into a different part of the country 1811ff to make a journey to a distant part . . . Thither he hasted to gain shelter from the approaching storm. 1811ff thither he hastened . . . In a moment he discovered that it was Melissa. 1870 In a moment, however, he discovered that it was Melissa. Alonzo felt all the force of the remark 1870 Alonzo felt the force . . . Remaining beauties of Summer 1811ff remaining beauties of the summer the battle at Lexington, followed soon after by the battle at Bunker's Hill. 1870 of Lexington . . . Of Bunker Hill 1811ff Bunker Hill Alonzo and she frequently discoursed upon the subject, and they agreed 1811ff Alonzo and she frequently discoursed, and they agreed orchards, arbours, and cultured fields 1811ff . . . Cultivated fields The inhabitants of this modern Avernum 1851/70 . . . Auvernum [sic] Such was the place chosen for the future residence of Alonzo and Melissa. 1811ff Such was the place for the residence . . . "the confused noise of the warrior, and garments rolled in blood, " 1811ff . . . Of the warriors . . . This modern Vacluse [sic] 1851/70 this modern Vaucluse the walks, the meads, the fountains 1811ff the walks, the mead, the fountains Around the horizon electric clouds raised their brazen summits, based in the black vapor of approaching night 1870 Around the horizon clouds raised their brazen summits, based on the and the adjacent towns and villages, presented to the eye, on a single view, perhaps one of the most picturesque draperies 1870 and the adjacent towns and villages, perhaps one of the most picturesque draperies she had an uncle who lived near Charleston, in South Carolina 1870 she had an uncle near Charleston, South Carolina was expected to arrive before the appointed marriage day. 1811ff . . . Before the appointed day He would frequently start up in the bed 1870 . . . In bed He scarcely spoke a word, and after the table was removed 1870 . . . After the cloth was removed that the reputation of my latter days was stained with acts of baseness and meanness. 1870 . . . Acts of baseness. I had some hopes that your happiness, Alonzo, might yet be secured 1870 . . . Might be secured We would not stop the reader to moralize on this disastrous event. 1811ff We will not . . . I know the old gentleman too well 1870 I know that old gentleman too well fringed with the gold of even 1851/70 fringed with the gold of evening Her countenance appeared dejected, which on her seeing Alonzo 1870 Her countenance appeared to be dejected . . . 1811ff . . . Which, on seeing . . . Thus spake my father, and immediately withdrew 1870 Thus spoke my father, and immediately withdrew Mr. And Mrs. Vincent are now my only confidents 1851/70 . . . Confidants but the sound, late so cheerful and sprightly 1870 but the sound, so cheerful and sprightly a deep dejection was depicted upon her features 1870 . . . In her features Alonzo was received with a cool reserve 1870 . . . A cold reserve Melissa's father soon entered 1811ff Melissa's father entered if you marry in your present situation? I know you have talents and have had an education. But what are they without means? You have friends 1811/51/70 if you marry in your present situation? You have friends the hand of Melissa. " Thus spake the father of Melissa, and immediately left the room. 1811ff of Melissa"--and immediately left the room. It was a shock their fortitude could scarcely sustain 1870 . . . Scarcely contain Disappointment seldom finds its votaries prepared to receive her. 1811ff . . . Her votaries . . . But could not counteract the will of her father 1811ff but could not contradict the will of her father after Alonzo had related the manner of his reception 1870 after Alonzo had related his reception of little consequence. But their united situation tortured his soul. --What was to become of Melissa, what of himself 1870 of little consequence. But what was to become of Melissa, what of himself With part of this I have purchased a small, but well cultivated farm 1811ff With this I have . . . A ray of joy illumined his troubled bosom. 1811ff illuminated [QUOTATION] Like morn's gay hues, the fading splendors fled 1870 gray He thought on Melissa, from whom he had heard nothing since he last saw her. --He thought on the difficulties which surrounded him. He thought on the barriers which were opposed to his happiness 1811ff He thought of . . . Thought of . . . Thought of The day after you left here, her father received a letter 1811ff The day after you were here . . . Where is your fortitude and your firmness, " said he 1851 "Where, " said he, "is your fortitude and your firmness 1870 Where is your fortitude and firmness, " said he war ends in peace 1811ff wars end in peace transports them to another and a better world 1811/51 . . . And better world but where, alas were the means of alleviation? 1811ff but alas! where were . . . Ordered her to prepare to become the wife of Beauman 1811ff ordered her to become the wife of Beauman You suffer the Jack-a-lantern fancy to lead you 1870 . . . Jack-with-a-lantern . . . Marry Beauman, and you roll in your coach 1811ff . . . You will roll in your coach I give you now two days to consider the matter 1870 . . . To consider of the matter bordered with the odor-flowering lilac 1811ff bordered with the odour-flowing lilac He turned, and saw Edgar approaching: in a moment they were in each other's arms, and mingled tears 1870 He turned round and saw . . . Mingling tears You, Alonzo, must exert your fortitude 1870 You, Alonzo, must ever exert your fortitude It must, I think, ere long, be determined 1811ff . . . Be terminated it is in your power to remove them; and if you are a man of honour you will remove them. You cannot wish 1870 it is in your power to remove them. You cannot wish half squeaking through her nose, which was well charged with rappee, "did'nt I tell you so? I knew the fellow would come to no terms 1870 half speaking 1811ff I knew the fellow would not come to terms your daughter. And I should not wonder if you should soon find that the girl had eloped, and your desk robbed into the bargain 1870 your daughter. I should not wonder . . . 1811ff . . . Find the girl had eloped, and your desk robbed in the bargain his eyes flashed resentment 1811/51 flashed in 1870 flashed with unless she was already apprised of it 1811 was apprised 1851/70 was appraised the feeble glimmer of the twinkling stars 1811ff glimmering "Thou still knowest me, Curlow, " said Alonzo 1870 . . . Carlow . . . Here all was solemn, dark and silent as in front 1811ff Here all was solemn and silent as in front "Be calm, " Alonzo, said she, "I think it will not long last 1851/70 . . . Not last long I believe they will trust me to see her 1851/70 I believe they will let me see her Unfeeling and impertinent intruder (retorted Alonzo) 1811 . . . Intruder, [retorted Alonzo] 1851 . . . Intruder? retorted Alonzo 1870 . . . Intruder?" retorted Alonzo and were it on no other account, must ever continue to despise and hate you 1811ff and were it not on one other account . . . 1870 . . . To hate and despise you From a coincidence of consequences 1811ff From coincidence of circumstances the family had retired to rest 1811ff the family had gone to rest Alonzo's feelings were on the wrack until she returned 1811 on the wreck 1851/70 on the rack Melissa's aunt (the old maid) had invited her to ride out with her 1870 Melissa's aunt had . . . He had sent their daughter to a different part of the country 1811ff . . . A distant part of the country living with the different relatives of the family 1811ff living with the relatives of the family He sat silent a few moments; then suddenly started up 1851/70 . . . Suddenly starting up Melissa had not, indeed, the most distant suspicion of the designs of her father and aunt. The latter informed her that she was going to take a morning's ride, to which she consented. She did not even perceive the trunk which was fastened on behind the carriage 1870 Melissa had not the most distant suspicion . . . A morning ride . . . That was fastend [sic] on behind the carriage Melissa had frequently attended her father or mother 1851/70 . . . Her father and mother her aunt ordered the driver to proceed a different way 1870 her aunt had ordered . . . They arrived at another small village 1811ff They arrived at another village Melissa's aunt, handing the driver a large bunch of keys 1870 Melissa's aunt handed the driver . . . "La me!" she cried 1870 "La me!" cried she the opposite side of the house from whence she alighted 1870 . . . From where she alighted This was done, while John and his wife went out, and Melissa's aunt 1811ff This done, while John and his wife went out, Melissa's aunt hoping to see the return of the carriage 1811ff hoping to see the carriage return surrounded by high, thick walls 1811ff surrounded by a high, thick wall They unlocked the door, which creaked heavily on its hinges 1811 . . . The door, which screaked . . . As I have took care to lock all the doors and gates after me 1851/70 as I have taken care . . . Circumstances have hitherto hindered my carrying the scheme into effect 1870 circumstances have hitherto hindered me from carrying my scheme into effect stared around her with a wild and agonizing countenance 1811ff . . . A wild agonizing countenance She remained seemingly insensible throughout the night: just at morning, she fell into a slumber, interrupted by incoherent moanings, convulsive startings, long sighs 1811ff through the night . . . Long drawn sighs taking the key of that with her. She generally returned before sunset. When Melissa was so far recovered 1870 taking the key of that with her. When Melissa was so far recovered A few medical and odoriferous herbs 1851 medinical [sic] 1870 medicinal The out buildings were generally in a ruinous situation 1870 . . . In a ruinous condition through several upper rooms to the chamber she inhabited 1811ff . . . The chamber they inhabited West, all was wilderness, from a brook which wound along at a little distance from the garden wall. North, were the uneven grounds she had crossed when she came there 1811ff from which a brook 1851/70 wound along a little distance from 1870 the uneven grounds which she had crossed South, was the Sound and Long Island. 1811ff South, was the Sound of Long Island. Melissa passed much of her time in tracing the ruins 1870 Melissa passed much time in tracing the ruins She could have been contented here to have buried all her afflictions 1811ff . . . Buried her afflictions while the disconsolate tear of reflection glittered in her eye 1811ff while the disconsolate tear glittered in her eye more solicitous and importunate. A subject so hateful to Melissa sometimes provoked her to tears; at others her keen resentment. 1811ff more solicitous and impertinent . . . 1851 at other Melissa sat up until a late hour, expecting her; she then went to the gate 1811 hour in the night 1851/70 hour of the night 1811ff . . . She went to the gate "I had forgotten, " said her aunt, "that my rents became due this week. " 1851/70 . . . That my rents become due this week she heard a noise as of several people trampling in the yard below 1870 she heard a noise of several people . . . It was extremely dark, she could discern nothing. All was still and she thought she might have been deceived 1811ff It was extremely dark; she thought she might have been discovered to collect some debts of those to whom she had rented lands 1870 . . . Rented some lands and in the day time, in walking around the yard and garden 1811ff and in the day, in walking . . . She stepped softly to the window, suddenly raised it, and held out the candle. She fancied she saw the glimpse of two or three dark forms pass swiftly along, but so indistinctly that it was impossible to determine whether they were real, or only shadows produced by objects intervening the light of the candle. She listened and gazed 1811/51/70 She stepped softly to the window, suddenly raised it, and held out the candle. She listened and gazed All was still; she shut the window, and in a short time went to bed. 1811ff All was silent . . . She heard loud noises in the rooms below 1870 she heard noises in the rooms below a cold chilly sweat ran down her face 1811ff . . . Run down her face grasped her arm which lay on the outside of the bed clothes 1870 grasped her arm which lay outside of the bed clothes no visible being was in the room except herself. She sat down, pondering these strange events. Was it not possible that she was right 1870 no visible being was in the room except herself; how then could she account for these events? Was . . . 1811ff probable Might not this be the effect of a terrified and heated imagination? Or if false keys had been made use of to enter the rooms below, might they not be also used to enter her chamber? But could her room 1870 . . . Imagination? But could her room She knew she could not sleep 1811ff She knew she could not go to sleep The moon had arisen and cast a pale, imperfect lustre over the landscape. She recollected the opening and shutting of the doors-- perhaps they were still open. 1811ff a pale lustre . . . Of the door She examined the others; they were in the same situation 1870 . . . They were all in the same situation As soon as her scattered senses collected, she concluded that whoever had been in the house were there still 1870 As soon as her scattered senses were collected . . . 1811ff . . . Whatever had been in the house was there still ascended in pyramidal columns to the zenith 1811 pyramidial 1851/70 pyramidical 1851/70 columns the zenith A small spot of ineffable brightness succeeded 1851/70 A spot of . . . Both sides of it were smoothe [sic] as glass. 1811ff as smooth as glass The events of the past night, therefore, remained inscrutable 1870 The events of the last night . . . The gate opened and the house entered by the means of false keys. Her father would as soon do this as to confine her 1811/51 by means of false keys 1870 by false keys 1870 . . . As confine her Innumerous stars glittered in the firmament, intermingling their quivering lustre with the pale splendours of the milkyway [sic] 1811ff Innumerable 1811 the milk way 1851/70 the milky way But why should she fear? She knew of no one she had injured. She knew of none she had displeased 1811/51/70 But why should she fear? She knew of none she had displeased the horizon was overclouded, and it had begun to rain. 1811ff . . . And it began to rain convinced that she was safe and secure, she concluded to go to bed 1811ff convinced that she was safe and secure, she went to bed leaving, however, two candles burning in the room. As she for two nights had been deprived of her usual rest 1870 leaving, however, candles burning in the room. As she for two nights had been deprived of her rest a broad flash like that of lightning, transiently illuminated her chamber 1811ff a broad flash like lightning, transiently illuminated the chamber the sounds seemed to be in the rooms directly over her head 1870 the sound seemed to be in the room . . . Filled the house with the electric effluvium. She listened for a repetition of the thunder--but a very different sound soon grated 1870 with electric effluvium . . . A very different sound grated the doors below alternately open and shut, flapping furiously 1811ff . . . Slapping furiously [[The 1804 text uses long "s". The reading "flapping" is the transcriber's best guess, but the condition of the text does not allow certainty. ]] she perceived some person crawling on to its foot 1811ff . . . On its foot instantaneously she sprang from the bed to the floor--with convulsive grasp, seized the candle 1870 instantly she . . . 1811ff with convulsed grasp she was alarmed by a deep, hollow sigh 1870 she heard a deep, hollow sigh Not the least noise had been heard since she last returned 1870 . . . Since she returned Towards evening Melissa took her usual walk around the enclosure 1870 . . . Took a walk around the enclosure the light gales bore revigorating coolness 1870 the light gales bore invigorating coolness the flowery verdure of the fields were changing to a russet hue 1870 of the field 1811ff was changed hammering on the hollow trunk of some dry and blasted tree, filled the woods with reverberant echoes 1811ff hammering on some dry and blasted trees 1870 reverberating the images of departed joys 1870 the images of departing joys in this house of gloom rest, in undisturbed silence 1870 in this house of gloom rests . . . Throughout these now solitary demesnes 1851/70 throughout these solitary demesnes yonder halls and apartments shone with brilliant illumination. Now all is sad, solitary and dreary, the haunt of sprites and spectres of nameless terror. 1811ff in brilliant illumination . . . The haunt of spirits All that now remains of the head that formed, the hand that executed 1870 . . . The head that formed and the hand that executed the rising shower, which slowly ascended in gloomy pomp 1851/70 the rising shower, which ascended in gloomy pomp The lightning more broader and brighter flashed 1811ff The lightning broader 1851/70 flashes Convolving clouds pouring smoky volumes 1811ff Convolving clouds poured smoky volumes Slantways, the large heavy drops of rain began to descend 1851/70 Slant-wise . . . It seemed nothing less than the crush of worlds 1851/70 . . . The crash of worlds pass another night in the lonely mansion 1851/70 . . . The lone mansion a voice behind her exclaimed, "Gracious heaven! Melissa!" 1870 a voice exclaimed . . . "No one except myself, Alonzo, " she answered 1811ff "No one except myself, " she answered He followed her up to her apartment and seated himself by the fire 1811ff He followed her to her apartment . . . Separated from society, and no one present to interrupt them 1811ff separated from society, and no one to interrupt them Alonzo and Melissa heard little of it 1851 heard a little 1870 heard but little what course her aunt and she had taken 1811ff what course her aunt had taken where he accidentally found Melissa on a visit, as mentioned before 1811 [FOOTNOTE] See page 26 desiring Alonzo to remain at his house until he returned 1870 desiring Alonzo to remain until he returned they were deeply interested in his favour and the welfare of Melissa 1870 . . . In his affairs and in the welfare of Melissa It is possible that Melissa is 1811ff It is not possible but that Melissa is At length a large, tall tree, which stood near him, on the verge of the moat, or rather, in that place, river, was hurled from its foundation 1811ff At length a large tree . . . Or rather in that place, was hurled from its foundation He scrambled up on the trunk, and made his way on to the wall 1811ff . . . Made his way on the wall found the door open, which Melissa had left so in her fright 1811ff . . . Had left in her fright they could not endure the idea of another and an immediate separation 1811ff . . . Another and immediate separation It would not be safe for Alonzo to stay there 1811ff It would not be safe for Alonzo to stay I would not wish unjustly to censure your father 1811ff I would not censure your father Melissa sighed, wiping a tear which fell from her eye. "Unqualified obedience to my parents, " said she, "I have ever considered the first of duties 1870 sighed, wiped . . . One of the first duties for reasons which Alonzo knew nothing of. But should she leave it in the way she had proposed, she was not sure but she would be immediately remanded back, more strictly guarded, and more severely treated. To continue there 1870 . . . Knew nothing of. To continue there Melissa was to leave the draw-bridge down 1811ff Melissa was to have the draw-bridge down he passed over, and she slowly withdrew 1870 he passed over and slowly withdrew The fire-fly sunk feebly twinkling amidst the herbage of the fields 1870 amongst the herbage 1870 NO FOOTNOTE and assisted him in obtaining a carriage 1870 to obtain a carriage and another burning on the table 1811ff and another was burning on the table By what means she had thus suddenly disappeared 1870 By what means had she thus suddenly disappeared John's hut was situate about one mile north from the mansion where she had been confined. When he came out near the road 1851/70 situated 1870 When he came near the road John stared in amazement 1851/70 John started in amazement her aunt is gone into the country and has not returned 1870 her aunt has gone . . . John informed him that she was there about sunset 1870 . . . He was there about sunset He returned in about half an hour 1870 He returned in half an hour the latter had taxed the former of improperly endeavoring 1870 . . . With improperly endeavoring He told them all that had happened since he was there, of which, before, they had heard nothing. At the houses of Mr. Simpson and Vincent 1870 He told him all . . . . At the house and she wished to marry somebody else 1811ff and she wishes to marry somebody else Alonzo did not long hesitate what course to pursue 1870 Alonzo did not hesitate long . . . The idea could not pluck the thorn from his bosom 1851/70 . . . From his own bosom I have got considerable money at command 1870 . . . At my command He answered, that perhaps all might yet come right 1870 . . . Come to right his resources had not yet failed him 1851/70 his resources had not failed him he reached Killingsworth 1870 . . . Killingworth through the night was wrecked with severe pain 1851/70 . . . Racked with severe pain it might prove an injury to her if she was there, and could answer no valuable purpose if she was not 1811ff . . . If she were . . . If she were not he could not distinguish her features 1870 he did not distinguish her features he now had a side view of her face, and was more than ever convinced that it was Melissa 1870 he had a side view of her face, was more . . . He found it was Melissa's cousin 1811ff he found it to be Melissa's cousin "Do you not think, " said Mrs. Wyllis, "that she resembles their cousin Melissa, who resided there some time ago?" 1870 . . . Her cousin Melissa . . . What course to pursue, he was at a loss to determine upon. 1811ff what course to pursue, he was at a loss to determine. Alonzo felt no strong curiosity farther to examine her features 1870 Alonzo felt no curiosity . . . An incident tended to confirm his resolution 1851/70 . . . This resolution her fine eyes were closed for ever 1851/70 her fine eyes had closed for ever and shook the trembling frame of Alonzo 1811ff and shocked the trembling frame of Alonzo the sun of peace may yet dispel the glooms of these distressful hours 1870 . . . Dispel these distressful hours the death list arrested his attention 1870 the death list attracted his attention Died, of a consumption . . . 1804/11: DIED, of a consumption on the 26th ult. At the seat of her uncle, Col. W****** D----, near Charleston, South-Carolina, whither she had repaired for her health, Miss Melissa D----, the amiable daughter of J**** D----, Esq. Of *******, Connecticut, in the 18th year of her age. 1851: Died, of a consumption, on the 26th ult. At the seat of her uncle, Col. W. D--, near Charleston, South Carolina, whither she had repaired for her health, Miss Melissa D----, the amiable daughter of J---- D----, Esq. Of *******, Connecticut, in the eighteenth year of her age. 1870: Died, of a consumption, on the 26th ult. At the seat of her uncle, Col. W. D----, near Charleston, South Carolina, whither she had repaired for her health, Miss Melissa D----, the amiable daughter of J. D----, Esq. Of ------, Connecticut, in the eighteenth year of her age. The fanciful part of our readers may be ready to cast it aside 1811ff . . . May cast it aside the geni which animated and enlivened it 1811ff the _genius_ which animated and enlivened it Arouse your hero. Call to his aid 1811 Arouse your hero: call to his aid 1851/70 Arouse your hero? call to his aid to what pathos of grief and wretchedness 1811ff to what paths of grief and wretchedness regions where my guardian angel is gone 1811/51 regions where my guardian is gone nature triumphed over disease of body, he slowly recovered 1811 body--he 1851/70 body, and he an uncle who resided near Charleston in South Carolina [See _Barometer_ No. 110. ] 1811 [FOOTNOTE] See page 39. 1851/70 NO FOOTNOTE roved, he knew not whether [sic] [for "whither"] 1811ff where the _dircle_ sung mournfully in the grass 1811ff . . . On the grass through which they had passed, were recalled to his mind 1851/70 . . . Were called to his mind His fancy saw her--felt her gently leaning on his arm 1870 His fancy saw her--he felt . . . Again was he enraptured by the melody of her voice 1811ff Again he was enraptured . . . The first time he saw her at her cousin's [See _Barometer_ No. 105. See also allusions to this scene in several subsequent parts of the story. ] 1811/51 [FOOTNOTE] See page 7/8. See also . . . 1870 NO FOOTNOTE his former bliss and anxiety, where every countenance would tend to renew his mourning, where every door would be inscribed with a _memento mori_ 1870 the scenes of his former bliss and anxiety, where every door would be inscribed with a _memento mori_ the breezes rustled from their woody coverts 1811ff the breezes rushed the willderness [sic] of its waters 1811ff its wilderness of waters A new scene now opened to Alonzo 1811ff A new scene was now opened to Alonzo [QUOTATION] Blue tumbling billows, topp'd with foam 1851/70 Blue trembling billows . . . The _dingy scud_ first flew swiftly along the sky 1811ff The dirgy scud . . . It appeared to be of about equal force and dimensions 1811ff It appeared to be of equal force and dimensions the ship went down and was for ever buried 1870 the ship went down and was buried as there existed no parental or other impediments to our union 1811ff as there were no . . . The friend and intimate of my angel in my absence. They were now almost every day together, so that I had frequently opportunities 1811ff the friend and inmate . . . 1851/70 . . . Frequent opportunities promised to obey her injunctions 1811ff proceeded 1870 injunction No, it was not this that caused you to perjure your plighted vows 1811ff No, it was not that which . . . I had worked up my feelings almost to the frenzy of distraction 1870 I worked up my feelings . . . Gently pressed in the hand of the stranger 1870 . . . In the hands of the stranger a little arbour, at a few yards distant from where I was 1811ff a little arbour, a few . . . 1851/70 . . . Where I sat "I forgive you, Henry, " she said, "I forgive your mistake, " 1851 "I forgive you, " Henry, she said, "forgive your mistake" I made no defence; was condemned to death 1851/70 defence; and was frequently enter the prison to console and comfort him [here alone, the 1804 form is "console" rather than "consolate"] But the grief that preyed at his heart had wasted him to a skeleton 1851/70 . . . To a mere skeleton trusting in the mercy of his Creator through the merits of a Redeemer 1811ff . . . The sufferings of a Redeemer were loose and could easily be removed 1851/70 were loose and could be easily removed every article of which he cut into narrow strips 1811 . . . Narrow slips a piece of long timber 1811ff a long piece of timber as useless encumbrances without his clothes 1811ff as a useless encumbrance . . . You must have experienced a severe gale indeed 1870 You have experienced . . . The sailor mused a few minutes 1870 The sailor mused for a few minutes Alonzo entered it to see how the sick and disabled American prisoners were treated 1811ff . . . And disabled prisoners were treated [FOOTNOTE] were treated with much more humanity than those who were imprisoned in America 1870 . . . Imprisoned at Halifax and other places in America he now found that he had lost his leg 1870 he now discovered . . . It is possible I have been undesigningly accessory 1811ff . . . Undesignedly accessory to render him more comfortable. Beauman replied that he was not: "For the comforts of life, " said he 1870 to make him more 1811ff the comforts of this life 1811 replied he he would fall into incoherent mutterings 1851/70 . . . Muttering a natural stone was placed at its head 1870 . . . At his head bearing a large trunk on his shoulder, and directing Alonzo 1811ff . . . And directed Alonzo not with a view to returning to America; he had yet no relish for revisiting 1811ff of returning 1870 . . . He had no relish for revisiting Of this Alonzo gave a minute account 1811ff Of this Alonzo gave him a minute account Alonzo enquired for the name to whom the note was addressed 1870 . . . The man to whom . . . Alonzo gave his employer no room to complain 1870 . . . No reason to complain Alonzo dressed himself in deep mourning 1870 Alonzo dressed in deep mourning he took it up and found it to be a curiously wrought purse 1870 . . . A curious wrought purse what he esteemed most invaluable 1811ff what he esteemed most valuable Lost, between the hours of 9 and 10 last evening, in the _Rue de Loire_ 1811ff nine and ten . . . Loir [_sic_] had hitherto taken no notice of what had passed 1870 . . . Of what passed a letter from his father, while he was at the army 1811 while at 1851/70 while with Last evening I lost the miniature which I suppose you have found 1870 . . . Which I suppose you to have found which I probably dropped on replacing in my pocket 1811ff . . . On replacing it in my pocket it has become a most precious and invaluable relique 1811ff . . . And valuable relique The next morning as they were about to part 1811ff . . . About to depart and sighed as ardently for some other trifle 1811ff and sighed as earnestly . . . Turns to some other source to supply the vacuum 1811ff . . . To supply _vacuum_ Stripped of all but their intrinsic value 1811ff Stripped of all their intrinsic value inordinate passion, or what you would call pure affection 1811ff . . . What some would call . . . Pining for a hopeless object 1811ff . . . A hapless object which will sail for any part of America in some time 1851/70 . . . For some time Ah! had this but have happened in time to save a life 1870 Ah! had this but happened . . . Consecrated piles, and funereal monuments of the sacred dead 1811ff sacred piles, and funeral monuments . . . October 26, 1776, 1811 Oct. How tenderly pensive does she beam her lovely eyes upon me! 1811ff how tenderly does she beam her lovely eye upon me! There [_pointing to the grave_] there behold how my dearest wishes 1811ff Then . . . The first holy whisper of her consecrated lips 1870 whispers determining to proceed on early in the morning 1811ff . . . Proceed early in the morning 1870 . . . Proceed early the next morning which before sunrise encreased to a violent storm 1851/70 which before sunrise had encreased to a violent storm was to be opened for that night only 1851/70 was to be opened that night only To the general enquiry of "_what's the matter?_" 1851/70 To the general enquiry, "_what's the matter?_" forbade that he should re-pierce the ten thousand wounds 1811ff forbade that he re-pierce . . . [QUOTATION] Song, beauty, youth, love, virtue, joy: this group . . . As yet unforfeit! in one blaze we bind. 1870 Song, beauty, love . . . 1870 As yet a forfeit! . . . They immediately retired to a separate room, where the stranger 1811ff . . . When the stranger private concerns; more extraordinary may you esteem it 1851/70 private concerns, and more extraordinary you may esteem it "Are you unmarried, sir?" "I am now, and have ever been single. " 1811ff Are you married 1851/70 I am not numberless suitors have sighed for her hand 1811ff numberless suitors sighed . . . It seemed that if she could but speak with him 1870 . . . Speak to him This extraordinary dream she has communicated 1851/70 . . . She had communicated Her father, who has but two children besides herself, being dotingly fond of her 1811 two children, one besides herself 1851/70 two children, one beside herself 1811 doting in a rallying way told her I had seen her _invisible beau_ 1811 in a railing way 1851/70 told her that I she thought but little of it 1811ff she thought little of it my leaving you so abruptly, and of my not returning 1811ff . . . And not returning Now, sir, it is necessary for me farther to explain 1870 Now, sir, it is necessary farther to explain on reviewing the incidents which led to 1811ff on reviewing the incidents which to I have experienced a sufficient change of objects and of country 1851/70 . . . And country a silk girdle, with diamond clasps 1811ff a silken girdle . . . Did not Alonzo see her death announced in the public prints? 1851/70 . . . Her death in . . . And is not all this sufficient to prove 1811ff And is not this . . . However the author may succeed in description 1811ff . . . In his description the bower on her favorite hill 1870 the bower of . . . Have we not, according to the advice of the moralist [FOOTNOTE] 1804 see _Barometer_, no. 118 their tears fell in one immingling shower 1811ff . . . One intermingling shower you were proof against the whole arcana of beauty 1870 . . . The whole arena of beauty Indeed, sir, I cannot but applaud your discrimination 1811ff . . . Your determination the true novel style 1811ff the novel style "There I confess, " said he, looking at Alonzo 1811ff "Then I confess" . . . He is the son of a deceased uncle 1811ff . . . My deceased uncle a servant took charge of Alonzo's carriage 1851/70 . . . Took care . . . The eldest, a son about ten years of age 1811ff the eldest son, about ten years of age to its members and its guests. And here, were we to adopt the method of some novel writers, we might close our history, and leave it for imagination to paint the sequel. But there are some _mysteries_, which if not elucidated, will render our story incomplete, and besides were we to stop here, the real _finishing_ stroke would still be wanting; we shall therefore pass with as much rapidity as possible over the remaining incidents of our story, rendered already too lengthy for a weekly paper. It was agreed that Alonzo 1811ff to its members and its guests. // It was agreed that Alonzo [entire paragraph omitted] I told her that as I had been placed there by my father, I should not consent to a removal unless by his express orders 1811ff I told her that I had been placed there by my father, and should not consent I hardly know what I did wish 1811ff I hardly knew . . . As we passed out of the gate, I looked back at the mansion 1870 . . . Back to the mansion which put him in a terrible fluster 1851/70 . . . A terrible flutter we have little peace in the house 1870 we have but little peace in the house the servant delivered a packet of letters 1811ff . . . A package of letters my uncle found it impossible to submit to these stern injunctions 1811ff . . . These firm injunctions soon after the birth of their first child 1811ff . . . The first child Inconsolable and comfortless, my uncle put the child out to nurse 1870 . . . The child to nurse He finally married to an amiable and respectable woman 1870 He finally married to an amiable woman yet soon greatly alleviated the pangs of early sorrow 1851/70 yet greatly . . . He considers you to have formed an improper connection 1870 he considers you have . . . I have seen some troubles in this way myself, in my early days; perhaps my counsel may be of some service 1870 in that way . . . Council I immediately gave him a correct account 1811ff I immediately gave a correct account write to your father, advising him not to proceed too rashly 1811ff . . . Desiring him . . . Her health evidently decreasing after she came to this place 1851/70 . . . Decreasing. After . . . And was thereafter retained in the family 1811ff and was therefore . . . In Charleston it was also generally supposed 1851/70 In Charleston it was generally supposed he was not only deprived of you 1811ff he was not only deprived of me except that you had gone in search of me. Vincent conjectured that you had gone to New London 1811ff except that you had gone to New London He then confidentially unfolded to your father 1870 He then confidently . . . From whence you then came, to where you went 1851/70 from whence you then came, or where you went she had undoubtedly given him his lesson 1811ff . . . Given him instructions he finally initiated himself so far in my aunt's favor 1870 he initiated himself . . . He had left a wife and family in Virginia in indigent circumstances 1870 he had a wife . . . Yesterday morning at my uncle's house in town, which Alfred had proposed for the scene of action 1811ff . . . My uncle's house, which . . . I trust that difficulty will soon be removed 1851/70 I trust that that difficulty . . . If he had ever known Doctor Franklin 1811ff if he ever knew Dr. Franklin I have inflicted a wound still deeper on my own bosom 1811ff . . . In my own bosom your daughter was the subject of my earliest affection 1851/70 . . . The object of . . . I shall in some measure realize former happy anticipations 1811ff . . . Former anticipations bowed his gratitude and after appointing that day week, departed 1851/70 bowed his head in gratitude; and after appointing . . . When a person rapped to the door below 1811ff . . . At the door below to intervene their happiness, no determined rival, no obdurate father 1851/70 to intervene their happiness, no obdurate father The sun blended its mild lustre with the landscape's lovely green 1811 . . . The landscapes' . . . Encircled by a wreath of flowers 1811ff . . . A wreath of artificial flowers Edgar then rising, motioned to the intended bride and bridegroom 1870 . . . Mentioned to . . . "Where tides of heavy sorrows swell'd, " 1811ff . . . Sorrow . . . "And do I receive thee from the dead!" he said. "I am anxious to hear the mystery unfolded 1811ff And I receive thee as from . . . The mighty mystery unfolded But wearied with the bustles of life 1870 . . . Business of life who all soon left it under the foolish pretence or impression of hearing strange noises and seeing frightful objects, and such is the superstition of people 1811ff who all left 1870 under foolish pretence 1811ff of hearing noises 1851/70 of the people which might lead to the elucidation 1811ff which might tend to the elucidation they struck a fire and lit candles, which they had brought with them 1811ff lighted candles 1870 which they brought where no objects presented, they lay flat on the ground, with orders not to stir, or to discover themselves 1811ff where no object presented, lay flat on the ground, with orders not to stir, or discover themselves so that nothing should be discovered from without. Things thus arranged, they observed almost an implicit silence 1811ff so that nothing could . . . 1870 . . . Almost implicit silence For a long time no sounds were heard 1811ff . . . No sound was heard to prevent discovery took off their shoes 1811ff to prevent discovery they took off their shoes "Those rascally cow-boys detained us too long. "----"Well, well, never mind it 1811ff "Rascally cow-boys 1851/70 "Well, never mind it a noise as if several doors shut to 1870 . . . Shut too [this spelling is used several times] gave the signal to the men without 1811ff gave the alarm . . . The chairs on which these now invisible beings had sat, had all disappeared 1811ff . . . Had disappeared That they were part of a gang 1811ff That they were a part of a gang sold at a very extortionate price 1851/70 sold at very extortionate prices struck immense sums of it 1811/51 immense quantities 1870 immense quanties [sic] which had heretofore been only in the open woods 1851 which had therefore . . . We recrossed from the mansion. To get over the wall we used ladders of ropes, placing a flat piece of thick board 1811ff the old mansion . . . A flat of thick board on touching a spring, it would suddenly fly open 1811ff . . . It would fly open so that on emergency we could traverse every apartment 1811ff so that on an emergency . . . A beautiful young lady asleep in the only bed in the room 1811ff . . . On the only bed in the room to dispossess the fair tenant of premises to which 1851/70 . . . Of the premises to which As soon as we were prepared, we returned to the mansion 1870 As soon as they were . . . Exhibiting the person before her in all his horrific appearances 1870 exhibited . . . Some of the same material being placed in its mouth 1811ff some material being placed in its mouth not having yet stripped off his ghostly habiliments 1870 not having stripped off . . . Which in the night appears like coals of fire 1851/70 . . . Looks like . . . The generous midshipman, John Brown 1811ff . . . Jack Brown as there were several other British prisoners in the jail 1811ff . . . In jail put under the hands of a barber, cleaned, furnished with a change of clothes 1870 . . . Cleansed . . . His ship was ordered for America 1870 . . . To America went before the magistrates of the town 1870 . . . The magistrate of the town planned the structure of their family edifice. [NOTE] See Barometer 109-110. 1811 [FOOTNOTE] See pages 34 and 38. 1851/70 NO FOOTNOTE This intimation according with the ardent wishes of Alonzo, the site 1851/70 This intimation accorded with the ardent wishes of Alonzo. The site Spring, with its verdured fields 1864 verdurous [this difference is on the last page: see above] commencing sprightly, but ending plaintive and melancholy 1870 . . . Plaintively and melancholy

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Errors and Inconsistencies:

_All corrections were checked against other versions of the text. _ If anapparent error is the same in all available versions, or if the correctform was not deducible from the 1851 text alone, it was left unchanged. 

Non-Errors

Many spellings were carried over unchanged from the 1804 original, evenif they were archaic by 1851, such as "doat", "choak", "staid" (for"stayed") and others. 

 "gale": in pre-Beaufort usage, a synonym for "breeze" "ensign": starting rank in the British infantry until 1870 "prim hedge": probably the same as privet hedge, _Ligustrum vulgare_ "Dr. Franklin": Benjamin Franklin received an honorary doctorate from Oxford in 1762

Misprints

 the old gentleman thus addressed them [gentlemen] hastily walked the room in much visible agony of mind, [vissible] From them you will be enabled to obtain information [enable] In them we can place the utmost confidence. [In // In at page break] I will call at your father's [you] He arose after a sleepless night [nights] "Your perverseness, Melissa [previous paragraph ends at line-end; paragraph indent missing] ascended in pyramidical columns to the zenith [columns the zenith] which widening, more rapidly advanced [nore] he betook himself to the forest for shelter [be betook] he set out to return [he sat out] he slowly recovered, but [recov-/ed at line break] Omnipotent Controller of vicissitudes! [Controler] Omniscient dispenser of destinies! [dipenser] where every object would be shrouded in crape [he shrouded] Neither did he enquire into Alonzo's prospects [Oeither] now smooth as polished glass [snooth] the woe-worn head of fortune's fugitive [woe-worm] One day she had been with my sister at my father's [" one" (lower case) with letter-width space at page-top] frequently would he burst into tears [frequntly] for mercy and forgiveness [forgivness] he had made an opening large enough [on] no person was therein except the gentleman and servant [therin] he either suspected, or really discovered [on really] All the tender powers of Alonzo's soul [Alonzon's] informed Edgar of all that had happened [hapened] Melissa's sudden and unaccountable removal [Melissa] Vain and presumptuous assurance [presumptous] perhaps you will consider it enthusiasm [peahaps] How ready you gentlemen are, replied Melissa [gentleman] one brother and two sisters, of which my uncle [or which] My aunt knew you [know] Alonzo found by this narrative that [narative] Alonzo then gave Melissa a minute account [Mellissa] they were not prepared to undeceive her father [undecieve] his crops had yielded but a scanty supply [crobs had yeilded] The sun blended its mild lustre [blendid] the spring birds carolled in varying strains [carroled] they put off among the Americans for live stock [American's] thinnest scarlet tiffany [thinest]

Invisible Letters

Here and below, "invisible" means that the letter or punctuation mark isnot present, but there is an appropriately sized blank space. 

 A considerable pause ensued. [s in "ensued" invisible] the thousand various birds [final s invisible] Here all was solemn and silent [s in "was" invisible] Its appearance was tall and robust, wrapped in a tattered white robe [a in "and", r in "robe" invisible] By the fate of war, he replied [r in "war" invisible] he was worn to a skeleton [spacing in this line is ambiguous; the word "a" may be either missing or invisible] I find by your father's letters that [final t invisible] they projected scenes of connubial bliss [t in "they" invisible] reflected in the glassy lake [l in "lake" invisible]

Punctuation

 "For far beyond the pride and pomp of power, [" invisible] A soft and silent shower had descended; [; invisible] Melissa was silent. [. Missing or invisible] the same enquiry respecting you. [. Missing or invisible] you are melancholy. [. Invisible] It would, he said, be a delicate point [first, invisible] "In our present dilemma, said Alonzo, what is proper to be done?" [said Alonzo what] "It is difficult to determine, replied Melissa [" missing] "The world is before you, answered Vincent [" missing] alternately humming a tune, and impudently staring at Alonzo [, invisible] My mother and Edgar ardently strove [and Edgar, ardently] "I would advise you, said he [" missing or invisible] Melissa seated herself at the window. [at the window. "] "Unfeeling and impertinent intruder, retorted Alonzo, [intruder?] "Well, thou hast wonderful courage, child [Well, thou hast] perhaps they were still open. [. Invisible] "If you will allow me to name the place, said he [" missing] but that she must still be there. [be there. . ] alternately in the house and the enclosure [alternately, in] at the seat of her uncle, Col. W. D-- [her uncle. Col. ] "Blue trembling billows, topp'd with foam, " [" missing or invisible] grave of my Melissa?" [" missing or invisible] when we were seated she thus addressed me: [_no punctuation at end of paragraph_] "Henry, you know that to promote your peace [" invisible] though made in the presence of heaven. " [" missing] Candour and correct reason must have answered yes. [. Invisible] "Hallo, messmate! what, scudding under bare poles [" missing] "Thy case, said he, is a little critical [Thy case said he] when we will see what can be done. " [be done. '] by which you may return to your own country. " [. Invisible] it is possible I have been undesignedly accessory [have been, ] "A person with whom I am acquainted [" missing or invisible] if Col. D----, (Melissa's uncle) [. Missing] "On my return from the inn [" missing] though slowly, yet surely, disperse [yet surely. ] their eyes spoke sympathy, and they parted. [. Missing or invisible] intrinsically _good for nothing_. " [" missing or invisible] keep our cousin Melissa in countenance. " [" missing or invisible] a few months after the melancholy tidings arrived [, invisible] leaving Alfred, their only child, then an infant, [_second comma invisible, but word-spacing suggests "Alfred, their only child then, an infant"_] "Melissa, said he, I find [Melissa said he] your father's, at Vincent's, and at Mr. Simpson's [Mr Simpson's] as I have before informed you. [informed you. "] proceeded immediately to his father's. [. Missing or invisible] they welcomed Alonzo, whom they had given up as lost [Alonzo. Whom] "We were school-mates, he replied, and [he replied and] which my bosom must ever retain; but being separated [; invisible] they were generally informed of Alonzo's reasons [reason, s] the celebration at her father's. [. Missing or invisible] The others, though they pursued them, got off. [, invisible] and for such measures we were amply prepared. " [amply prepared. ] The man enquired to what town they were to go, which [, invisible] They immediately set out for the aforesaid town ["They] "Ere fate and fortune frown'd severe, " [closing " missing or invisible]

 * * * * * * * * *

The statistically minded reader may like to know that the word "bosom"occurs fifty-nine times in the text, and the word "mansion" sixty-two.