ALIDA:

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Chapter VI (Alonzo and Melissa segment) Chapter XXIV (Travels in North America segment)

Frontispiece Caption: “Optimum vitæ genus eligito nam consuetudo faciet jucundissimum.” Attributed to Pythagoras in Diogenes Laertius viii; cited in Spectator 447.

Title Page: Incidents During the Late American War. Founded on Fact. The phrase “founded on fact” appears in the title of several of Alida’s sources, notably Alonzo and Melissa. The opening words of Alonzo and Melissa are “During the late [American] Revolution...”

Dedication: His Excellency, Charles Collins, Governor of Rhode-Island Charles Collins was never Governor of Rhode Island. He was Lieutenant Governor from 1824 to 1833.

CHAPTER I.

La Rochefoucauld: Moral Maxims

“Rien n’est si contagieux qui l’exemple; et nous ne faisons jamais de grand biens: ni de grand maux, qui n’en produisent de semblables.” Rien n’est si contagieux que l’exemple, et nous ne faisons jamais de grands biens ni de grands maux qui n’en produisent de semblables.

The ancestry of Alida was of ancient date in English heraldry, some of whom emigrated to America a short time before the revolution, and settled in the southern provinces, while her father fixed his abode in the state of New-York.

NY Weekly: Essay No. I

In the calm retirement of the country, at a considerable distance from the bustle of the town, was situated his beautiful residence, which had every advantage in point of prospect that luxuriant nature could give when it is most lavish of its bounties. .... Their eyes wander with languor and indifference, over those scenes in which nature has been most lavish of its beauties.

Alida page 207 (chapter XXIX)

The mind of its owner took particular delight in rural pleasures and amusements; in dissipating a part of his time in the innocent scenes of rustic life, and in attending to the cultivation of his estate, which was large and extensive. Like him he was fond of rural pleasures and amusements, and to dissipate care amid the diversified scenes of rustic life, afforded him satisfaction and pleasure.

Alida page 62 (chapter IX)

Here he would contemplate, in all their variety, the natural beauties of creation, when arrayed in its richest attire; in the inimitable splendour of the surrounding scenery; It was the beginning of autumn, and a yellow hue was spread over the natural beauties of creation.

Lives of Signers: Thornton of New Hampshire

or amuse himself in attendance to diversified employments, some of which, as pastimes, served the two-fold purposes of recreation and amusement. where, in an attendance on his diversified employments, some of which, as pastimes, served the twofold purposes of recreation and amusement....

A&M (describing Alonzo)

Thus his years glided on in the most harmonious tranquil­lity; where his cares were dissipated alternately in the bosom of his family, and the “tumults of life, real or imaginary, fleeted away in a mutual confidence and unreserved friendship.” There his cares were dissipated, and the troubles of life, real or imaginary, on light pinions fleeted away. How different would be the scene when debarred from the unreserved friendship and conversation of Melissa!

NY Weekly: On Landscape Painting

Here he would accustom himself to rise at early dawn, and dwell with particular pleasure on the morning scenery. The dappled, rosy-fingered, blushing morn, arrested his attention; those mild tints that particularly express the break of day, just awakening from repose; when the curtain of the night seems insensibly withdrawn, and the varied landscape exhibits itself by degrees, while the colours of the atmosphere yet seem doubtful, and the scene imperfect to the view; when the darkness is not entirely fled, nor the light of the new day is fully seen; when coolness sits upon the hills, and the dews hang trembling upon every leaf; when the groves begin to resound with the murmurs of warbling melody, and the valleys echo with reverberated sounds. The poets, of all ages and all languages, have dwelt with particular delight upon the morning scenery, and the epithets of the dappled, the rosy fingered, the saffron, and the blushing morn.... those chaste and reserved tints that particularly express the break of day, just awakening from repose; when the curtain of the night seems to be insensibly withdrawn, and the landscape appears to open by degrees, when the colours of the sky are yet doubtful, and the landscape imperfect to the view; in short, when darkness is not entirely fled, nor light distinctly seen.... When coolness sits upon the mountains, and freshness delights the plains, when the dews hang trembling upon every leaf, and the insects flutter on every thorn; when the groves begin to resound with the murmurs of the dove, and the vallies to echo with the twitterings from the spray....

How pleasing at such a time to adore in his works the wonders of the Creator. That period when the sun begins to diffuse his early rays, to tip the mountains with light, and the breezes in the air mildly prognosticate the soft blushes of the morning: how pleasing at such a time are the feelings of anticipation to those who adore in his works, the wonders of the Creator! Of that period, when the sun begins to diffuse his early rays, to tip the mountains with light, and.... those breezes in the air that mildly prognosticate, the blushes of the morning....

Timothy Dwight: The Conquest of Canaan (1785), as quoted in A&M

“For far beyond the pageantry of power, He lov’d the realms of Nature to explore; With lingering gaze Edenian spring survey’d— Morn’s fairy splendours—Night’s gay curtain’d shade— “For far beyond the pride or pomp of power, He lov’d the realms of nature to explore; With lingering gaze Edinian spring survey’d; Morn’s fairy splendors; night’s gay curtain’d shade, The high hoar cliff, the grove’s benighting gloom, The wild rose, widow’d o’er the mouldering tomb;

The heaven-embosom’d sun—the rainbow’s dye, Where lucid forms appear to Fancy’s eye; The vernal flower, mild Autumn’s purpling glow, The Summer’s thunder, and the winter’s snow.” The heaven embosom’d sun; the rainbow’s die 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.”

The Conquest of Canaan, original text

But far beyond the pride of pomp, and power, He lov’d the realms of nature to explore; With lingering gaze, Edenian spring survey’d; Morn’s fairy splendors, night’s gay curtain’d shade; The high hoar cliff; the grove’s benighting gloom; The wild rose, widow’d, o’er the mouldering tomb; The heaven-embosom’d sun; the rainbow’s die, Where lucid forms disport to fancy’s eye.

The last two lines in the Alonzo and Melissa version (“vernal flower...” and “Summer’s thunder...”) do not appear to be in Dwight’s poem.

NY Weekly: On Landscape Painting

Or, when the evening approached, he would observe the twilight hour, which for a time hangs balanced between darkness and the pale rays of the western sky, communicating a solemn pleasure to every thing around. how extatic is the twilight hour, which, for a time, hangs balanced between the dispersion of darkness, and the dapplings of the east; and which gives a solemn pleasure to every thing around!

A&M

When evening began to throw her dusky mantle over the face of nature, and the warm glow of the summer sun had departed; when the stars were glistening in the heavens, and the moon had already risen, shedding its pale lustre over the opposite islands “that appeared to float dimly among the waves, the twinkling fire-fly arose from the surrounding verdure, and illumined the meadow below with a thousand transient gems.” The rustling breezes played among the trees of the wood, while the air was filled with the fragrance of various flowers, and the sound of melodious music was wafted from the neighbouring village, rendered apparently more soft and sweet by the distance. Evening had now spread her dusky mantle over the face of nature. The stars glistened in the sky. The breeze’s rustling wing was in the tree. The “stilly sound” of the low murmuring brook, and the far off water fall, were faintly heard. The twinkling fire fly arose from the surrounding verdure and illuminated the air with a thousand transient gleams. The mingling discordance of curs and watch-dogs echoed in the distant village, from whence the frequent lights darted their pale lustre through the gloom. A&M (different passage) The moon shone in full lustre, her white beams trembling upon the glassy main, where skiffs and sails of various description were passing and repassing. The shores of Long-Island and the other islands in the harbour, appeared dimly to float among the waves. The air was adorned with the fragrance of surrounding flowers; the sound of instrumental music wafted from the town, rendered sweeter by distance....

The buildings on the estate consisted of a large mansion-house, farm-house, and an ancient stone cottage that stood on the margin of the water, shaded by willow trees, and surrounded by romantic scenery.

Mrs. Sherwood: The Broken Hyacinth:

The charming appearance which nature threw around the place on which the mansion-house was situated, was scarcely less interesting in winter than in the more gay and verdant months of the summer season. The falling of the snow and hail, and the sparkling icicles hanging upon the woods and shrubbery, sometimes almost conveyed the idea of enchantment to the imagination of the spectator. The charming country in which our house was situated, was scarcely less lovely when covered with snow than in the summer. The purity of the snow, and the sparkling icicles which hung on the woods, almost conveyed the idea of enchantment....

The view on all sides was magnificent. The bay, gently winding, glided into the river beyond, where ships, steamboats, and craft of every description, floated upon the waters, and gave interest to the appearance of several beautiful villages that were seen at a little distance in the landscape.

This villa was separated about a mile from the flourishing village of ——, where the many white buildings, some of which might be called magnificent, had a remarkably pleasing and picturesque appearance, forming a lively contrast with the evergreen trees with which they were interspersed.

Lives of Signers: Hart of New Jersey

The house of Alida’s father was the seat of hospitality;—scenes of festivity would sometimes have place within its walls;—“music and mirth would occasionally echo through its apartments.” He was kind, generous, and benevolent; while his independence, assisted by a charitable disposition, enabled him to contribute largely to the happiness of others. His manners were highly pleasing, his conversation was interesting, humorous, and instructive; and, although at this time he was rather advanced in years, yet the glow of health still shone upon his cheek and sparkled in his eye; and his fine expressive countenance still gave lustre to a peculiar dignity and energy in his personal appearance. his house was the seat of hospitality, charity, and piety.

A&M (describing Melissa)

It was now many years since he had made this delightful spot his residence. He had married early in life a lady of engaging manners, and captivating beauty, who was amiable, sensible, and pious, and whose mind was a pattern of every female excellence, combined with a taste and judgment that had been properly directed by a suitable education; who had been taught to esteem no farther all the acquirements and qualities of which the human mind is capable than as they might be conducive to enable us to excel in the duties of the Christian religion, and cause us more fully to experience “the blessings of the truth.” Her mind was adorned with those delicate graces which are the first ornaments of female excellence. Her manners were graceful without affectation, and her taste had been properly directed by a suitable education.

These parents had reared up all their family except Alida, their youngest child, who at this time was placed at a boarding-school, at the village of ——, where she was taught, in addition to the different studies belonging to a Christian education, the French and Italian languages.

Their elder daughters had married, and were settled at some distance from them, and their two sons were engaged in mercantile business in New-York. It was their principal endeavour, as their thoughts often revolved in anxious solicitude for the welfare and future happiness of their children, to unite their efforts to persuade them, and inculcate in their minds all that was praiseworthy, by the immediate influence of their own example, considering that the precepts which they taught them, however wise and good, would avail but little unassisted by the aid of example.

Etienne François De Vernage (1690)

“Le mauvais usage que nous faisons de la vie, la dérègle, et la rend malheureuse.” Le mauvais usage que nous faisons de la vie la dérègle et la rend malheureuse.

It was their first care to exercise the minds of their children, in all the important moral and religious duties; to be careful in due time to regulate their natural propensities; to render their dispositions mild and tractable; to inspire them with the love, respect, and implicit obedience due to parents, blended with a genuine affection for relations and friends.

“To endeavour to form their first ideas on principles of rectitude, being conscious of the infinite importance of first impressions, and beginning early to adhere to a proper system of education, that was principally the result of their own reflections and particular observations.”

A&M (Melissa speaking)

Their children were assembled annually to celebrate the birthday of their father, together with other social friends and acquaintances, consisting chiefly of those whose beneficent feelings were in accordance with their own, in testifying their gratitude to their Creator for daily benefits, blended with a thankful cheerfulness, which is the offspring of moral excellence. once a year my father celebrates his birth day....

In Alida, this is the first of three birthday celebrations held by Alida’s father.

Cunningham, “Ode to the New Year, 1769” (here from Poems on various subjects..., ed. Thomas Tomkins 1780), stz. 5–6

O, Thou enthroned where perfect day, In brightest beams of glory, play Around thy radiant throne; Where angels strike celestial lyres, And seraphs glow with sacred fires, Address’d to thee alone. O thou! alike where perfect day In bright refulgent glories play, Around thy awful throne! When seraphs glow with sacred fires, When angels tune celestial lyres, To hymn thy praise alone!

Still may thy providential care, With blessings crown the circling year, Each human ill restrain: O, may thy truth inspire my tongue, And flow through all my varying song, And shine in every strain. Still may thy providential care With blessings crown the rising year! Impending ills restrain! Thy wisdom guide my youthful muse! Thy sacred eloquence diffuse, And consecrate my strain!

Cunningham, stz. 10–11

Give me the calm, the soft serene, Of summer, when it glads the scene, And scatters peace around; Bless’d image of the happy soul. That does the heav’n-born mind control, While conscious joys abound. Unlike its placid form, serene, When Zephyr breathing o’er the scene, Sheds balmy peace around; Bless’d emblem of the conquering soul, Whose every passion knows controul, While conscious joys abound!

That this may be my bounteous share, Ascends my ever constant prayer To Thee, all-perfect Mind! O, aid me in the gen’rous strife, Through each inconstant scene of life, To all thy ways resign’d. That this may prove my bounteous share, Ascends my ever constant prayer, To thee, all perfect mind; O aid me in the arduous strife, Through each perplexing maze of life, To all thy ways resign’d!

CHAPTER II.

“On the Death of a Friend and Schoolfellow” (here from “Poetical Essays” in Gentleman’s Magazine, vol. 32, 1762), opening lines

The scenes that once so brilliant shone are past, and can return no more to cheer the pensive heart; and memory recalls them with a tear; some lowering cloud succeeds, and all the gay delusive landscape fades. Scarce rolls, alas! o’er mortal buds a year, But claims afresh the tributary tear: Soon each fair hope some lowering cloud invades, And all the gay delusive landscape fades.

While Alida remained at the village school, surrounded by the festive scenes of childhood, and pursuing her studies with assiduous emulation, with the hope of meriting, in future time, the praises of her fond parents, an unforeseen misfortune awaited her that no human foresight could have power to arrest.

The health of her mother had been long declining, and her illness at this time increased so far as to render medical assistance useless, and baffled the skill of the ablest physicians. A trial so new, so afflicting, and so grievous to her youthful mind, to lose one of her honoured parents, and to be unexpectedly summoned to her parental home to receive the last benediction of a beloved mother, and at this early period of her life to be deprived of her kind care and protection, was unfortunate in the extreme. “Baffled the skill of the ablest physi­cians” was a stock phrase.

Every anxious solicitude and responsibility now rested alone upon a widowed father, who mourned deeply their common bereavement, while he felt conscious that all his fatherly care and caresses could never supply to Alida all the necessary requisitions that she had unhappily lost in so dear and interested a friend. When he observed her spirits languish, and the tear frequently starting in her eye, and her former sprightly countenance shaded with the deep tinges of melancholy, he saw that the cheerfulness and gaiety of her natural disposition had received a powerful check, which promised to be lasting. “Sprightly” is a favorite adjective in Alonzo and Melissa; by the time of Alida it was going out of fashion.

NY Weekly: Mrs. Mordaunt

From this unhappy period she remained at home a long time with her father. In kindred grief there was derived a congenial sympathy, and her society contributed in some degree to allay his sorrow, as the deep concern he felt in her welfare caused him sometimes to restrain the flow of it in her presence. ... to me they were inexpressibly soothing, from kindred grief there was derived a congenial sympathy. ...

Self-exertion roused him in a measure from his lethargy, and by thus assuming serenity, to become in reality something more composed. Nevertheless, he would often witness the excess of anguish which had taken place in the bosom of his child, and behold her interesting face bathed in tears, and her youthful brow clouded with a sadness that nothing seemingly could dissipate. Their happiness, the education of my child, and self-exertion, roused me from the lethargy of grief, and diffused a calm over my mind I never hoped to have experienced.

His situation now became more sequestered than ever; he roamed in solitude, or pleased himself in ranging through silent glens in loneliness. His thoughts were absorbed in the gloomy experience of the misery of a painful separation from a dear and beloved object; he wept for her whose mild and winning graces had power to soften and illuminate the darkest shades of life, or alleviate the distressful scenes of adversity. This unidentified paragraph about Alida’s widowed father reads like the description of a young romantic hero.

A&M (Alonzo reads of Melissa’s death)

His mind was wholly absorbed in those gloomy reflections that scarcely admitted a ray of consolation, when the weekly newspaper arrived from the neighbouring village; he took it up, hoping to find something to amuse his thoughts; he opened it to read the news of the day; he ran his eye hastily over it, and was about to lay it aside, “when the death list arrested his attention by a display of broad black lines,” and he, who had not yet become reconciled to his present misfortune, was now about to experience another equally severe. He returned, and as he was entering the door he saw the weekly newspaper of the town, which had been published that morning, and which the carrier had just flung into the hall. The family had not yet arisen. He took up the paper, carried it to his chamber, and opened it to read the news of the day. He ran his eye hastily over it, and was about to lay it aside, when the death list arrested his attention, by a display of broad black lines.

What could equal his bitterness, his surprise and grief, when he read the disastrous news that his youngest son (who had lately gone on a foreign expedition) had died of a fever in a distant land a few weeks previous!

A&M

The paper fell from his palsied hand,—a sudden faintness came over him,—he fell back almost senseless in his chair,— exhausted by excess of grief, he remained a long time in a stupifying anguish. The paper fell from his palsied hand—a sudden faintness came upon him— the room grew dark—he staggered, and fell senseless upon the floor. ... Exhausted by excess of grief, he now lay in a stupifying anguish....

The tidings were so unlooked-for of the premature death of his unfortunate son, who about this time was expected to arrive in New-York. For him an only brother was inconsolable; and Alida, who had long been accustomed to his kindness and caresses, was overcome with a dejection that time alone could alleviate.

Her father observed her affliction in commisseration with his own,—he was dejected and lonely, and the world appeared like a wilderness; nothing could lessen his present evil, or soothe his afflicted mind.

A&M (same scene, author’s own voice)

The former peaceful serenity of his life was materially clouded; and in his turn calamitous wo had overtaken him—the inalienable portion of humanity,—and the varied and shifting scenery in the great drama of time had brought with it disaster. mark well the varied and shifting scenery in the great drama of time ... then say, if disappointment, distress, misery and calamitous woe, are not the inalienable portion of the susceptible bosom.

A&M (later scene)

His spirit was sunk in despondency, and his sensations became utterly absorbed in melancholy; and all the pious and philosophical reflections that he exerted himself to bring to his remembrance, could scarcely afford even a transitory consolation in this afflicting dispensation. Alonzo was too deeply absorpt in melancholy reflection....

Tighe, Verses Written at the Commence­ment of Spring, stz. 12, 13 (mid-line ellipses in original)

From foreign lands the tidings borne, With pain to wake a parent’s anguish, O, brother dear, beloved of all, For thee a brother’s heart must languish. Haste, sweetest Babe, beloved of all! Our cheerful hours without thee languish: Ah! hush!.... he hears no more thy call! Ah! hush!.... nor wake a parents anguish!

“That eye of brightness glows no more, That beaming glance in night is clouded;” On Maracaibo’s distant shore, “In death’s dark cell untimely shrouded.” That lip of roses glows no more; That beaming glance in night is clouded; Those bland endearments all are o’er, In death’s dark pall for ever shrouded.

Tighe, Verses Written in Sickness, stanzas 3–12 (of 15).

Alas! for him no kindred near In hopes to minister relief; He sees no tear of pity shed, He sees no parents’ anxious grief. Alas! for him whose youth has bowed Beneath the oppressive hand of pain; Whose claim to pity disallowed, Bids him the unheeded groan restrain. Alas! for him who droops like me, Who mourns life’s fueled vigour flown, But finds no soothing sympathy, No tender cares his loss atone.

And as still evening came on, In saddest solitude and tears, His thoughts would turn on distant home, On peaceful scenes and happier years. He thought, too, what a favour’d clime His gallant bark had left behind; He thought how science there, sublime, Beam’d her full radiance on the mind. Though destined in a stranger’s land, Detain’d from all he held most dear, Yet one kind hand, benevolent, Was found the gloomy hours to cheer. O, how consoling is the eye Of him who comes to soothe our woes; O, what relief those cares supply Which a kind, watchful friend bestows. When from this hand full well he found How much can lenient kindness do The generous Briton strives with care His drooping spirits to renew. Yes, stranger, thou wast kind, humane, With quick assistance prompt to move; To ease the lingering hours of pain, In pity’s kind endeavour strove. When sickness o’er thy pallid cheek Had stole the lustre from thine eye, When near the doubtful crisis drew, And life approach’d its latest sigh,— He moved thee to his own retreat, In his own mansion watch’d thee there; Around thy couch he still remained, Thy drooping heart with hopes to cheer. For him no wakeful eye of love Resists the slumbers health would shed, With kind assistance prompt to move, And gently prop the aching head: With delicate attention paid In hope to minister relief, He sees no sacrifices made; He sees no Mother’s anxious grief! But I, poor sufferer, doomed in vain To woo the health which Heaven denied, Though nights of horror, days of pain The baffled opiate’s force deride, Yet well I know, and grateful feel, How much can lenient kindness do, From anguish half its darts to steal, And faded Hope’s sick smile renew. That love which brightened gayer hours, When light youth danced to pleasure’s strain, Exerts even yet unwearied powers, The sweet support of nights of pain. Oh! how consoling is the eye Of the dear friend that shares our woes! Oh! what relief those cares supply, Which watchful, active love bestows! And these are mine! — Shall I then dare To murmur at so mild a lot? Nor dwell on comforts still my share With thankful and contented thought? Though destined to the couch of pain, Though torn from pleasures once too dear, Around that couch shall still remain The love that every pain can cheer.

John Bowring: Benevolence (hymn), stz. 2, lines 5–8

“Peace, wing’d in fairer worlds above,” Has ta’en thy form away from this; Has beckon’d thee to seats of glory, To realms of everlasting bliss. Peace, winged in fairer worlds above, Shall bend her down to brighten this, When all man’s labour shall be love And all his thoughts—a brother’s bliss.

James G. Brooks and Mary E. Brooks: To Cora (in The Rivals of Este, and Other Poems, 1829), stz. 3, lines 1–4

So rich in piety and worth, Too soon, alas! lamented one, Thou hast been call’d away from earth, And heaven has claim’d thee for its own. Cora! thou wast not formed for earth: So bright thy angel beauty shone, So rich in innocence and worth, That heaven has claimed thee for its own.

CHAPTER III.

Thomson: Seasons: end of “Spring”

“’T is by degrees the youthful mind expands; and every day, Soft as it rolls along, shows some new charm; Then infant reason grows apace, and calls For the kind hand of an assiduous care.” By degrees, The human blossom blows; and every day, Soft as it rolls along, shows some new charm, The father’s lustre, and the mother’s bloom. Then infant reason grows apace, and calls For the kind hand of an assiduous care.

“Delightful task, to rear the tender thought, To pour the new instruction o’er the mind, To breathe the enlivening spirit, and to fix The generous purpose in the glowing breast.” Delightful task! to rear the tender thought. To teach the young idea how to shoot, To pour the fresh instruction o’er the mind, To breathe th’ enlivening spirit, and to fix The generous purpose in the glowing breast.

The period at length arrived, when it became necessary that Alida should receive further instruction in the various branches of female literature. With this view, her father thought proper to change the place of her studies from the village school to the New-York Seminary. It was his idea that nothing afforded so pleasing a prospect as the graces of beauty, aided by wisdom and useful knowledge, and that care should be taken that the mind should first be initiated in the solid acquirements, before the embellishments of education should be allowed to take up the attention or engross the thoughts; and that the first purposes of the teacher should be directed to endeavour to cause the mental powers of the scholar to be excited, in the first place, to attain to whatever is most useful and necessary, and that suitable application and industry was the only means whereby we may gain celebrity in any art or science, or therein arrive at any degree of perfection.

“His heart glowed with paternal fondness and interesting solicitude, when he beheld the countenance of his child sparkling with intelligence, or traced the progress of reason in her awakened curiosity when any new object attracted her attention or exercised her imagi­nation.” Delightful indeed were the sensations of a parent in the contem­plation of so fair a prospect, which in some degree recalled again to his bosom some transient gleams of happiness. In spite of the quotation marks, this passage has not been identified.

The season was now far advanced in autumn, and the trees were nearly stripped of their foliage; the radiant sun had in part withdrawn his enlivening rays to give place to the approaching coldness of winter, when Alida left her home, amid the innumerable regrets of her juvenile companions, to accom­pany her father to the city to finish her education. They journeyed in a stage-coach from the village of ——, which, in the course of a few hours, conveyed them amid the tumultuous din of the busy metropolis. The female seminary to which Alida repaired was pleasantly situated in the western part of the town, where the refreshing and salubrious breezes of the Hudson rendered it a healthy and desirable situation at all seasons of the year. Although her father had only performed his duty in placing his child once more at school, yet it was at a greater distance from the paternal roof than formerly, and when he returned again to his residence, he felt his situation more lonely than ever, and he could scarcely reconcile himself to the loss of her society. All was novel-like in the city to Alida, where she at once saw so many different objects to excite alternately her surprise, curiosity, and risibility, and where she experienced so many different sensations, arising from the sudden transition in being removed from scenes of uninterrupted tranquil­lity to those of gaiety and pleasure, of crowded streets and riotous entertainments, of obsequious beaux and dashing petits maîtres, and where all appeared to her one continued scene of business and confusion, scarcely reconcileable. In the meantime her mind became engrossed by various new occupations. Among her favourite studies was the French language, which, at this period, was considered as one of the necessary appendages to female education, when scarcely any new work could be read without a regret to those who did not understand it. Music, dancing, and drawing occupied her time alternately, and while these different amusements afforded a pleasing variety, they animated her mind anew with the powers of exertion that had been excited by early impressions—that whatever she attempted to learn, to be assiduous to learn it well, and that a mere superficial knowledge, in any science or accom­plishment, was by no means desirable. All her studies and amusements had their regular arrangements, and due application gave her many advantages over those of her own age, while it expanded her mind in a greater degree, and facilitated her progress in learning, and gave more ready improvement to her understanding and native capacities. Her only surviving brother, whose name was Albert, had been a merchant in the city a number of years, and he still continued to live amid its perplexities, (although numbers had been unfortunate around him,) with as good success as could be expected at this time, on account of the restrictions on American commerce. One probable reason may be assigned why he had been more successful in his business than many others: he was guided in the management of his affairs by vigilance and industrious perseverance, and he was not only endued with the best abilities to fulfil the duties incumbent on his station in life, but was not remiss in the exercise of them. His manners, generally, were reserved, though he could be humorous and gay whenever occasion required; and when in convivial society, he could make one among the number of those who amused themselves in sallies of wit and pleasantry. He had acquired much useful and general information in his commerce with the world at large, which he employed at this time in various conversations on politics, as he could not be able to render himself serviceable to his country in any other way, being exempt from his childhood from performing military duty. His personal advantages were only surpassed by the superior qualifications of his mind, that had long been under religious influence and impressions.

In his public and private life he fully answered the expectations of his numerous acquaintance and friends, as well as the most sanguine wishes of an anxious and affectionate father, who yet seemed disposed to indulge in melancholy reflections, while his friends kindly endeavoured, by many pious and philosophical discourses, to awaken him to a consideration of his former piety, and humble trust in an all-wise Providence, reminding him that our greatest consolation consists in resigned and devotional feelings of gratitude to our Maker, even in the severest afflictions; who, although he may have thought fit to deprive us of some, for the many remaining blessings we may still be in possession of;

A&M, Preface

and that a firm reliance on Providence, however our affections may be at variance with its dispensations, is the only consolatory source that we can have recourse to in the gloomy hours of distress; and that such dependance, though often crossed by troubles and difficulties, may at length be crowned with success in our most arduous undertakings, and we may again meet with unlooked-for and unexpected happiness. One thing was aimed to be shown, that a firm reliance on providence, however the affections might be at war with its dispensations, is the only source of consolation in the gloomy hours of affliction; and that generally such dependence, though crossed by difficulties and perplexities, will be crowned with victory at last.

James Montgomery: The Grave. In The Wanderer of Switzerland (1806). Stz. 1

“Afflictions all his children feel, Affliction is the Father’s rod; He wounds them for his mercy sake, He wounds to heal.” A bruised reed he will not break, Afflictions all his children feel; He wounds them for his mercy’s sake, He wounds to heal!

NY Weekly: Chearfulness (first paragraph quoting Dr. Blair)

The clear, calm sunshine of a mind illumined by piety, and a firm reliance upon Supreme wisdom, crowns all other divine blessings. It irradiates the progress of life, and dispels the evils attendant on our nature; it renders the mind calm and pacific, and promotes that cheerfulness and resignation which has its foundation in a life of rectitude and charity; and in the full exercise of Christian principles we may find still increasing happiness. “.... It is the clear and calm sunshine of a mind illuminated by piety and virtue. It crowns all other good dispositions, and comprehends the general effect which they ought to produce on the heart.” ... A chearful temper irradiates the progress of life, and dispels the evils of sublunary nature.

CHAPTER IV.

M. W. Beck: “The Ballot-Box” (song). Here quoted from The United States magazine and Democratic review, Volume 5, 1839. Last verse

Still may the soaring eagle’s quenchless eye, Watch o’er our favour’d country, brave and free, Where the bright stars and stripes in honour wave, The sacred emblems of our liberty. Let your eagle’s quenchless eye, Fixed, unerring, sleepless, bright, Watch, when danger hovers nigh, From his lofty mountain height; While the stripes and stars shall wave O’er this treasure, pure and free, The land’s Palladium, it shall save The home and shrine of liberty.

Interesting Events: Second War

Many disagreeable circumstances now combined to disturb the happy tranquil­lity of the American government. “A war had for some time existed between France and England. America had endeavoured to maintain a neutrality, and peacefully to continue a commerce with both nations. Jealousies, however, arose between the contending powers with respect to the conduct of America, and events occurred calculated to injure her commerce and disturb her peace. The remote causes of the second War with Great Britain appear to have arisen from the war existing between that power and France. America endeavored to maintain a strict neutrality, and peaceably to continue a commerce with them. Jealousies, however, arose between the contending powers, with respect to the conduct of America, and events occurred, calculated to injure her commerce, and to disturb her peace.

“Decrees were first issued by the French government preventing the American flag from trading with the enemy; these were followed by the British orders in council, no less extensive than the former in design, and equally repugnant to the laws of nations. In addition to these circumstances, a cause of irritation existed sometime between the United States and Great Britain. This was the right of search claimed by Great Britain as one of her prerogatives. To take her native subjects, wherever found, for her navy, and to search American vessels for that purpose. Notwith­standing the remonstrances of the American government, the officers of the British navy were not unfrequently seen seizing native British subjects who had voluntarily enlisted on board our vessels, and had also impressed into the British service some thousands of American seamen. The Berlin Decree of 1806, and that of Milan, in the succeeding year, (both issued by the French government, to prevent the American flag from trading with their enemy,) were followed by the British Orders in Council; no less extensive than the former, in the design, and equally repugnant to, the law of nations. In addition to these circumstances, a cause of irritation existed some time between the United States and Great Britain. This was the right of search, claimed by Great Britain, as one of her prerogatives. This was to take her native born subjects, wherever found, for her navy, and to search American vessels for that purpose. Notwith­standing the remonstrances of the American government, the officers of the British navy, were not unfrequently seizing native born British subjects, who had voluntarily enlisted on board of our vessels, and had also impressed into the British service some thousands of American seamen.

“In consequence of the British and French decrees, a general capture of all American property on the seas seemed almost inevitable. Congress, therefore, on the recommendation of the president, laid an embargo on all vessels within the jurisdiction of the United States. In consequence of the British and French decrees, a general capture of all American property on the seas seemed almost inevitable. Congress, therefore, on the recommendation of the President, on the 22d of December, 1807, laid an embargo on all vessels within the jurisdiction of the United States.

Interesting Events: Second War (quoting “Grimshaw’s Hist. U. States”)

“In a moment, the commerce of the American republic, from being, in point of extent, the second in the world, was reduced to a coasting trade between the individual states. The opposition to the act in several of the states was so great that they unanimously declared against it, and individuals throughout the whole seized every opportunity of infringement; therefore Congress thought proper to repeal the embargo law, and substituted a non-intercourse with France and England.” “In a moment, the commerce of the American Republic, from being, in point of extent, the second in the world, was reduced to a coasting trade between the individual States.” The opposition to the act in several States was so great, that they declared against it, and individuals throughout the whole, seized every opportunity of infringement. In 1809 Congress repealed the embargo law, and substituted a non-intercourse with France and England.

A&M

It was now generally expected that the session in Congress, with the decision of the president, would eventually terminate in actual hostilities. The troubles which gave rise to the disseveration of England from America had already commenced, which broke out the ensuing spring into actual hostilities.

Lives of Signers: Hancock of Massachusetts

The difficulties the chief executive had to encounter were many and perplexing, The difficulties which he had to encounter were many and perplexing.

Lives of Signers: John Adams of Massachusetts

being fully convinced, under existing circumstances, that the Americans must engage in combat after all. He therefore knew it to be necessary to rouse the feelings of the American people, to realize, more clearly than they did, the true situation of their country, that they might be prepared for the approaching crisis that he believed unavoidable. Being fully convinced ... that “they must fight after all,” he felt it to be necessary to rouse the feelings of the delegates from other colonies, to realize, more clearly and more correctly than they did, the true situation of their country. This he saw was indispensable, that they might be prepared for that distressing crisis of their political affairs, which it was obvious was approaching; and which he even then, with a few others, believed was unavoidable.

Lives of Signers: John Adams of Massachusetts

This period was full of anxiety and danger. The period was full of anxiety and danger.

Lives of Signers: Gerry of Massachusetts

A war was deprecated by all the leading patriots of the day; they were fully persuaded that it must take place; they therefore unitedly determined to prepare for the storm in the best manner they were able. A civil war was deprecated by all the leading patriots of that day. But the measures which the British government had long pursued towards the colonies, had fully persuaded them that it must take place.... and they unitedly determined to prepare for the storm in the best manner they were able.

Alida page 143 (chapter XVIII)

All material business was in a manner suspended in New-York; the face of things wore a dismal aspect, and the greater part of the community were in dismay. A heavy gloom hung over the inhabitants generally, while all their affairs appeared in a declining state, discouraging to the industry and best prospects of the people. Alida’s father was no friend to political controversy, yet he passed much of his time in conversing with his friends on the present affairs of America. He knew that party spirit and animosity existed more or less at this time, and that he must consequently often meet with those of opposite opinions; yet his honest and patriotic zeal for the good of his country still remained the same. All business of importance, at this time, was in a manner suspended in New-York; the face of things wore a dismal aspect, and the greater part of the community were in dismay; occasioned by the continuance of hostilities with Great Britain. All appeared in a declining state, discouraging to the industry and best prospects of the inhabitants.

NY Weekly: “Champagneaux” in “Anecdotes and Remains of Persons Connected with the French Revolution”.

He was attached to liberty from principle; he had talents to discriminate and see into the justice of the measures of government; his retirement gave him full opportunity to reflect on them seriously, and solve them in his own mind, and see their absolute necessity, in order to maintain the honour, freedom, and independence of the American nation. Would the same wisdom in the government continue that had so nobly preserved us since our independence? But he had no reason at present to suppose otherwise, and that he who now guided the helm of affairs, was one of steady and uncorrupt principles, of stable character, altogether uninfluenced by any sinister views, and was willing to sacrifice his individual repose for the noble purpose, and with the hope of settling it again on the nation, with a firmer basis, at some future period, when the expected contest should be decided. What feelings of commotion and deep anxiety must agitate the bosom of the magnanimous hero who is labouring truly for the interest of his country, and is actuated alternately by the claims of justice and humanity, and on whom a whole community must depend for council in cases of severe emergency, when his chief satisfaction consists in promoting the interest and welfare of that community. When the hour of exigency arrives, his mind, endued with the light of piety, feels its own littleness, his weighty thoughts are big with the impending danger that no human arm may be able to arrest. He is the father of a numerous family; a man of unimpeached morals, and was attached to liberty from principle, at a time, and in a country, when it was not unusual to be so, from mere speculation!

Impressed with religious awe, and feeling conscious of his dependence for aid on the all-wise Disposer of events, he bends in humble supplication to implore the favour of that great and beneficent Being whose power alone can save, and in whose mighty arm alone is victory. “(All-wise) Disposer of events” was a stock phrase.

The father of Alida received regular intelligence by the daily papers respecting the political excitement in New-York; besides, he made frequent visits to the city to see his several children, as one of his daughters had resided there since her marriage. There was every kind of conveyance at the neighbouring village suited to the accommodation of travellers, both summer and winter, and the rapid improvement of the town had long been a current topic of the inhabitants as well as visiters, while they praised the proprietor of the new pavilion, in his manner of conducting it, and his excellent accommodations; and it was the general opinion that in the course of a few years this would become a place of no small consideration.

CHAPTER V.

NY Weekly: Military Fame, stz. 1, 2

O, who that sighs to join the scenes of war? If heaven-born pity in thy bosom glow, Reject the impurpled wreath; the laurel crown Can flourish only in the scenes of wo. O Thou that sigh’st to join the scenes of war, And gain the glories of the martial train; Reflect what woes surround the trophied car, What crimson tints the wish’d-for circlet stain. If tender sympathy be not unknown, If heaven-born mercy in thy bosom glow, Reject the impurpl’d wreath, the laurel crown Can flourish only in the scenes of woe.

Interesting Events: Second War (quoting “Grimshaw’s Hist. U. States”)

At length it became the unhappy fate of America to be a second time involved in a war with Great Britain. “In a manifesto of the president, the reasons of the war were stated to be the impressment of American seamen, by the British; the blockade of the enemy’s ports, supported by no adequate force; in consequence of which the American commerce had been plundered in every sea; and the British orders in council.” In the Manifesto of the President, the reasons of the war were stated to be “the impressment of American seamen by the British; the blockade of her enemies, supported by no adequate force, in consequence of which the American commerce had been plundered in every sea; and the British orders in council.”

Lives of Signers: Morris of New York

The declaration of war was a source of unavoidable regret to the good and wise president,* [* James Madison.] which affected his mind with feelings approaching to melancholy. No one possessed qualities more inclined to peace, and a wish to settle all affairs of state in a pacific manner, more than he did, if it were possible, and it could have been done without sacrificing all the dearest rights and interests of the people; and nothing but these repeated persuasions in his mind, founded on the principles of justice and honour, caused him at length to be willing to yield to the stern necessity of deciding the existing differences by combat. The object sought and desired from the deliberations of that assembly, was a settlement in a pacific manner, of all the existing difficulties....

Lives of Signers: Floyd of New York

He possessed the qualities of a statesman in an eminent degree; he had well reflected on what he considered as inevitable. He was well versed in political science, and now only saw the realization of anticipated events, of which there had been sufficient warning. Although he had to contend with innumerable difficulties, having once formed his opinion of what was to be done, his patriotism was undeviating, and his integrity inflexible. Since his country was again brought to a lamentable destiny, he now became ardently active in its cause, and was prepared to carry to the full extent such measures of defence and resistance as should be necessary to repel every invasion of the just rights and privileges of the Americans that they had long been in possession of since their dear-bought independence, and could not therefore be willing to submit to anything like oppression, even from the mother country. Having once formed his opinions, he set himself about accomplishing his purposes.... His patriotism was undeviating; his integrity inflexible....

NY Weekly: On War

This national calamity, that seemed to awaken feelings of hilarity to some few among the multitude, but those of the deepest regret to so many others, where the parties must at length become personally engaged and animated against each other with an enthusiastic ardour, and with the hope to signalize themselves by their bravery—where the impetuosity of youth and the experience of age are called forth in open field to execute the decided discussions of government, and to engage with patriotic zeal in the common defence of their just rights and liberties; impelled with ambitious impulse to enlist themselves under the proud banners of their country, while the sound of martial music strikes a feeling of enthusiasm and enterprise to the bosom of the patriot. On the first appearance of this dreadful and destructive calamity, the parties more particularly and personally engaged, are animated with an enthusiastic ardour, to have an opportunity of signalizing themselves in it. It is then that the impetuosity of youth, the fervour, the experience, the sapience, of old age, are called forth in open field, to put in force the discussions of the cabinet, and to engage with real zeal in the cause of their country; it is then that every manly breast feels a warlike impulse thrilling the whole frame! The sound of drums, the roaring of cannon, the clangor of every species of martial music, rise figuratively within us....

Thus, in the name and cause of honour, the youth, generous and brave, with all those who are compelled to take arms, sally forth with the ambitious hope to bear down at once all contending opposition, and give themselves no time to reflect on the many disconsolate ones they leave behind them, that, however deeply concerned, can neither engage or assist in the shocking contest; while they go forward hastily to meet the foe, and hosts are advancing to dispute with them the victory, and they can indulge no thought concerning those who, when the battle is over, may have to lament the loss of a father, brother, or some other dear friend, ... we sally forth, and bear down all mortal opposition. We scarcely, in our thoughts, survey the disconsolate many we left behind; who, though concerned, are not engaged, in the murderous contest. Flushed with the hopes of suspended victory, the insignia of triumph hanging doubtful over our heads, whole hosts advancing to dispute with us our martial prowess, we indulge no thoughts about those who lament the loss of a father, a child, a husband, a brother, or a friend.

and who mournfully await the decisive tidings, which perhaps is to render them for ever disconsolate; while they remain a prey to that incessant anguish which naturally awaits those who have lost, in this manner, their dearest friends and relations. Stunned with the fatal tidings, which mournfully announce the death of an affectionate father, behold the wretched family, the disconsolate.... A prey to that incessant grief which naturally accom­panies those to whom the fatal loss happens, the worthy sire, and the tender matron, lament the eternal exit of their ill-fated son....

Thick clouds were darkly pending Above the battle fray, And foemen were contending For the fortune of the day. And high in air the banner bright, Waving o’er land and sea, The potent symbol of their might, The emblem of the free. Brave hearts that stood amid the storm That burst in fury round; With many a stern and manly form, Sunk powerless to the ground. Deep gloom had settled round them, And darkness veil’d the sky, When Freedom, with her starry train, Descended from on high. When, at her bidding, lo, a chief Amid the throng appear’d; When, the goddess halted by his side, And thus his spirits cheer’d: “Oh, let not care oppress thee, But banish far thy fears, For, in blessing, I will bless thee, And will wipe away thy tears; “And a banner thou shalt still retain, And a hand to lead the brave To glory and to victory, Or to the hero’s grave.” Then fear not, honoured chieftain, For yet again shall be, Your flag shall wave o’er every land, And float on every sea. What though in foreign clime it waves, Careering on the wind, Whatever shore the ocean laves, A due respect will find. And the thunders of your ships of war Along the deep shall roll, While the canvas of your merchantmen Shall sweep from pole to pole. “And now, oh gallant chief,” she cried, “Hold fast the glorious prize; The flag with blue and crimson dyed, And stars that gemmed the skies, “Have left their native spheres to shed Their radiance o’er the field; Then while it waves above your head, To the foeman never yield. “Bright forms shall hover o’er thee In the midst of war’s alarms; And in triumph shall restore thee To a nation’s waiting arms. “Then on to Freedom’s stormy height, Go forth in valour and in might, And bear aloft this emblem bright, Amid the battle fray.” Now around their chief they rally, And with zeal their bosoms glow; While the hoarse cannon bellows forth Defiance to the foe. The battle rages loudly, A dreadful carnage flows; When the messenger of victory The clarion trumpet blows. Now clap your wings, oh Liberty, And upward take your flight; And let the gladsome tidings ring Throughout the realms of light. And bid your eagle sound her cry, Wide o’er the land and sea; For patriot arms have triumphed, And the nation still is free. Once more the song of Victory Shall spread the earth around, And the freemen on a thousand hills Re-echo back the sound. And a banner long shall wave on high, And long your children stand, United, with a sacred tie, To guard their native land. A song called “Thick Clouds Were Darkly Pending” was popular in the Civil War years, but has not been located.

CHAPTER VI.

The next several chapters—most of VII-XII, and much of VI and XIII—are taken from Alonzo and Melissa (see Sources section), often verbatim.

Substitutions:

Melissa = Alida; Alonzo = Theodore; Beauman = Bonville;

Vincent and Mrs. Vincent = Raymond and Mrs. Raymond;

Melissa’s brother Edgar = Alida’s brother Albert;

Melissa’s aunt has no equivalent, except as a walk-on. New London and New York are conflated into New York; the Revolutionary War is changed to the War of 1812.

In Alonzo and Melissa, the father is cruel and mercenary; the plot complications (all seen from Alonzo’s point of view) are, as the title has it, “caused by the barbarity of an unfeeling father”. Melissa’s mother is alive throughout the novel, but she is such a doormat that her existence makes no difference to the plot.

And may each day returning, with it bring That peace that o’er the weary senses fling A calm content; where no alloy attends The pleasing intercourse of happy friends.

A&M (opening paragraph)

Albert, the brother of Alida, during his residence in New-York, had formed an indis­soluble friendship with a young gentleman who had lately graduated at Columbia College. His name was Theodore. He was about twenty years of age: he had been esteemed an excellent student. His appear­ance was manly, open, and free. His eye indicated a nobleness of mind; he was naturally cheerful, although his aspect was tinged with melan­choly, and his disposition was rather of the romantic cast. His father was an eminent merchant in the city, and had long been engaged in the various scenes of commerce. His son was designed for the law; but as the students were allowed some vacant time after their graduation before they entered upon their professional studies, he thought to improve this interim in mutual friendly visits, mingling sometimes with select parties in the amusements of the day, and in travelling through some parts of the United States. In the time of the late revolution, two young gentlemen of Connec­ticut, who had formed an indis­soluble friendship, graduated at Yale college in New Haven; their names were Edgar and Alonzo; Edgar was the son of a respectable farmer, Alonzo’s father was an eminent merchant—Edgar was designed for the desk, Alonzo for the bar; but as they were allowed some vacant time after their graduation before they entered upon their professional studies, they improved this interim in mutual, friendly visits, mingling with select parties in the amusement of the day, and in travelling through some parts of the United States. Alonzo was about twenty one years old; he had been esteemed an excellent student. His appear­ance was manly, open and free—His eye indicated a nobleness of soul; although his aspect was tinged with melan­choly, yet he was naturally cheerful. His disposition was of the romantic cast....

The spring was advancing, and already began to shed its cheering influences over the face of nature, when, after a long period of clouds and darkness, the sun, with his illuminating beams, was chasing away the gloomy remains of winter, and recalling again to life and animation the innumerable beauties of creation.

A&M (second paragraph)

The day was fixed on when Alida was to return to her native residence. Albert was to attend her home, and he invited his friend Theodore to accom­pany him. It was evening when they arrived at the house of Albert’s father, where they found considerable company collected, as was customary on the celebration of his birth-day. Edgar had a sister who, for some time had resided with her cousin at New-London. She was now about to return, and it was designed that Edgar should go and attend her home: previous to the day on which he was to set out, he was unfortunately thrown from his horse, which so much injured him as to prevent his prosecuting his intended journey; he therefore invited Alonzo to supply his place.... ... It was evening when Alonzo arrived at the house of Edgar’s cousin.

A&M

He received his children with gladness and joy, and Theodore with friendly politeness. Her cousin waited on Alonzo to the ball, and introduced him to Melissa, who received him with politeness.

A&M (different scene)

“This meeting must be highly pleasing to you, miss,” said Theodore to Alida, “after your long absence from home.” “It is so, indeed,” replied she, “and highly gratifying to my father, to meet here his children, and relations, on the annual occasion of celebrating his birth-day, when we are honoured with so numerous a company of uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, and nieces, that one would suppose we were connected with half the families in the state. And sometimes they do not all leave us, in several weeks afterwards, and regale themselves in riding about the country and visiting the neighbours in the vicinity.” “We have been thronged with company for several days, [said Melissa] once a year my father celebrates his birth day, when we are honored with so numerous a company of uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces, that were you present, you would suppose we were connected with half the families in Connecticut.

In the course of the evening they were joined by a number from the neighbouring villages, and among the rest was the son of a gentleman who had been long acquainted with the family. He was a gay young man; his address was easy; his manners rather voluptuous than refined; confident, but not ungraceful. Melissa’s partner at the ball was the son of a gentleman of independent fortune 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, and was quite a favourite with the ladies generally. His name was Bonville. He had seen Alida long before, but her additional graces since that time appeared far to exceed his expectations. He led the ton in fashionable circles ; gave taste its zest, and was quite a favorite with the ladies generally. His name was Beauman.

Alida at sixteen displayed many pleasing attractions. Her height rose to the majestic. Melissa, the sister of Edgar, was about sixteen years of age. The phrase “her height rose to the majestic” is widely quoted from Robertson’s History of Scotland, describing Mary Queen of Scots.

Mrs. Sherwood: Lady of the Manor (describing two different characters)

She was tall and graceful, and her expressive features were adorned with hair of light auburn, which hung about her neck in natural ringlets; while her dark blue eyes, mingled at once the rays of sprightly intelligence, and a pleasing affability. her brown hair hanging in natural ringlets about her neck.... ... her eyes were dark blue, and sparkling with intelligence, and her head, before she was half a year old, was adorned with the most abundant ringlets of the richest auburn hair.

A&M

She was arrayed on this occasion, in a dress of white muslin, richly inwrought with needle-work. A silk embroidered sash surrounded her waist, and she wore on her head a wreath of artificial flowers. Her elder sisters manifested their pleasure in beholding the artless, unadorned school-girl, metamorphosed to the interesting young lady of fascinating manners and amiable deportment. She was dressed in white embroidered and spangled with rich silver lace; a silk girdle, enwrought and tasseled with gold, surrounded her waist; her hair was unadorned except by a wreath of artificial flowers, studded by a single diamond. A&M (different scene) She was dressed in a flowing robe of white muslin, embroidered with a deep fringe of lace.

Social converse and rural amusements took up the greater part of the evening, when the general conversation of the gentlemen turned upon a topic in which they were all more or less interested, on what might be the unhappy result of the present contest, in which the American nation was engaged, which continued to engross their thoughts, and it was a late hour when the company separated. Those who remained behind accom­panied Alida on the next Sabbath to the village church, where they heard an able and sublime discourse delivered by the parish minister; highly edifying to the understanding and improving to the minds of the hearers. This divine was fully competent in the possession of Christian principles and knowledge for his arduous calling, and had a happy talent of conveying them to others with effect, and communicating them in persuasive eloquence, for the benefit and reformation of mankind.

NY Weekly: Select Reflections On Education

His powers of intellect and sentiments were no less liberal and enlarged, than they were ingenious and elegant. His aspect was serene, and his manners were cheerful, and the unruffled calmness of his mind bore the same character of exalted excellence, and gave testimony of a peaceful bosom, rich in good works. He manifested a lively interest in the welfare of his congregation, and by his genuine goodness and pious example made many proselytes. It was his endeavour to unite the minds of the people in one interest, and excite them to be zealous in the common cause of Christianity, where each individual, acting for the benefit of the whole, would find their own happiness blended with that of society in general, and be blessed in the reciprocal communication of charity and benevolence. .... He who is conversant with the best Greek and Roman writers, with a Plato, a Xenophon, and a Cicero, must imbibe, if he be not deficient in the powers of intellect, sentiments no less liberal and enlarged than ingenious and elegant.

CHAPTER VII.

“Come, Friendship, twine a wreath for me, And weave it with the choicest flowers, To cheat the ling’ring steps of time, And gladden all life’s passing hours.”

A&M (beginning of continuous text)

The time now arrived when Theodore was to enter upon his professional studies, and he became engaged in the office of an eminent attorney in New-York. He frequently absented himself, however, to accom­pany Albert to visit his father’s family, and since his acquaintance with Alida, there was a charm that attracted him thither. If he had admired the manly virtues of the brother, could he fail to adore the gentle graces of the sister? If all the sympathies of the most ardent friendship had been drawn forth toward the former, must not all the softer sensibilities of the heart be attracted by the milder and more refined excellencies of the other? The time now arrived when Edgar and Alonzo were to part. The former repaired to New-York, where he was to enter upon his professional studies. The latter entered in the office of an eminent attorney in his native town, which was about twenty miles distant from the village in which lived the family of Edgar and Melissa. Alonzo was the frequent guest of this family; for though Edgar was absent, there was still a charm which attracted him thither. If he had admired the manly virtues of the brother, could he fail to adore the sublimer graces of the sister. If all the sympathies of the most ardent friendship had been drawn forth towards the former, must not the most tender passions of the soul be attracted by the milder and more refined excellencies of the other?

Bonville had become the admirer of Alida; of course he and Theodore sometimes met. He had made no serious pretensions, but his particularity indicated something more than fashionable politeness. His manners, his independent situation, entitled him to respect. “It is not probable, therefore, that he will be objectionable to her friends, or to Alida herself,” said Theodore, with an involuntary sigh, and as his visits became more frequent, an increasing anxiety took place in his bosom. He wished her to remain single; the idea of losing her by marriage, gave him inexpressible regret. What substitute could supply to him the happy hours he had passed in her company? What charm could wing the lingering moments when she was gone? Beauman had become the suitor of Melissa; but the distance of residence rendered it inconvenient to visit her often. He came regularly once in two or three months, of course Alonzo and he sometimes met. Beauman had made no serious pretensions, but his particularity indicated something more than fashionable politeness. His manners, his independent situation, his family, entitled him to respect. “It is not probable therefore, that he will be objectionable to Melissa’s friends, or to Melissa herself,” said Alonzo, with an involuntary sigh. But as Beauman’s visits to Melissa became more frequent, an increasing anxiety took place in Alonzo’s bosom. He wished her to remain single; the idea of losing her by marriage, gave him inexpressible regret. What substitute could supply the happy hours he had passed in her company? What charm could wing the lingering moments when she was gone?

How different would be the scene when debarred from the unreserved friendship and conversation of Alida. And unreserved it could not be, were she not exclusively mistress of herself. But was there not something of a more refined texture than friendship in his predilection for the company of Alida? If so, why not avow it? His prospects, his family, and of course his pretensions might not be inferior to those of Bonville. How different would be the scene when debarred from the unreserved friendship and conversation of Melissa! And unreserved it could not be, were she not exclusively mistress of herself. But was there not something of a more refined texture than friendship in his predilection for the company of Melissa? If so, why not avow it? His prospects, his family, and of course his pretensions might not be inferior to those of Beauman.

But perhaps he was preferred. His opportunities: his prior acquaintance with the lady. Distance was no barrier to his addresses. His visits became more and more frequent. Was it not then highly probable that he had gained her affections? But perhaps Beauman was preferred—His opportunities had been greater—He had formed an acquaintance with her. Distance proved no barrier to his addresses. His visits became more and more frequent. Was it not then highly probable that he had secured her affections?

Thus reasoned Theodore, but the reasoning tended not to allay the tempest that was gathering in his bosom. He ordered his carriage, and was in a short time at the seat of Alida’s father. It was summer, and towards evening when he arrived. Alida was sitting by the window when he entered the hall. She arose and received him with a smile. I have just been thinking of an evening’s walk, said she, but had no one to attend me, and you have come just in time to perform that office. I will order tea immediately, while you rest from the fatigues of your journey. Thus reasoned Alonzo, but the reasoning tended not to allay the tempest which was gathering in his bosom. He ordered his horse, and was in a short time at the seat of Melissa’s father. It was summer, and towards evening when he arrived, Melissa was sitting by the window when he entered the hall. She arose and received him with a smile. “I have just been thinking of an evening’s walk, (said she) but had no one to attend me, and you have come just in time to perform that office. I will order tea immediately, while you rest from the fatigues of your journey.”

When tea was served up, a servant entered the room with a letter which he had found in the yard. Alida received it. “’Tis a letter,” said she, which I sent by Bonville to a lady in the village, and the careless man has lost it. Turning to Theodore, I forgot to tell you, that your friend Bonville has been with us a few days; he left us this morning. “My friend,” replied Theodore, hastily. “Is he not your friend?” inquired Alida. “I beg pardon, madam,” said he “my mind was absent.” “He requested us to present his respects to his friend Theodore,” said she. Theodore bowed and turned the conversation. When tea was served up a servant entered the room with a letter which he had found in the yard. Melissa received it.—“’Tis a letter (said she) which I sent by Beauman, to a lady in New-London, and the careless man has lost it.” Turning to Alonzo, “I forgot to tell you that your friend 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,” said she—Alonzo bowed and turned the conversation.

They now walked out, and took a winding path which led through pleasant fields until they reached the water, and continued to pursue their way along the shore till they came to a beautiful and shady grove, where the thick foliage afforded a delightful retreat from the warm rays of the sun, and at the extremity of which was a sloping eminence, which commanded an extensive prospect of the surrounding country, part of Long-Island sound and the junction of the bay with the eastern river. They walked out and took a winding path which led along pleasant fields by a gliding stream through a little grove, and up a sloping eminence, which commanded an extensive prospect of the surrounding country, Long Island and the sound between that and the main land, and the opening there off to the distant ocean.

A soft and silent shower had descended. A thousand transitory gems trembled upon the leafy foliage, glittering in the western ray. A bright rainbow sat upon a southern cloud; the light gales whispered among the branches, agitated the young harvest to billowy motion, and moved the tops of the deep green forest with majestic grandeur; while flocks, herds, and cottages were scattered over the resplendent landscape. A soft and silent shower had descended; a thousand transitory gems trembled upon the foliage glittering in the western ray. A bright rainbow sat upon a southern cloud; the light gales whispered among the branches, agitated the young harvest to billowy motion, or waved the tops of the distant, deep green forest with majestic grandeur. Flocks, herds and cottages were scattered over the variegated landscape.

“This is a most delightful scene,” said Alida. “It is, truly,” replied Theodore, “do you think that New-York can boast of so charming a prospect?” “Yes, one,” answered she, it is the walk on the battery, the water prospect is similar to this, but the landscape is not so variegated. .... “This is a most delightful scene,” said Melissa. It is indeed (replied Alonzo,) can New London boast so charming a prospect?

See that ship, Theodore, coming down the sound, how she ploughs through the white foam, while the breezes flutter in the sails, varying with the vivid rays of the sun. “Yes,” said Theodore, it bounds with rapid motions over the waves, and ere the day has departed it will probably safely reach the wharf of the city. Mel. See that ship, Alonzo, coming up the sound; how she ploughs through the white foam, while the breezes flutter among the sails, varying with the beams of the sun. ... Al. O yes—the ship—it—it bounds with rapid motion over the waves.

They walked leisurely around the hill, and then moved slowly towards home. The sun was sinking gradually behind the western horizon. Twilight arose dimly in the east, and floated along the air. Darkness began to hover around the woodlands and valleys. The beauties of the landscape slowly receded; the breezes had gone down with the sun, and a perfect calm succeeded. A pause ensued. They walked leisurely around the hill, and moved toward home. The sun sunk behind the western hills. Twilight arose in the east, and floated along the air. Darkness began to hover around the woodlands and vallies. The beauties of the landscape slowly receded.

A&M (Melissa speaking)

“I shall never forget this charming promenade,” said Theodore, as he approached the threshold of the door, with a deep drawn sigh, “and the remembrance of the sweet pensive scenery of this delightful spot, will ever continue to haunt my memory.” I shall never forget the sweet pensive scenery of my favorite rock. “Nor I neither,” said Alonzo, with a deep drawn sigh.

CHAPTER VIII.

NY Weekly: Stanzas Addressed to a Young Lady, stz. 4, lines 1–4

To lull affection’s sigh, And dry the tear of sensibility; I’ll think of thee, in all my lonely hours, Though thou, perhaps, may ne’er remember me. To lull the heart-rent pang of Nature’s sigh, And dry the tear of sensibility, In these lone solitary wilds I’ll call on thee, Whilst thou, perhaps, wilt ne’er remember me.

A&M

The next day Theodore returned to his studies; but different from his former visits to Alida, instead of exhilarating his spirits, this had tended to depress them. He doubted whether she was not already engaged to Bonville. His hopes would persuade him this was not the case; but his fears declared otherwise. The next day Alonzo returned to his studies; but different from his former visits to Melissa, instead of exhilarating his spirits, this had tended to depress them. He doubted whether Melissa was not already engaged to Beauman. His hopes would persuade him that this was not the case; but his fears declared otherwise.

It was some time before he renewed his visits again. In the interim he received a letter from a friend in the neighbourhood of Alida’s father; an extract from which follows: “We are soon to have a wedding here; you are acquainted with the parties—Alida M. and Bonville. Such at least is our opinion from appearances, as this gentleman is now there more than half his time. You will undoubtedly be invited. We had expected that you would have put in your claims, from your particular attention to the lady. She is a fine girl, Theodore.” I shall never be a guest at Alida’s wedding, said Theodore, as he hastily paced the room; but I must again see her before that event takes place, when I shall lose her forever. It was some time before Alonzo renewed his visit. In the interim he received a letter from a friend in the neighbourhood of Melissa’s father; an extract from which, follows: “We are soon to have a wedding here; you are acquainted with the parties—Melissa D.—— and Beauman. Such at least is our opinion from appearances, as Beauman is now here more than half his time. You will undoubtedly be a guest. We had expected that you would have put in your claims, 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 he hastily paced the room, “but I must once again see her before that event takes place, when I lose her forever.”

The ensuing day he repaired to her father’s. He inquired for Alida; she was gone with a party to the shores of the sound, attended by Bonville. At evening they returned. Bonville and Theodore addressed each other with much seeming cordiality. “You have deserted us, Theodore,” said Alida, “we concluded you had forgotten the road to this place.” “Was not that a hasty conclusion?” said Theodore. “I think not,” she answered, “if your long absence should be construed into neglect. But we will hear your excuse,” said she, smiling, “by and by, and perhaps pardon you.” The next day he repaired to her father’s. He enquired for Melissa, she was gone with a party to the shores 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 had forgotten the road to this place.” “Was not that a hasty conclusion?” replied Alonzo. “I think not, she answered, if your long absence should be construed into neglect. But we will hear your excuse (said she smiling) by and by, and perhaps pardon you.”

He thanked her for her condescension. He thanked her for her condescension.

The next morning Bonville set out to go to New-York. Theodore observed that he took particular leave of Alida, telling her, in a low voice, that he should have the happiness of seeing her again, within two or three weeks certainly. The next morning Beauman set out for New-London; Alonzo observed that he took a tender leave of Melissa, telling her in a low voice that he should have the happiness of seeing her again within two or three weeks.

After he was gone, as Alida and Theodore were sitting in the room alone, “Well,” said she, “am I to hear your excuses, Theodore?” “For what, madam?” “For neglecting your friends.” “I hope it is not so considered, madam.” “Seriously, then, why have you stayed away so long? Has this place no charms in the absence of my brother?” 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? Melissa. For neglecting your friends. Al. I hope it is not so considered, madam. Mel. Seriously, then, why have you stayed away so long? Has this place no charms in the absence of my brother?

“Would my presence have added to your felicity, Alida?” “You never came an unwelcome visiter here.” “Perhaps I might be sometimes intrusive when Bonville is your guest.” “I have supposed you were on friendly terms,” said she. “We are, but there are seasons when friendship must yield its pretensions to a superior claim.” Al. Would my presence have added to your felicity, Melissa? Mel. You never came an unwelcome visitor 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 a superior claim. ...

“Will you answer me one question, Alida, are you engaged to Bonville?” “He has asked me the same question concerning you,” replied she, (blushing.) Al. Will you, Melissa, answer me one question? ... Al. Are you engaged to Beauman? Mel. [blushing] He has asked me the same question concerning you.

“Do you,” continued Theodore, “prefer him to any other?” Alida, (blushing deeply.) “He has made the same inquiries respecting you.” Al. Do you prefer him to any other? Mel. [deeply blushing, her eyes cast upon the floor] He has made the same enquiry respecting you.

“I beg, madam, you will deal with me candidly,” said Theodore, (taking her hand with anxiety.) “I am entitled to no claims, but you know what my heart would ask. I will bow to your decision. Bonville or Theodore must relinquish their pretensions. We cannot share the blessing.” Al. [Taking her hand with anxiety] Melissa, I beg you will deal candidly. I am entitled to no claims, but you know what my heart would ask. I will bow to your decision. Beauman or Alonzo must relinquish their pretensions. We cannot share the blessing.

The cheeks of Alida were suffused with a varying glow, her lips were pale, her voice tremulous, and her eyes cast down. “My father has informed me,” she said, “that it is improper to receive the particular addresses of more than one. I am conscious of my inadvertency, and that the reproof is just. One, therefore, must be dismissed.” But, (she blushed deeper,) and a considerable pause ensued. Mel. [Her cheeks suffused with a varying glow, her lips pale, 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. I am conscious of my inadvertency, and that the reproof is just. One therefore must be dismissed. But—[she blushed.] A considerable pause ensued.

At length Theodore arose. “I will not press you further,” said he. “I know the delicacy of your feelings; I know your sincerity; I will not therefore insist on your performing the painful task of deciding against me. Your conduct in every point of view has been discreet. I would have no just claims, or if I had, your heart must sanction them, or they would be unhallowed, and unjustifiable. I shall ever pray for your felicity. Our affections are not under our direction; our happiness depends on our obedience to their mandates. Whatever, then, may be my sufferings, you are unblameable, and irreproachable.” At length Alonzo arose—“I will not press you farther, [said he] I know the delicacy of your feeling, I know your sincerity; I will not therefore insist on your performing the painful task of deciding against me. Your conduct, in every point of view, has been discreet. I could have no just claims, or if I had, your heart must sanction them or they would be unhallowed and unjustifiable.—I shall ever pray for your felicity. Our affections are not under our direction; our happiness depends on our obedience to their mandates. Whatever, then, may be my sufferings, you are unblamable and irreproachable.”

He took his hat in extreme agitation, and prepared himself to take leave. Alida had recovered in some degree from her embarrassment, and collected her scattered spirits. He took his hat in extreme agitation, and prepared to take his leave. Melissa had recovered in some degree from her embarrassment, and collected her scattered spirits.

“Your conduct, Theodore,” said she, “is generous and noble. Will you give yourself the trouble, and do me the honour to see me once more?” “I will,” said he, “at any time you shall appoint.” “Your conduct, Alonzo, (said she) is generous and noble. Will you give yourself the trouble, and do me the honor to see me once more?” “I will, [said he] at any time you shall appoint.”

“Four weeks, then,” said she, “from this day, honour me with a visit, and you shall have my decision, and receive my final answer.” “I will be punctual to the day,” he replied, and bade her adieu. “Four weeks, then, [she said] from this day, honor me with a visit, and you shall have my decision, and receive my final answer.” “I will be punctual to the day,” he replied, and bade her adieu.

Theodore’s hours from this time 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, when dewy twilight robed the evening mild, or to trace the forest glen, through which the moon darted her silvery intercepted rays. His agitated thoughts preyed upon his peace incessantly, and deeply disturbed his repose. 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 some lingering stream, “when dewy twilight rob’d the evening mild,” or “to trace the forest glen, thro’ which the moon darted her silvery intercepted ray.” He was fondly indulging a tender passion, which preyed upon his peace, and deeply disturbed his repose.

He looked anxiously to the hour when Alida was to make the decision. He wished, yet dreaded the event. In that he foresaw, or thought he foresaw, a withering blight to all his hopes, and a final consummation to his foreboding fears. He had pressed Alida, perhaps too urgently, to a declaration. Had her predilection been in his favour, would she have hesitated to avow it? Her father had advised her to relinquish one, and to retain the other, nor had he attempted to influence or direct her choice. Was it not evident, then, from her confused hesitation and embarrassment, when solicited to discriminate upon the subject, that her ultimate decision would be in favour of Bonville? He looked anxiously to the hour when Melissa was to make her decision. He wished, yet dreaded the event. In that he foresaw, or thought he foresaw, a withering blight to his budding hopes, and a final consummation to his foreboding fears. He had pressed Melissa, perhaps too urgently, to a declaration. Had her predilection been in his favor, would she have hesitated to avow it? Her parents had advised her to relinquish and had permitted her to retain one suitor, nor had they attempted to influence or direct her choice. Was it not evident, then, from her confused hesitation and embarrassment, when solicited to discriminate upon the subject, that her ultimate decision would be in favor of Beauman?

While Theodore’s mind was thus in agitation, he received a second letter from his friend in the neighbourhood of Alida. He read the following clause therein with emotions more easily to be conceived than expressed: “Alida’s wedding-day is appointed. I need not tell you that Bonville is to be the happy deity of the hymenial sacrifice. I had it from his own declaration. He did not name the positive day, but it is certainly to be soon. You will undoubtedly, however, have timely notice, and receive an invitation.” While Alonzo’s mind was thus agitated, he received a second letter from his friend in the neighborhood of Melissa. He read the following clause therein with emotion more easily to be conceived than expressed:— “Melissa’s wedding day is appointed. I need not tell you that Beauman is to be the happy deity of the Hymeneal sacrifice. I had this from his own declaration. He did not name the positive day, but it is certainly to be soon. You will undoubtedly, however, have timely notice, as a guest.”

“We must pour out a liberal libation upon the mystic altar, Theodore, and twine the nuptial garland with wreaths of joy. Bonville should devote a rich offering to so valuable a prize. He has been here for a week, and departed for New-York yesterday, but is shortly to return.” “We must pour a liberal libation upon the mystic altar, Alonzo, and twine the nuptial garland with wreaths of joy. Beauman ought to devote a rich offering to so valuable a prize. He has been here for a week, and departed for New-London yesterday, but is shortly to return.”

And why have I ever doubted this event? said Theodore. What infatuation hath then led me on in the pursuit of fantastic and unreal bliss? I have had, it is true, no positive assurances that Alida would be disposed to favour my addresses. But why did she ever receive them? Why did she enchantingly smile upon me? Why fascinate the soft powers of my heart by that winning mildness, and the favourable display of those complicated and superior attractions which she must have known were irresistible? And now she would have me dance attendance to her decision in favour of another—insulting; let Bonville and herself make it, as they have formed this farcical decision. I absolutely will never attend it. Why did she not spurn me from her confidence, and plainly tell me that my attentions were untimely and improper? “And why have I ever doubted this event? [said Alonzo.] What infatuation hath thus led me on the pursuit of fantastic and unreal bliss? I have had, it is true, no positive assurance that Melissa would favor my addresses. But why did she ever receive them? Why did she enchantingly smile upon me? Why fascinate the tender powers of my soul by that winning mildness, and the favorable display of those complicated and superior attractions which she must have known were irresistible? Why did she not spurn me from her confidence, and plainly tell me that my attentions were untimely and improper?—And now she would have me dance attendance to her decision, in favor of Beauman—Insulting! Let Beauman and she make, as they have formed, this farcical decision; I absolutely will never attend it.

But, I have engaged to see her at an appointed time; my honour is therefore pledged for an interview; it must take place. I shall endeavour to support it with becoming dignity, and I will convince Alida and Bonville, that I am not the dupe of their caprices. But, let me consider—What has Alida done to deserve censure or reproach? Her brother was my early friend; she has treated me as a friend to that brother. She was unconscious of the affection which her charms and mental graces had kindled in my bosom. Her evident embarrassment, on receiving my declaration, witnessed her surprise and prior attachment. What could she do to save herself the pain of a direct denial? She has appointed a day when her refusal may come in a more delicate and formal manner—and I must therefore meet it. —But stop:—I have engaged to see her at an appointed time; my honor is therefore pledged for an interview; it must take place. I shall support it with becoming dignity, and I will convince Melissa and Beauman that I am not the dupe of their caprices. But let me consider—What has Melissa done to deserve censure or reproach? Her brother was my early friend—she has treated me as a friend to her brother. She was unconscious of the flame which her charms had kindled in my bosom. Her evident embarrassment and confusion on receiving my declaration, witnessed her surprise and prior attachment. What could she do? To save herself the pain of a direct denial she has appointed a day when her refusal may come in a more delicate and formal manner—and I must meet it.”

CHAPTER IX.

Troilus and Cressida, II.ii

The time draws near when I shall meet those eyes, that may perchance look cold on me—“but doubt is called the beacon of the wise, the test that reaches to the bottom of the worst.” but modest doubt is called The beacon of the wise, the tent that searches To th’ bottom of the worst.

A&M

On the appointed day, Theodore proceeded to the house of Alida’s father, where he arrived late in the afternoon. Alida had retired to a little summer-house at the end of the garden. A servant conducted him thither. 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 little summer house at the end of the garden; a servant conducted Alonzo thither.

She was dressed in a flowing robe of white muslin, richly embroidered. Her hair was in dishevelled curls; she was contemplating a bouquet of flowers which she held in her hand. Theodore fancied she never appeared so lovely. She arose to receive him. She was dressed in a flowing robe of white muslin, embroidered with a deep fringe of lace. Her hair hung loosely upon her shoulders—she was 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 for some time, said she; we were anxious to inform you that we have just received a letter from my brother, in which he desires us to present you his most friendly respects, and complains of your not visiting him lately so frequently as usual. Theodore thanked her for the information; said that business had prevented him; he esteemed him as his most valuable friend, and would be more particular in future. “We have been expecting you some time, [said Melissa,] we were anxious to inform you, that we have just received a letter from my brother, in which he desires us to present you his most friendly respects, and complains of your not writing to him lately so frequently as usual.” Alonzo thanked her for the information—said that business had prevented him—he esteemed him as his most valuable friend, and would be more particular in future.

“We have been thronged with company several days,” said Alida. The last of them took their departure yesterday. And I have only to regret, that I have nearly a week been prevented from taking my favourite walk to the grove, to which place you attended me when you were last here. “We will walk there, then, if you have no objections, as no doubt it is much improved since that time,” said Theodore. They resorted thither towards evening, and seated themselves in the arbour where they sat some time contemplating the scenery. “We have been thronged with company for several days, [said Melissa] once a year .... The last of this company took their departure yesterday, and I have only to regret that I have for nearly a week, been prevented from visiting my favorite hill, to which you attended me when you was last here. It is much improved since then; I have had a little arbor built under the large tree on its summit: you will have no objection to view it, Alonzo?” He assured her he accepted the invitation with pleasure, and towards evening they resorted to the place and seated themselves in the arbor. The omitted text, referring to Melissa’s father’s birthday celebration, was used earlier in Alida.