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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Alonzo and Melissa, by 
+Daniel Jackson, Jr. and Isaac Mitchell
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Alonzo and Melissa
+       The Unfeeling Father
+
+Author: Daniel Jackson, Jr.
+        Isaac Mitchell
+
+Release Date: February 18, 2009 [EBook #28112]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ALONZO AND MELISSA ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Louise Hope, David Edwards and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+[Transcriber's Note:
+
+This e-text is based on the 1851 Boston edition of _Alonzo and Melissa_.
+The story originally appeared in 1804 as a serial in the weekly
+_Political Barometer_ of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., written by the newspaper's
+editor, Isaac Mitchell. Pirated versions began to appear in 1811,
+giving Daniel Jackson, Jr., as author.
+
+The book was printed as a single unit, without chapter divisions.
+The breaks in the e-text represent the 22 installments of the serial
+version.
+
+Note that the standard punctuation for dialogue is
+
+  "To this place, said Melissa, have I taken many a solitary walk...."
+
+The following are listed at the end of the e-text:
+
+  Chronology of the Story
+  Quotations
+  Other Editions
+  Errors and Inconsistencies]
+
+
+
+
+  ALONZO AND MELISSA,
+
+    or
+
+  THE UNFEELING FATHER.
+
+    An
+
+  AMERICAN TALE.
+
+
+    In every varied posture, place, and hour,
+    How widowed every thought of every joy!
+
+        YOUNG.
+
+
+  BY DANIEL JACKSON, Jr.
+
+
+  Boston:
+  Printed for the Publishers.
+  1851.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+Whether the story of Alonzo and Melissa will generally please, the
+writer knows not; if, however, he is not mistaken, it is not unfriendly
+to religion and to virtue.--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.
+
+It is also believed that the story contains no indecorous stimulants;
+nor is it filled with unmeaning and inexplicated incidents sounding upon
+the sense, but imperceptible to the understanding. When anxieties have
+been excited by involved and doubtful events, they are afterwards
+elucidated by the consequences.
+
+The writer believes that generally he has copied nature. In the ardent
+prospects raised in youthful bosoms, the almost consummation of their
+wishes, their sudden and unexpected disappointment, the sorrows of
+separation, the joyous and unlooked for meeting--in the poignant
+feelings of Alonzo, when, at the grave of Melissa, he poured the
+feelings of his anguished soul over her miniature by the "moon's pale
+ray;"----when Melissa, sinking on her knees before her father, was
+received to his bosom as a beloved daughter risen from the dead.
+
+If these scenes are not imperfectly drawn, they will not fail to
+interest the refined sensibilities of the reader.
+
+
+
+
+ALONZO AND MELISSA.
+
+A TALE.
+
+
+In the time of the late revolution, two young gentlemen of Connecticut,
+who had formed an indissoluble friendship, graduated at Yale College 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 amusements of the day, and
+in travelling through some parts of the United States.
+
+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; which invitation he
+readily accepted, and on the day appointed set out for New-London, where
+he arrived, delivered his introductory letters to Edgar's cousin, and
+was received with the most friendly politeness.
+
+Melissa, the sister of Edgar, was about sixteen years of age. She was
+not what is esteemed a striking beauty, but her appearance was
+pleasingly interesting. Her figure was elegant; her aspect was
+attempered with a pensive mildness, which in her cheerful moments would
+light up into sprightliness and vivacity. Though on first impression,
+her countenance was marked by a sweet and thoughtful serenity, yet she
+eminently possessed the power to
+
+  "Call round her laughing eyes, in playful turns,
+  The glance that lightens, and the smile that burns."
+
+Her mind was adorned with those delicate graces which are the first
+ornaments of female excellence. Her manners were graceful without
+affectation, and her taste had been properly directed by a suitable
+education.
+
+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;
+
+  "For far beyond the pride and pomp of power,
+  He lov'd the realms of nature to explore;
+  With lingering gaze Edinian spring survey'd;
+  Morn's fairy splendours; night's gay curtained shade,
+  The high hoar cliff, the grove's benighting gloom,
+  The wild rose, widowed o'er the mouldering tomb;
+  The heaven embosom'd sun; the rainbow's dye,
+  Where lucid forms disport to fancy's eye;
+  The vernal flower, mild autumn's purpling glow,
+  The summer's thunder and the winter's snow."
+
+It was evening when Alonzo arrived at the house of Edgar's cousin.
+Melissa was at a ball which had been given on a matrimonial occasion in
+the town. Her cousin waited on Alonzo to the ball, and introduced him to
+Melissa, who received him with politeness. 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.
+
+After the ball closed, they returned to the house of Edgar's cousin.
+Melissa's partner at the ball was the son of a gentleman of 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;
+gave taste its zest, and was quite a favorite with the ladies generally.
+His name was Beauman.
+
+Edgar's cousin proposed to detain Alonzo and Melissa a few days, during
+which time they passed in visiting select friends and social parties.
+Beauman was an assiduous attendant upon Melissa. He came one afternoon
+to invite her to ride out;--she was indisposed and excused herself. At
+evening she proposed walking out with her cousin and his lady; but they
+were prevented from attending her by unexpected company. Alonzo offered
+to accompany her. It was one of those beautiful evenings in the month of
+June, when nature in those parts of America is arrayed in her richest
+dress. They left the town and walked through fields adjoining the
+harbour.--The moon shone in full lustre, her white beams trembling upon
+the glassy main, where skiffs and sails of various descriptions 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,
+while the whippoorwill's sprightly song echoed along the adjacent
+groves. Far in the eastern horizon hung a pile of brazen clouds, which
+had passed from the north, over which, the crinkling red lightning
+momentarily darted, and at times, long peals of thunder were faintly
+heard. They walked to a point of the beach, where stood a large rock
+whose base was washed by every tide. On this rock they seated
+themselves, and enjoyed a while the splendours of the scene--the drapery
+of nature. "To this place, said Melissa, have I taken many a solitary
+walk, on such an evening as this, and seated on this rock, have I
+experienced more pleasing sensations than I ever received in the most
+splendid ball-room." The idea impressed the mind of Alonzo; it was
+congenial with the feeling of his soul.
+
+They returned at a late hour, and the next day set out for home. Beauman
+handed Melissa into the carriage, and he, with Edgar's cousin and his
+lady, attended them on their first day's journey. They put up at night
+at the house of an acquaintance in Branford. The next morning they
+parted; Melissa's cousin, his lady and Beauman, returned to New-London;
+Alonzo and Melissa pursued their journey, and at evening arrived at her
+father's house, which was in the westerly part of the state.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Melissa was received with joyful tenderness by her friends. Edgar soon
+recovered from his fall, and cheerfulness again assumed its most
+pleasing aspect in the family.--Edgar's father was a plain Connecticut
+farmer. He was rich, and his riches had been acquired by his diligent
+attention to business. He had loaned money, and taken mortgages on lands
+and houses for securities; and as payment frequently failed, he often
+had opportunities of purchasing the involved premises at his own price.
+He well knew the worth of a shilling, and how to apply it to its best
+use; and in casting interest, he was sure never to lose a farthing.
+He had no other children except Edgar and Melissa, on whom he
+doated.--Destitute of literature himself, he had provided the means of
+obtaining it for his son, and as he was a rigid presbyterian, he
+considered that Edgar could no where figure so well, or gain more
+eminence, than in the sacred desk.
+
+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 hither. 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?
+
+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? In the
+recess of his studies, he could, in a few hours, be at the seat of her
+father: 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; 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
+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 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. 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 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
+thereof to the distant ocean.
+
+A soft and silent shower had descended; a thousand transitory gems
+trembled upon the foliage glittering 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.
+
+Hills piled on hills, receding, faded from the pursuing eye, mingling
+with the blue mist which hovered around the extreme verge of the
+horizon. "This is a most delightful scene," said Melissa.
+
+"It is indeed, replied Alonzo; can New-London boast so charming a
+prospect?"
+
+Melissa. No--yes; indeed I can hardly say. You know, Alonzo, how I am
+charmed with the rock at the point of the beach.
+
+Alonzo. You told me of the happy hours you had passed at that place.
+Perhaps the company which attended you there, gave the scenery its
+highest embellishment.
+
+Melissa. I know not how it happened; but you are the only person who
+ever attended me there.
+
+Alonzo. That is a little surprising.
+
+Mel. Why surprising?
+
+Al. Where was Beauman?
+
+Mel. Perhaps he was not fond of solitude. Besides he was not always my
+Beauman.
+
+Al. Sometimes.
+
+Mel. Yes, sometimes.
+
+Al. And now always.
+
+Mel. Not this evening.
+
+Al. He formerly.
+
+Mel. Well.
+
+Al. And will soon claim the exclusive privilege so to do.
+
+Mel. That does not follow of course.
+
+Al. Of course, if his intentions are sincere, and the wishes of another
+should accord therewith.
+
+Mel. Who am I to understand by another?
+
+Al. Melissa. [A pause ensued.]
+
+Mel. See that ship, Alonzo, coming up the sound; how she ploughs through
+the white foam, while the breezes flutter among the sails, varying with
+the beams of the sun.
+
+Al. Yes, it is almost down.
+
+Mel. What is almost down?
+
+Al. The sun. Was not you speaking of the sun, madam?
+
+Mel. Your mind is absent, Alonzo; I was speaking of yonder ship.
+
+Al. I beg pardon, madam. O yes--the ship--it--it bounds with rapid
+motion over the waves.
+
+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.
+"This reminds me of our walk at New-London," said Melissa. "Do you
+remember it?" enquired Alonzo. "Certainly I do," she replied, "I shall
+never forget the sweet pensive scenery of my favourite rock." "Nor I
+neither," said Alonzo with a deep drawn sigh.
+
+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 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 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.
+
+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 Melissa and Alonzo were sitting in a room alone,
+"Well, said she, am I to hear your excuses?"
+
+Alonzo. For what, madam?
+
+Mel. For neglecting your friends.
+
+Alonzo. I hope it is not so considered, madam.
+
+Mel. Seriously, then, why have you stayed away so long? Has this place
+no charms in the absence of my brother?
+
+Al. Would my presence have added to your felicities, Melissa?
+
+Mel. You never came an unwelcome visiter here.
+
+Al. Perhaps I might be sometimes intrusive.
+
+Mel. What times?
+
+Al. When Beauman is your guest.
+
+Mel. I have supposed you were on friendly terms.
+
+Al. We are.
+
+Mel. Why then intrusive?
+
+Al. There are seasons when friendship must yield its pretensions to a
+superior claim.
+
+Mel. Perhaps I do not rightly comprehend the force of that remark.
+
+Al. Was Beauman here, my position might be demonstrated.
+
+Mel. I think I understand you.
+
+Al. And acknowledge my observation to be just?
+
+Mel. (hesitating.) Yes--I believe I must.
+
+Al. And appropriate?
+
+Melissa was silent.
+
+Al. You hesitate, Melissa.
+
+She was still silent.
+
+Al. Will you, Melissa, answer me one question?
+
+Mel. (confused.) If it be a proper one you are entitled to candour.
+
+Al. Are you engaged to Beauman?
+
+Mel. (blushing.) He has asked me the same question concerning you.
+
+Al. Do you prefer him to any other?
+
+Mel. (deeply blushing, her eyes cast upon the floor.) He has made the
+same enquiry respecting you.
+
+Al. Has he asked your father's permission to address you?
+
+Mel. That I have not suffered him yet to do.
+
+Al. Yet!
+
+Mel. I assure you I have not.
+
+Al. (taking her hand with anxiety.) Melissa, I beg you will 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.
+
+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 hesitated.)
+
+A considerable pause ensued. 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 unblameable and
+irreproachable." 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, Alonzo, 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."--"Four weeks then, she said, 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.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+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, through 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
+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 favour, 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 favour of Beauman?
+
+While Alonzo's mind was thus agitated, he received a second letter from
+his friend in the neighbourhood of Melissa. He read the following clause
+therein with emotions 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 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 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 favour 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 favourable 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 favour of Beauman--Insulting! Let Beauman
+and she make, as they have formed, this farcical decision; I absolutely
+will never attend it.--But stop: I have engaged to see her at an
+appointed time; my honour 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 had
+appointed a day when her refusal may come in a more delicate and formal
+manner--and I must meet it."
+
+At the appointed day, Alonzo proceeded to the house of Melissa's father,
+where he arrived late in the afternoon. Melissa had retired to a little
+summer house at the end of the garden; a servant conducted Alonzo
+thither. She was dressed in a flowing robe of white muslin, embroidered
+with a deep fringe 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 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 prevented
+him; he esteemed him as his most valuable friend, and would be more
+particular in future.
+
+"We have been thronged with company for several days, said Melissa. Once
+a year my father celebrates his birth day, when we are honoured 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. 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 favourite hill, to which you attended me
+when you was last here. It is much improved since then: I have had a
+little arbour 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 arbour.
+
+It was the beginning of autumn, and a yellow hue was spread over the
+fading charms of nature. The withering forest began to shed its decaying
+foliage, which the light gales pursued along the russet fields. The low
+sun extended the lengthening shadows; curling smoke ascended from the
+surrounding cottages. A thick fog crept along the vallies; a gray mist
+hovered over the tops of the mountains. The glassy surface of the sound
+glittered to the sun's departing ray. The solemn herds lowed in
+monotonous symphony. The autumnal insects in sympathetic wafting,
+plaintively predicted their approaching fate. "The scene is changed
+since we last visited this place, said Melissa; the gay charms of summer
+are beginning to decay, and must soon yield their splendors to the rude
+despoiling hand of winter."
+
+"That will be the case, said Alonzo, before I shall have the pleasure of
+your company here again."
+
+Mel. That probably may be, though it is nearly two months yet to winter.
+
+Al. Great changes may take place within that time.
+
+Mel. Yes, changes must take place; but nothing, I hope, to embitter
+present prospects.
+
+Al. (peevishly.) As it respects yourself, I trust not, madam.
+
+Mel. (tenderly.) And I sincerely hope not, as it respects you, Alonzo.
+
+Al. That wish, I believe, is vain.
+
+Mel. Why so ominous a prediction?
+
+Al. The premises, from which it is drawn, are correct.
+
+Mel. Your feelings accord with the season, Alonzo; you are melancholy.
+Shall we return?
+
+Al. I ask your pardon, madam; I know I am unsociable. You speak of
+returning: You know the occasion of my being here.
+
+Mel. For the purpose of visiting your friends, I presume.
+
+Al. And no other?
+
+She made no reply.
+
+Al. You cannot have forgotten your own appointment, and consequent
+engagement?
+
+She made no answer.
+
+Al. I know, Melissa, that you are incapable of duplicity or evasion.
+I have promised, and now repeat the declaration, that I will silently
+submit to your decision. This you have engaged to make, and this is the
+time you have appointed. The pains of present suspense can scarcely be
+surpassed by the pangs of disappointment. On your part you have nothing
+to fear. I trust you have candidly determined, and will decide
+explicitly.
+
+Mel. (sighing.) I am placed in an exceedingly delicate situation.
+
+Al. I know you are; but your own honour, your own peace, require that
+you should extricate yourself from the perplexing embarrassment.
+
+Mel. I am sensible they do. It must--it shall be done.
+
+Al. And the sooner it is done the better.
+
+Mel. That I am convinced of. I now know that I have been inadvertently
+indiscreet. I have admitted the addresses of Beauman and yourself,
+without calculating or expecting the consequences. You have both treated
+me honourably, and with respect. You are both on equal grounds as to
+your character and standing in life. With Beauman I became first
+acquainted. As it relates to him, some new arrangements have taken place
+since you were here, which----
+
+Al. (interrupting her, with emotion.) Of those arrangements I am
+acquainted.
+
+Mel. (surprised.) By what means were you informed thereof?
+
+Al. I received it from a friend in your neighbourhood.
+
+A considerable pause ensued.
+
+Al. You see, Melissa, I am prepared for the event.--She was silent.
+
+Al. I have mentioned before, that, whatever be your decision, no
+impropriety can attach to you. I might not, indeed, from various
+circumstances, and from the information I possess, I perhaps should not,
+have given you farther trouble on the occasion, had it not been from
+your own direction and appointment. And I am now willing to retire
+without further explanation, without giving you the pain of an express
+decision, if you think the measure expedient. Your declaration can only
+be a matter of form, the consequence of which I know, and my proposition
+may save your feelings.
+
+Mel. No, Alonzo; my reputation depends on my adherence to my first
+determination; justice to yourself and to Beauman also demand it. After
+what has passed, I should be considered as acting capriciously and
+inconsistently, should I depart from it. Beauman will be here to-morrow,
+and----
+
+Al. To-morrow, madam?
+
+Mel. He will be here to-morrow, and you must consent to stay with us
+until that time; the matter shall then be decided.
+
+Al. I--yes--it shall be as you say, madam. Make your arrangements as you
+please.
+
+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 "slitty 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 palely
+lustre thro' the gloom. The solitary whippoorwills stationed themselves
+along the woody glens, the groves and rocky pastures, and sung a requiem
+to departed summer. A dark cloud was rising in the west, across whose
+gloomy front the vivid lightning bent its forky spires.
+
+Alonzo and Melissa moved slowly to the village; she appeared enraptured
+with the melancholy splendours of the evening, but the other subject
+engaged the mental attention of Alonzo.
+
+Beauman arrived the next day. He gave his hand to Alonzo with seeming
+warmth of friendship. If it was reciprocated, it must have been
+affected. There was no alteration in the manners and conversation of
+Melissa: her conversation, as usual, was sprightly and interesting.
+After dinner she retired, and her father requested Alonzo and Beauman to
+withdraw with him to a private room. After they were seated, the old
+gentleman thus addressed them:
+
+"I have called you here, gentlemen, to perform my duty as a parent to my
+daughter, and as a friend to you. You are both suitors to Melissa; while
+your addresses were merely formal, they were innocent; but when they
+became serious they were dangerous. Your pretensions I consider equal,
+and between honourable pretenders, who are worthy of my daughter,
+I shall not attempt to influence her choice. That choice, however, can
+rest only on one: she has engaged to decide between you. I am come to
+make, in her name, this decision. The following are my terms:--No
+quarrel or difficulty shall arise between you, gentlemen, in consequence
+of her determination. Nothing shall go abroad respecting the affair;
+it shall be ended under my roof. As soon as I have pronounced her
+declaration, you shall both depart and absent my house for at least two
+weeks, as it would be improper for my daughter to see either of you at
+present: after that period I shall be happy to receive your
+visits."--Alonzo and Beauman pledged their honour to abide implicitly by
+these injunctions. Her father then observed--"This, gentlemen, is all I
+require. I have observed that I considered your pretensions equal: so
+has my daughter treated them. You have both made professions to her; she
+has appointed a time to answer you. That time has arrived, and I now
+inform you that she has decided in favour of--Alonzo."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The declaration of Melissa's father burst upon the mental powers of
+Beauman, like a sudden and tremendous clap of thunder on the deep and
+solemn silence of night. Unaccustomed to disappointment, he had
+calculated on success. His addresses to the ladies had ever been
+honourably received.
+
+Melissa was the first whose charms were capable of rendering them
+sincere. He was not ignorant of Alonzo's attention to her: it gave him
+however but little uneasiness. He believed that his superior
+qualifications would eclipse the pretensions of his rival. He considered
+himself a connoisseur in character, especially in the character of the
+ladies. He conformed to their taste; he flattered their foibles, and
+obsequiously bowed to the minutia of female volatility. He considered
+himself skilled in the language of the heart; and he trusted that from
+his pre-eminent powers in the science of affection, he had only to see,
+to sue and to conquer. He had frankly offered his hand to Melissa, and
+pressed her for a decisive answer. This from time to time she suspended,
+and finally appointed a day to give him and Alonzo a determinate answer,
+though neither knew the arrangements made with the other.
+
+Finding, however, the dilemma in which she was placed, she had
+previously consulted her parents. Her father had no objection to her
+choosing between two persons of equal claims to affluence and
+reputation; this choice she had made, and her father was considered the
+most proper person to pronounce it.
+
+When Beauman had urged his suit to Melissa, he supposed that her
+hesitations, delays and suspensions, were only the effects of maiden
+diffidence and timidity. He had no suspicions of her ultimately
+rejecting it; and when she finally named the day of decision, he was
+confident she would decide in his favour. These sentiments he had
+communicated to the person who had written to Alonzo, intimating that
+Melissa had fixed a time which was to crown his happiest wishes.
+
+He had listened therefore attentively to the words of Melissa's father,
+momentarily expecting to hear himself declared the favourite choice of
+the fair.
+
+What then must have been his disappointment when the name of Alonzo was
+pronounced instead of his own! The highly finished scene of pleasure and
+future prosperity which his ardent imagination had depicted, had
+vanished in a moment. The rainbow glories which gilded his youthful
+horizon, had faded in an instant--the bright sun of his early hopes had
+set in mournful darkness. The summons of death would not have been more
+unexpected, or more shocking to his imagination.
+
+Very different were the sensations which inspired the bosom of Alonzo.
+He had not even calculated on a decision in his own favour. He believed
+that Beauman would be the choice of Melissa. She had told him that the
+form of decision was necessary to save appearances: with this form he
+complied because she desired it, not because he expected the result
+would be in his favour. He had not therefore attended to the words of
+Melissa's father with that eagerness which favourable anticipations
+commonly produce. But when his name was mentioned; when he found he was
+the choice--the happy favourite of Melissa's affection, every tender
+passion of his soul became interested, and was suddenly aroused to the
+refinements of sensibility. Like an electric shock, it reanimated his
+whole frame, and vibrated every nerve of his heart. The glooms which
+hung about his mind were dissipated, and the bright morning of joy broke
+in upon his soul.
+
+Thus were the expectations of Alonzo and Beauman disappointed--how
+differently, the sequel has shown.
+
+Melissa's father retired immediately after pronouncing the declaration;
+the two young gentlemen also soon after withdrew. Alonzo saw the tempest
+which tore the bosom of his rival, and he pitied him from his heart.
+
+A fortnight passed, and Alonzo felt all that anxiety and impatience
+which a separation from a beloved object can produce. He framed a
+thousand excuses to visit Melissa, yet he feared a visit might be
+premature. He was, however, necessitated to make a journey to a distant
+part of the country, after which he resolved to see Melissa. He
+performed his business, and was returning. It was toward evening, and
+the day had been uncommonly sultry for the autumnal season. A rising
+shower blackened the western hemisphere; the dark vapour ascended in
+folding ridges, and the thunder rolled at a distance. Alonzo saw he
+should be overtaken. He discovered an elegant seat about one hundred
+yards distant from the road; thither he hastened to gain shelter from
+the approaching storm. The owner of the mansion met him at the door,
+politely invited him to alight and walk in, while a servant stood ready
+to take his horse. He was ushered into a large room neatly furnished,
+where the family and several young ladies were sitting. As Alonzo
+glanced his eyes hastily around the room, he thought he recognized a
+familiar countenance. A hurried succession of confused ideas for a
+moment crossed his recollection. In a moment he discovered that it was
+Melissa. By this unexpected meeting they were both completely
+embarrassed. Melissa, however, arose, and in rather a confused manner,
+introduced Alonzo, as the classmate of her brother, to the family of Mr.
+Simpson and the company.
+
+The rain continued most part of the afternoon. Alonzo was invited, and
+consented to stay all night. A moon-light evening succeeded the shower,
+which invited the young people to walk in an adjoining garden. Melissa
+told Alonzo that Mr. Simpson was a distant relative of her father; his
+family consisted of his wife, two amiable daughters, not far from
+Melissa's age, and one son, named William, about seventeen years old.
+She had been invited there to pass a week, and expected to return within
+two days. And she added, smiling, "perhaps, Alonzo, we may have an
+opportunity once more to visit the bower on my prospect hill, before
+winter entirely destroys the remaining beauties of the summer." Alonzo
+felt all the force of the remark. He recollected the conversation when
+they were last at the place she mentioned; and he well remembered his
+feelings on that occasion.
+
+"Great changes, indeed, he replied, have taken place since we were last
+there: that they are productive of unexpected and unexampled happiness
+to me, is due, Melissa, to you alone." Alonzo departed the next morning,
+appointing the next week to visit Melissa at her father's house.
+
+Thus were the obstacles removed which presented a barrier to the united
+wishes of Alonzo and Melissa. They had not, it is true, been separated
+by wide seas, unfeeling parents, or the rigorous laws of war; but
+troubles, vexations, doubts and difficulties, had thus far attended
+them, which had now disappeared, and they calculated on no unpropitious
+event which might thwart their future union. All the time that Alonzo
+could spare from his studies was devoted to Melissa, and their parents
+began to calculate on joining their hands as soon as Alonzo's
+professional term of study was completed.
+
+The troubles which gave rise to the disseveration of England from
+America had already commenced, which broke out the ensuing spring into
+actual hostilities, by the battle at Lexington, followed soon after by
+the battle at Bunker Hill. The panic and general bustle which took place
+in America on these events, is yet well remembered by many. They were
+not calculated to impress the mind of Melissa with the most pleasing
+sensations. She foresaw that the burden of the war must rest on the
+American youth, and she trembled in anticipation for the fate of Alonzo.
+He, with others, should the war continue, must take the field, in
+defence of his country. The effects of such a separation were dubious
+and gloomy. Alonzo and she frequently discoursed, and they agreed to
+form the mystic union previous to any wide separation.
+
+One event tended to hasten this resolution. The attorney in whose office
+Alonzo was clerk, received a commission in the new raised American army,
+and marched to the lines near Boston. His business was therefore
+suspended, and Alonzo returned to the house of his father. He considered
+that he could not long remain a mere spectator of the contest, and that
+it might soon be his duty to take the field; he therefore concluded it
+best to hasten his marriage with Melissa. She consented to the
+proposition, and their parents made the necessary arrangements for the
+event. They had even fixed upon the place which was to be the future
+residence of this happy couple. It was a pleasantly situated village,
+surrounded by rugged elevations, which gave an air of serenity and
+seclusion to the valley they encircled. On the south arose a spacious
+hill, which was ascended by a gradual acclivity; its sides and summit
+interspersed with orchards, arbours, and cultivated fields. On the west,
+forests unevenly lifted their rude heads, with here and there a solitary
+field, newly cleared, and thinly scattered with cottages. To the east,
+the eye extended over a soil, at one time swelling into craggy
+elevations, and at another spreading itself into vales of the most
+enchanting verdure. To the north it extended over a vast succession of
+mountains, wooded to their summits, and throwing their shadows over
+intervales of equal wilderness, till at length it was arrested in its
+excursions by the blue mists which hovered over mountains more grand,
+majestic and lofty.[A] A rivulet which rushed from the hills, formed a
+little lake on the borders of the village, which beautifully reflected
+the cottages from its transparent bosom. Amidst a cluster of locusts and
+weeping willows, rose the spire of the church, in the ungarnished
+decency of Sunday neatness. Fields, gardens, meadows, and pastures were
+spread around the valley, and on the sides of the declivities, yielding
+in their season the rich flowers, fruits and foliage of spring, summer
+and autumn. The inhabitants of this modern Auvernum were mostly farmers.
+They were mild, sociable, moral and diligent. The produce of their own
+flocks and fields gave them most of their food and clothing. To
+dissipation they were strangers, and the luxuries of their tables were
+few.
+
+    [Footnote A: Some who read this description will readily recognize
+    the village here described.]
+
+Such was the place for the residence of Alonzo and Melissa. They had
+visited the spot, and were enraptured with its pensive, romantic
+beauties. A site was marked out whereon to erect their family mansion.
+It was on a little eminence which sloped gradually to the lake, in the
+most pleasant part of the village. "Here, said Alonzo one day to
+Melissa, will we pass our days in all that felicity of mind which the
+chequered scenes of life admit. In the spring we will rove among the
+flowers. In summer, we will gather strawberries in yonder fields, or
+whortleberries from the adjacent shrubbery. The breezes of fragrant
+morning, and the sighs of the evening gale, will be mingled with the
+songs of the thousand various birds which frequent the surrounding
+groves. We will gather the bending fruits of autumn, and we will listen
+to the hoarse voice of winter, its whistling winds, its driving snow,
+and rattling hail, with delight."
+
+The bright gems of joy glistened in the eyes of Melissa. With Alonzo she
+anticipated approaching happiness, and her bosom beat in rapturous
+unison.
+
+Winter came on; it rapidly passed away. Spring advanced, and the
+marriage day was appointed.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The spring opened with the din of preparation throughout America for
+defensive war. It now was found that vigorous measures must be pursued
+to oppose the torrent which was preparing to overwhelm the colonies,
+which had now been dissevered from the British empire, by the
+declaration of independence. The continental army was now raising, and
+great numbers of American youth volunteered in the service of their
+country. A large army of reinforcements was soon expected from England
+to land on our shores, and "the confused noise of the warriors, and
+garments rolled in blood," were already anticipated.
+
+Alonzo had received a commission in a regiment of militia, and was
+pressed by several young gentlemen of his acquaintance, who had entered
+the army, to join it also. He had an excuse. His father was a man in
+extensive business, was considerably past the prime of life, had a
+number of agents and clerks under him, but began to grow unable to
+attend to the various and burthensome duties and demands of a mercantile
+life.
+
+Alonzo was his only son; his assistance therefore became necessary
+until, at least, his father could bring his business to a close, which
+he was now about to effect. Alonzo stated these facts to his friends;
+told them that on every occasion he should be ready to fly to the post
+of danger when his country was invaded, and that as soon as his father's
+affairs should be settled, he would, if necessary, willingly join the
+army.
+
+The day now rapidly approached when Alonzo was to make Melissa his own.
+Preparations for the hymeneal ceremony were making, and invitations had
+already gone abroad. Edgar, the brother of Melissa, had entered the army
+in the capacity of chaplain. He was soon expected home, where he
+intended to tarry until the consummation of the nuptials, before he set
+out for the camp. Letters recently received from him, informed that he
+expected to be at his father's in three or four days.
+
+About three weeks previous to the appointed marriage day, Alonzo and
+Melissa one afternoon rode out to the village which had been chosen for
+their future residence. Their carriage stopped at the only inn in the
+place, and from thence they walked around this modern Vaucluse, charmed
+with the secluded beauties of its situation. They passed a little time
+at the spot selected for their habitation; they projected the structure
+of the buildings, planned the gardens, the artificial groves, the walks,
+the mead, the fountains, and the green retreat of the summer house, and
+they already saw, in anticipation, the various domestic blessings and
+felicities with which they were to be surrounded.
+
+They took tea at the inn, and prepared to return. It was at the latter
+end of the month of May, and nature was adorned in the bridal ornaments
+of spring; the sun was sunk behind the groves, which cast their sombre
+shades over the valley, while the retiring beams of day adorned the
+distant eastern eminences with yellow lustre.
+
+The birds sung melodiously in the groves, the air was freshened by light
+western breezes, bearing upon their wings all the entrancing odours of
+the season. Around the horizon, electric clouds raised their brazen
+summits, based in the black vapour of approaching night.
+
+They slowly ascended the hill south of the town, where they paused a few
+moments to enjoy the splendours of the evening scene. This hill, which
+commanded a prospect of all the surrounding country, the distant sound,
+and the adjacent towns and villages, presented to the eye, on a single
+view, perhaps one of the most picturesque draperies painted by nature.
+Alonzo attended Melissa to her father's, and the next day returned home.
+
+His father had been absent for three or four days to one of the
+commercial seaports, on business with some merchants with whom he was
+connected in trade. He returned the next day after Alonzo got home:--his
+aspect and his conversation were marked with an assumed and unmeaning
+cheerfulness. At supper he ate nothing, discoursed much, but in an
+unconnected and hurried manner, interrupted by long pauses, in which he
+appeared to be buried in contemplation.
+
+After supper, he asked Alonzo if it were not possible that his marriage
+with Melissa could be consummated within a few days. Alonzo, startled at
+so unexpected a question, replied, that such a proposal would be
+considered extraordinary, perhaps improper: besides, when Melissa had
+fixed the day, she mentioned that she had an uncle who lived near
+Charleston, in South Carolina, whose daughter was to pass the summer
+with Melissa, and was expected to arrive before the appointed day. It
+would, he said, be a delicate point for him to request her to anticipate
+the nuptials, unless he could give some cogent reasons for so doing; and
+at present he was not apprised that any such existed. His father, after
+a few moments hesitation, answered, "I have reasons, which, when
+told"--here he stopped, suddenly arose, hastily walked the room in much
+visible agony of mind, and then retired to his chamber.
+
+Alonzo and his mother were much amazed at so strange a proceeding. They
+could form no conjecture of its cause or its consequence. Alonzo passed
+a sleepless night. His father's slumbers were interrupted. He would
+frequently start up in the bed, then sink in restless sleep, with
+incoherent mutterings, and plaintive moans. In the morning, when he
+appeared at breakfast, his countenance wore the marks of dejection and
+anguish.
+
+He scarcely spoke a word, and after the table was removed, he ordered
+all to withdraw except his wife and Alonzo; when, with emotions that
+spoke the painful feelings of his bosom, he thus addressed them:
+
+"For more than forty years I have toiled early and late to acquire
+independence and ease for myself and my family. To accomplish this,
+I became connected with some English importing merchants in a seaport
+town, and went largely into the English trade. Success crowned our
+endeavours; on balancing our accounts two years ago, we found that our
+expectations were answered, and that we were now sufficiently wealthy to
+close business, which some proposed to do; it was, however, agreed to
+make one effort more, as some favourable circumstances appeared to
+offer, in which we adventured very largely, on a fair calculation of
+liberal and extensive proceeds.
+
+"Before returns could be made, the war came on, embarrassments ensued,
+and by indubitable intelligence lately received, we find that our
+property in England has been sequestered; five of our ships, laden with
+English goods, lying in English harbours, and just ready to sail for
+America, have been seized as lawful prizes. Added to this, three vessels
+from the Indies, laden with island produce, have been taken on their
+homeward bound voyage, and one lost on her return from Holland. This
+wreck of fortune I might have survived, had I to sustain only my equal
+dividend of the loss: but of the merchants with whom I have been
+connected, not one remains to share the fate of the event; all have
+absconded or secreted themselves. To attempt to compound with my
+creditors would be of little avail; my whole fortune will not pay one
+fourth of the debts; so that, compound or not, the consequence to me is
+inevitable ruin.
+
+"To abscond would not secure me, as most of my remaining property is
+vested in real estate. And even if it would, I could not consent to it:
+I could not consent to banish myself from my country; to flee like a
+felon; to skulk from society with the base view of defrauding my
+creditors. No, I have lived honestly, and honestly will I die. By fair
+application and long industry my wealth has been obtained; and it shall
+never justly be said, that the reputation of my latter days was stained
+with acts of baseness and meanness. I have notified and procured a
+meeting of the creditors, and have laid the matters before them. Some
+appeared favourable to me; others insinuated that we were all connected
+in fraudulent designs, to swindle our creditors. This I repelled with
+becoming spirit, and was in consequence threatened with immediate
+prosecution. Whatever may be the event, I had some hopes that your
+happiness, Alonzo, might yet be secured. Hence I proposed your union
+with Melissa, before our misfortunes should be promulgated. Your parents
+are old; a little will serve the residue of their days. With your
+acquirements you may make your way in life. I shall have no property to
+give you; but I would still wish you to secure that which you prize far
+above, and without which, both honours and emoluments are unimportant
+and worthless."
+
+At this moment a loud rap at the door interrupted the discourse, and
+three men were ushered in, which proved to be the sheriff and his
+attendants, sent by the more inexorable creditors of Alonzo's father and
+company, to level on the property of the former, which orders they
+faithfully executed, by seizing the lands, tenements and furniture, and
+finally arresting the body of the old gentleman, which was soon released
+by his friendly neighbours becoming bail for his appearance; but the
+property was soon after sold at public vendue, at less than half its
+value, and Alonzo's father and mother were compelled to abandon the
+premises, and take shelter in a little hut, belonging to a neighbouring
+farmer, illy and temporarily furnished by the gratuitous liberality of a
+few friends.
+
+We will not stop the reader to moralize on this disastrous event. The
+feelings of the family can better be conceived than detailed. Hurled in
+a moment from the lofty summit of affluence to the low and barren vale
+of poverty! Philosophy came to the aid of the parents, but who can
+realise the feelings of the son! Thus suddenly cut short of his
+prospects, not only of future independence, but even of support, what
+would be the event of his suit to Melissa, and stipulated marriage? Was
+it not probable that her father would now cancel the contract? Could she
+consent to be his wife in his present penurious situation?--And indeed,
+could he himself consent to make her his wife, to make her miserable?
+
+In this agitated frame of mind he received a letter from his friend in
+Melissa's neighbourhood, requesting him to come immediately to his
+house, whither he repaired the following day. This person had ever been
+the unchanging friend of Alonzo; he had heard of the misfortunes of his
+family, and he deeply sympathized in his distress. He had lately married
+and settled in life: his name was Vincent.
+
+When Alonzo arrived at the house of his friend, he was received with the
+same disinterested ardour he ever had been in the day of his most
+unbounded prosperity.--After being seated, Vincent told him that the
+occasion of his sending for him was to propose the adoption of certain
+measures which he doubted not might be considered highly beneficial as
+it respected his future peace and happiness. "Your family misfortunes,
+continued Vincent, have reached the ears of Melissa's father. I know the
+old gentleman too well to believe he will consent to receive you as his
+son-in-law, under your present embarrassments. Money is the god to which
+he implicitly bows. The case is difficult, but not insurmountable. You
+must first see Melissa; she is now in the next room. I will introduce
+you in; converse with her, after which I will lay my plan before you."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Alonzo entered the room; Melissa was sitting by a window which looked
+into a pleasant garden, and over verdant meadows whose tall grass waved
+to the evening breeze. Farther on, low vallies spread their umbrageous
+thickets, where the dusky shadows of night had begun to assemble.
+
+On high hills beyond, the tops of lofty forests, majestically moved by
+the billowy gales, caught the sun's last ray. Fleecy summer clouds
+hovered around the verge of the western horizon, spangled with silvery
+tints or fringed with the gold of evening.
+
+A mournfully murmuring rivulet purled at a little distance from the
+garden, on the borders of a small grove, from whence the American wild
+dove wafted her sympathetic moaning to the ear of Melissa. She sat
+leaning on a small table by the window, which was thrown up. Her
+attention was fixed. She did not perceive Vincent and Alonzo as they
+entered. They advanced towards her. She turned, started, and arose. With
+a melancholy smile, and tremulous voice, "I supposed, she said, that it
+was Mrs. Vincent who was approaching, as she has just left the room."
+Her countenance appeared dejected, which, on seeing Alonzo, lighted up
+into a languid sprightliness. It was evident she had been weeping.
+
+Vincent retired, and Alonzo and Melissa seated themselves by the window.
+"I have broken in upon your solitude, perhaps, too unseasonably, said
+Alonzo. It is however, the fault of Vincent:--he invited me to walk into
+the room, but did not inform me that you were alone." "Your presence was
+sudden and unexpected, but not unseasonable, replied Melissa. I hope
+that you did not consider any formality necessary in your visits,
+Alonzo."
+
+Alonzo. I once did not think so. Now I know not what to think--I know
+not how to act. You have heard of the misfortunes of my father's family,
+Melissa?
+
+Mel. Yes; I have heard the circumstances attending that event--an event
+in which no one could be more deeply interested, except the immediate
+sufferers, than myself.
+
+Al. Your father is also acquainted with my present situation?
+
+Mel. He is.
+
+Al. How did he receive the intelligence?
+
+Mel. With deep regret.
+
+Al. And forbade you to admit my addresses any longer?
+
+Mel. No, not absolutely.
+
+Al. If even in an unqualified or indirect manner, it is proper I should
+know it.
+
+Mel. It certainly is. Soon after we received the intelligence of your
+family misfortunes, my father came into the room where I was sitting;
+"Melissa, said he, your conduct has ever been that of a dutiful child;
+mine, of an indulgent parent.--My first, my ultimate wish, is to see my
+children, when settled in life, happy and honourably respected. For this
+purpose, I have bestowed on them a proper education, and design suitably
+to apportion my property between them. On their part, it is expected
+they will act prudently and discreetly, especially in those things which
+concern their future peace and welfare.--The principal requisite to
+ensure this is a proper connexion in marriage." Here my father paused a
+considerable time, and then continued--"I know, my child, that your
+situation is a very delicate one. Your marriage day is appointed; it was
+appointed under the fairest prospects; by the failure of Alonzo's
+father, those prospects have become deeply darkened, if not totally
+obliterated.
+
+"To commit your fortune through life, to a person unable to support you,
+would be hazardous in the extreme. The marriage day can at least be
+suspended; perhaps something more favourable may appear.--At any rate,
+I have too much confidence in your discretion, to suppose that you will,
+by any rash act, bring either poverty or reproach upon yourself or your
+connexions." Thus spake my father, and immediately withdrew.
+
+"In our present dilemma, said Alonzo, what is proper to be done?"
+
+"It is difficult to determine, replied Melissa. Should my father
+expressly forbid our union, he will go all lengths to carry his commands
+into effect. Although a tender parent, he is violent in his prejudices,
+and resolute in his purposes. I would advise you to call at my father's
+house tomorrow, with your usual freedom. Whatever may be the event,
+I shall deal sincerely with you. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent are now my only
+confidants. From them you will be enabled to obtain information, should
+I be debarred from seeing you. I am frequently here; they told me they
+expected you, but at what day was not known. Mrs. Vincent has been my
+friend and associate from my earliest years. Vincent you know. In them
+we can place the utmost confidence. My reliance on Providence, I trust,
+will never be shaken; but my future prospects, at present, are dark and
+gloomy."
+
+"Let us not despair, answered Alonzo; perhaps those gloomy clouds which
+now hover around us, will yet be dissipated by the bright beams of joy.
+Innocence and virtue are the cares of Heaven. There lies my hope.
+To-morrow, as you propose, I will call at your father's."
+
+Melissa now prepared to return home; a whippoorwill tuned its nightly
+song at a little distance; but the sound, late so cheerful and
+sprightly, now passed heavily over their hearts.
+
+When Alonzo returned, Vincent unfolded the plan he had projected.
+"No sooner, said he, was I informed of your misfortunes, than I was
+convinced that Melissa's father would endeavour to dissolve your
+intended union with his daughter. I have known him many years, and
+however he may dote on his children, or value their happiness, he will
+not hesitate to sacrifice his other feelings to the acquirement of
+riches. It appeared that you had but one resource left. You and Melissa
+are now united by the most solemn ties--by every rite except those which
+are merely ceremonial. These I would advise you to enter into, and trust
+to the consequences. Mrs. Vincent has proposed the scheme to Melissa;
+but implicitly accustomed to filial obedience, she shudders at the idea
+of a clandestine marriage. But when her father shall proceed to rigorous
+measures, she will, I think, consent to the alternative. And this
+measure, once adopted, her father must consent also; or, if not, you
+secure your own happiness, and, what you esteem more, that of Melissa."
+
+"But you must be sensible of my inability to support her as she
+deserves, replied Alonzo, even should she consent to it."
+
+"The world is before you, answered Vincent; you have friends, you have
+acquirements which will not fail you. In a country like this, you can
+hardly fail of obtaining a competency, which, with the other requisites,
+will ensure your independence and felicity."
+
+Alonzo informed Vincent what had been agreed upon between Melissa and
+himself, respecting his visiting her on the morrow; "after which, he
+said, we will discourse further on the subject."
+
+The next day Alonzo repaired to the house of Melissa's father. As he
+approached he saw Melissa sitting in a shady recess at one end of the
+garden near which the road passed. She was leaning with her head upon
+her hand, in a pensive posture; a deep dejection was depicted upon her
+features, which enlivened into a transient glow as soon as she saw
+Alonzo. She arose, met him, and invited him into the house.
+
+Alonzo was received with a cool reserve by all except Melissa. Her
+father saluted him with a distant and retiring bow, as he passed with
+Melissa to her room. As soon as they were seated, a maiden aunt, who had
+doubled her teens, outlived many of her suiters, and who had lately come
+to reside with the family, entered, and seated herself by the window,
+alternately humming a tune, and impudently staring at Alonzo, without
+speaking a word, except snappishly, to contradict Melissa in any thing
+she advanced, which the latter passed off with only a faint smile.
+
+This interruption was not of long continuance. Melissa's father entered,
+and requested the two ladies to withdraw, which was instantly done. He
+then addressed Alonzo as follows:----"When I gave consent for you to
+marry my daughter, it was on the conviction that your future resources
+would be adequate to support her honourably and independently.
+Circumstances have since taken place, which render this point extremely
+doubtful. Parental duty and affection demand that I should know your
+means and prospects before I sanction a proceeding which may reduce my
+child to penury and to want."
+
+He paused for a reply, but Alonzo was silent. He continued--"You
+yourself must acknowledge, that to burthen yourself with the expense of
+a family; to transfer a woman from affluence to poverty, without even an
+object in view to provide for either, would be the height of folly and
+extravagance." Again he paused, but Alonzo was still silent. He
+proceeded--"Could you, Alonzo, suffer life, when you see the wife of
+your bosom, probably your infant children, pining in misery for want of
+bread? And what else have you to expect if you marry in your present
+situation? You have friends and well wishers; but which of them will
+advance you four or five thousand pounds, as a gratuity? My daughter
+must be supported according to her rank and standing in life. Are you
+enabled to do this? If not, you cannot reasonably suppose that I shall
+consent to your marrying her. You may say that your acquirements, your
+prudence, and your industry, will procure you a handsome support. This
+well may do in single life; but to depend on these for the future
+exigencies of a family, is hazarding peace, honour and reputation, at a
+single game of chance. If, therefore, you have no resources or
+expectation but such as these, your own judgment will teach you the
+necessity of immediately relinquishing all pretensions to the hand of
+Melissa"--and immediately left the room.
+
+Why was Alonzo speechless through the whole of this discourse?--What
+reply could he have made? What were the prospects before him but penury,
+want, misery, and woe! Where, indeed, were the means by which Melissa
+was to be shielded from poverty, if connected with his fortunes. The
+idea was not new, but it came upon him with redoubled anguish. He arose
+and looked around for Melissa, but she was not to be seen. He left the
+house, and walked slowly towards Vincent's. At a little distance he met
+Melissa, who had been strolling in an adjoining avenue. He informed her
+of all that had passed; it was no more than they both expected, yet it
+was a shock their fortitude could scarcely sustain. Disappointment
+seldom finds her votaries prepared to receive her.
+
+Melissa told Alonzo, that her father's determinations were unchangeable;
+that his sister (the before mentioned maiden lady) held a considerable
+influence over him, and dictated the concerns of the family; and that
+from her, there was nothing to hope in their favour. Her mother, she
+said, was her friend, but could not contradict the will of her father.
+Her brother would be at home in a few days; how he would act on this
+occasion she was unable to say: but were he even their friend he would
+have but feeble influence with her father and aunt. "What is to be the
+end of these troubles, continued Melissa, it is impossible to foresee.
+Let us trust in the mercy of heaven and submit to its dispensations."
+
+Alonzo and Melissa, in their happier days, had, when absent,
+corresponded by letters. This method it was now thought best to
+relinquish. It was agreed that Alonzo should come frequently to
+Vincent's, where Melissa would meet him as she could find opportunities.
+Having concluded on this, Melissa returned home, and Alonzo to the house
+of his friend.
+
+Vincent, after Alonzo had related the manner of his reception at
+Melissa's father's, urged the plan he had projected of a private
+marriage. Alonzo replied, that even should Melissa consent to it, which
+he much doubted, it must be a measure of the last resort, and adopted
+only when all others became fruitless.
+
+The next morning Alonzo returned to the hut where his aged parents now
+dwelt. His bosom throbbed with keen anguish. His own fate, unconnected
+with that of Melissa, he considered of little consequence. But their
+united situation tortured his soul.--What was to become of Melissa, what
+of himself, what of his parents!--"Alas, said Alonzo, I now perceive
+what it is to want the good things of this life."
+
+Alonzo's father was absent when he arrived, but returned soon after.
+A beam of joy gleamed upon his withered countenance as he entered the
+house. "Were it not, Alonzo, for your unhappy situation, said he, we
+should once more be restored to peace and comfort. A few persons who
+were indebted to me, finding that I was to be sacrificed by my unfeeling
+creditors, reserved those debts in their hands, and have now paid me,
+amounting to something more than five hundred pounds. With this I have
+purchased a small, but well cultivated farm, with convenient tenements.
+I have enough left to purchase what stock and other materials I need;
+and to spare some for your present exigencies, Alonzo."
+
+Alonzo thanked his father for his kindness, but told him that from his
+former liberality he had yet sufficient for his wants, and that he
+should soon find business which would amply support him. "But your
+affair with Melissa, asked his father, how is that likely to terminate?"
+"Favourably, I hope, sir," answered Alonzo. He could not consent to
+disturb the tranquillity of his parents by reciting his own
+wretchedness.
+
+A week passed away. Alonzo saw his parents removed to their little farm,
+which was to be managed by his father and a hired man. He saw them
+comfortably seated; he saw them serenely blest in the calm pleasures of
+returning peace, and a ray of joy illuminated his troubled bosom.
+
+  "Again the youth his wonted life regain'd,
+  A transient sparkle in his eye obtain'd,
+  A bright, impassion'd cheering glow, express'd
+  The pleas'd sensation of his tender breast:
+  But soon dark glooms the feeble smiles o'erspread;
+  Like morn's gay hues, the fading splendours fled;
+  Returning anguish froze his feeling soul,
+  Deep sighs burst forth, and tears began to roll."
+
+He thought of Melissa, from whom he had heard nothing since he last saw
+her.--He thought of the difficulties which surrounded him. He thought of
+the barriers which were opposed to his happiness and the felicity of
+Melissa, and he set out for the house of Vincent.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Alonzo arrived at the residence of Vincent near the close of the day.
+Vincent and his lady were at tea with several young ladies who had
+passed the afternoon with Mrs. Vincent. Alonzo cast an active glance
+around the company, in hopes to find Melissa, but she was not there. He
+was invited and accepted a seat at table. After tea Vincent led him into
+an adjoining room. "You have come in good time, said he. Something must
+speedily be done, or you lose Melissa forever. The day after you were
+here, her father received a letter from Beauman, in which, after
+mentioning the circumstance of your father's insolvency, he hinted that
+the consequence would probably be a failure of her proposed marriage
+with you, which might essentially injure the reputation of a lady of her
+standing in life; to prevent which, and to place her beyond the reach of
+calumny, he offered to marry her at any appointed day, provided he had
+her free consent.
+
+"As Beauman, by the recent death of his father, had been put in
+possession of a splendid fortune, the proposition allured her father,
+who wrote him a complaisant answer, with an invitation to his house.--He
+then strove to extort a promise from Melissa, that she would break off
+all connexion with you, see you no more, and admit the addresses of
+Beauman.
+
+"To this she could not consent. She urged, that by the consent of her
+parents she was engaged to you by the most sacred ties. That to her
+father's will she had hitherto yielded implicit obedience, but that
+hastily to break the most solemn obligation, formed and sanctioned by
+his approbation and direction, was what her conscience would not permit
+her to do. Were he to command her to live single, life might be endured;
+but to give her hand to any except you, would be to perjure those
+principles of truth and justice which he himself had ever taught her to
+hold most inviolable.--Her father grew outrageous; charged her with
+disobedience, with a blind inconsiderate perverseness, by which she
+would bring ruin upon herself, and indelible disgrace upon her family.
+She answered only with her tears. Her mother interposed, and endeavoured
+to appease his anger; but he spurned her from him, and rushed out of the
+room, uttering a threat that force should succeed persuasion, if his
+commands were not obeyed. To add to Melissa's distress, Beauman arrived
+at her father's yesterday; and I hope, in some measure to alleviate it.
+Edgar, her brother, came this morning.--Mrs. Vincent has dispatched a
+message to inform Melissa of your arrival, and to desire her to come
+here immediately. She will undoubtedly comply with the invitation, if
+not prevented by something extraordinary. I should have written you had
+I not hourly expected you."
+
+Mrs. Vincent now came to the door of the room and beckoned to her
+husband, who went out, but immediately returned, leading in Melissa
+after which he retired. "Oh, Alonzo!" was all she could say, and burst
+into tears. Alonzo led her to a seat, gently pressed her hand, and
+mingled his tears with hers, but was unable to speak.--Recovering at
+length, he begged her to moderate her grief. "Where, said he, is your
+fortitude and your firmness, Melissa, which I have so often seen
+triumphing over affliction?" Her extreme anguish prevented a reply.
+Deeply affected and alarmed at the storm of distress which raged in her
+bosom, he endeavoured to console her, though consolation was a stranger
+to his own breast. "Let us not, Melissa, said he, increase our flood of
+affliction by a tide of useless sorrow. Perhaps more prosperous days are
+yet in reserve for us;--happiness may yet be ours." "Never, never! she
+exclaimed. Oh, what will become of me!" "Heaven cannot desert you, said
+Alonzo; as well might it desert its angels. This thorny and gloomy path
+may lead to fair fields of light and verdure. Tempests are succeeded by
+calms; wars end in peace; the splendours of the brightest morning arise
+on the wings of blackest midnight.----Troubles will not always last.
+Life at most is short. Death comes to the relief of the virtuous
+wretched, and transports them to another and better world, where sighing
+and sorrows cease, and the tempestuous passions of life are known no
+more."
+
+The rage of grief which had overwhelmed Melissa began now to subside, as
+the waves of the ocean gradually cease their tumultuous commotion, after
+the turbulent winds are laid asleep. Deep sobs and long drawn sighs
+succeeded to a suffocation of tears. The irritation of her feelings had
+caused a more than usual glow upon her cheek, which faded away as she
+became composed, until a livid paleness spread itself over her features.
+Alonzo feared that the delicacy of her constitution would fall a
+sacrifice to the sorrow which preyed upon her heart, if not speedily
+alleviated;--but alas! where were the means of alleviation?
+
+She informed him that her father had that evening ordered her to become
+the wife of Beauman. He told her that her disobedience was no longer to
+be borne.--"No longer, said he, will I tamper with your perverseness:
+you are determined to be poor, wretched and contemptible. I will compel
+you to be rich, happy, and respected. You suffer the _Jack-a-lantern_
+fancy to lead you into swamps and quagmires, when, did you but follow
+the fair light of reason, it would conduct you to honour and real
+felicity. There are happiness and misery at your choice.
+
+"Marry Beauman, and you will roll in your coach, flaunt in your silks;
+your furniture and your equipage are splendid, your associates are of
+the first character, and your father rejoices in your prosperity.
+
+"Marry Alonzo, you sink into obscurity, are condemned to drudgery,
+poorly fed, worse clothed, and your relations and acquaintances shun and
+despise you. The comparison I have here drawn between Beauman and Alonzo
+is a correct one; for even the wardrobe of the former is of more value
+than the whole fortune of the latter.
+
+"I give you now two days to consider the matter; at the end of that time
+I shall expect your decision, and hope you will decide discretely. But
+remember that you become the wife of Beauman, or you are no longer
+acknowledged as my daughter."
+
+"Thus, said Melissa, did my father pronounce his determination, which
+shook my frame, and chilled with horror every nerve of my heart, and
+immediately left me.
+
+"My aunt added her taunts to his severities, and Beauman interfered with
+his ill-timed consolation. My mother and Edgar ardently strove to allay
+the fever of my soul, and mitigate my distress. But the stroke was
+almost too severe for my nature. Habituated only to the smiles of my
+father, how could I support his frowns?--Accustomed to receive his
+blessings alone, how could I endure his sudden malediction."
+
+Description would fail in painting the sensations of Alonzo's bosom, at
+this recital of woe. But he endeavoured to mitigate her sorrows by the
+consolation of more cheering prospects and happier hours.
+
+Vincent and his lady now came into the room. They strenuously urged the
+propriety and the necessity of Alonzo and Melissa's entering into the
+bands of wedlock immediately. "The measure would be hazardous," remarked
+Melissa. "My circumstances"--said Alonzo. "Not on that account,
+interrupted Melissa, but my father's displeasure----" "Will be the same,
+whether you marry Alonzo, or refuse to marry Beauman," replied Vincent.
+Her resolution appeared to be staggered.
+
+"Come here, Melissa, to-morrow evening, said Mrs. Vincent; mean time you
+will consider the matter, and then determine." To this Melissa assented,
+and prepared to return home.
+
+Alonzo walked with her to the gate which opened into the yard
+surrounding her father's house. It was dangerous for him to go farther.
+Should he be discovered with Melissa, even by a domestic of the family,
+it must increase the persecutions against her. They parted. Alonzo stood
+at the gate, gazing anxiously after Melissa as she walked up the long
+winding avenue, bordered with the odour-flowing lilac, and lofty elm,
+her white robes now invisible, now dimly seen as she turned the angles
+of the walk, until they were totally obscured, mingling with the gloom
+and darkness of the night. "Thus, said Alonzo, thus fades the angel of
+peace from the visionary eyes of the war-worn soldier, when it ascends
+in the dusky clouds of early morning, while he slumbers on the field of
+recent battle."--With mournful forebodings he returned to the house of
+Vincent. He arose after a sleepless night and walked into an adjoining
+field. He stood leaning in deep contemplation against a tree, when he
+heard quick footsteps behind him. He turned, and saw Edgar approaching:
+in a moment they were in each other's arms, and mingled tears. They
+returned to Vincent's and conversed largely on present affairs. "I have
+discoursed with my father on the subject, said Edgar. I have urged him
+with every possible argument to relinquish his determination: I fear,
+however, he is inflexible.
+
+"To assuage the tempest of grief which rent Melissa's bosom was my next
+object, and in this I trust I have not been unsuccessful. You will see
+her this evening, and will find her more calm and resigned. You, Alonzo,
+must exert your fortitude. The ways of Heaven are inscrutable, but they
+are right.
+
+"We must acquiesce in its dealings. We cannot alter its decrees.
+Resignation to its will, whether merciful or afflictive, is one of those
+eminent virtues which adorn the good man's character, and ever find a
+brilliant reward in the regions of unsullied splendour, far beyond
+trouble and the tomb."
+
+Edgar told Alonzo that circumstances compelled him that day to depart
+for the army. "I would advise you, said he, to remain here until your
+affair comes to some final issue. It must, I think, ere long, be
+terminated. Perhaps you and my sister may yet be happy."
+
+Alonzo feelingly expressed his gratitude to Edgar. He found in him that
+disinterested friendship, which his early youth had experienced. Edgar
+the same day departed for the army.
+
+In the afternoon Alonzo received a note from Melissa's father,
+requesting his immediate attendance. Surprised at the incident, he
+repaired there immediately. The servant introduced him into a room where
+Melissa's father and aunt were sitting.----"Hearing you were in the
+neighbourhood, said her father, I have sent for you, to make a
+proposition, which after what has taken place, I think you cannot
+hesitate to comply with. The occurrence of previous circumstances may
+lead you to suppose that my daughter is under obligations to you, which
+may render it improper for her to form marriage connections with any
+other. Whatever embarrassments your addresses to her may have produced,
+it is in your power to remove them; and if you are a man of honour you
+will remove them. You cannot wish to involve Melissa in your present
+penurious condition, unless you wish to make her wretched. It therefore
+only remains for you to give me a writing, voluntarily resigning all
+pretensions to the hand of my daughter; and if you wish her to be happy,
+honourable, and respected in this life, this I say you will not hesitate
+to do."
+
+A considerable pause ensued. Alonzo at length replied, "I cannot
+perceive any particular advantage that can accrue from such a measure.
+It will neither add nor diminish the power you possess to command
+obedience to your will, if you are determined to command it, either from
+your daughter, or your servant."----
+
+"There, brother," bawled the old maid, half squeaking through her nose,
+which was well charged with rappee, "did'nt I tell you so? I knew the
+fellow would not come to terms no more than will your refractory
+daughter. This love fairly bewitches such foolish, crack-brained
+youngsters. But say Mr. ----, what's your name, addressing herself to
+Alonzo, will love heat the oven? will love boil the pot? will love
+clothe the back? will love----"
+
+"You will not, interrupted Melissa's father, speaking to Alonzo, it
+seems, consent to my proposition? I have then, one demand to make, which
+of right you cannot deny. Promise me that you will never see my daughter
+again, unless by my permission."
+
+"At the present moment I shall promise you nothing," replied Alonzo,
+with some warmth.
+
+"There again, said the old maid, just so Melissa told you this morning,
+when you requested her to see him no more. The fellow has fairly
+betwattled her. I wish I had him to deal with. Things wasn't so when I
+was a girl; I kept the rogues at a distance, I'll warrant you. I always
+told you, brother, what would come of your indulgence to your daughter.
+And I should not wonder if you should soon find the girl had eloped, and
+your desk robbed in the bargain."
+
+Alonzo hastily arose: "I suppose, said he, my presence can be dispensed
+with."
+
+"Well, young man, said Melissa's father, since you will not comply with
+any overtures I make; since you will not accede to any terms I propose,
+remember, sir, I now warn you to break off all communication and
+correspondence with my daughter, and to relinquish all expectations
+concerning her. I shall never consent to marry my daughter to a beggar."
+
+"Beggar!" involuntarily exclaimed Alonzo, and his eyes flashed in
+resentment.--But he recollected that it was the father of Melissa who
+had thus insulted him, and he suppressed his anger. He rushed out of the
+house, and returned to Vincent's. He had neither heard nor seen any
+thing of Melissa or Beauman.
+
+Night came on, and he ardently and impatiently expected Melissa. He
+anticipated the consolation her presence would bestow. Edgar had told
+him she was more composed. He doubted whether it were proper to excite
+anew her distress by relating his interview with her father, unless she
+was appraised of it. The evening passed on, but Melissa came not. Alonzo
+grew restless and uneasy. He looked out, then at his watch. Vincent and
+his lady assured him that she would soon be there. He paced the room.
+Still he became more impatient. He walked out on the way where she was
+expected to come. Sometimes he advanced hastily; at others he moved
+slowly; then stood motionless, listening in breathless silence,
+momentarily expecting to discover her white form approaching through the
+gloom, or to hear the sound of her footsteps advancing amidst the
+darkness. Shapeless objects, either real or imaginary, frequently
+crossed his sight, but, like the unreal phantoms of night, they suddenly
+passed away, and were seen no more. At length he perceived a dusky white
+form advancing in the distant dim obscurity. It drew near; his heart
+beat in quick succession; his fond hopes told him it was Melissa. The
+object came up, and hastily passed him, with a "good night, sir."
+
+It was a stranger in a white surtout. Alonzo hesitated whether to
+advance or to return. It was possible, though not probable, that Melissa
+might have come some other way. He hastened back to Vincent's--she had
+not arrived. "Something extraordinary, said Mrs. Vincent, has prevented
+her coming. Perhaps she is ill."--Alonzo shuddered at the suggestion. He
+looked at his watch; it was half past eleven o'clock. Again he hastily
+sallied out, and took the road to her father's.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The night was exceedingly dark, and illuminated only by the feeble
+glimmering of the twinkling stars. When he came within sight of the
+house, and as he drew near no lights were visible--all was still and
+silent. He entered the yard, walked up the avenue, and approached the
+door. The familiar watch-dog, which lay near the threshold, fawned upon
+him, joyfully whining and wagging his tail. "Thou still knowest me,
+Curlow, said Alonzo; thou hast known me in better days; I am now poor
+and wretched, but thy friendship is the same." A solemn stillness
+prevailed all around, interrupted only by the discordance of the nightly
+insects, and the hooting of the moping owl from the neighbouring
+forest.--The dwelling was shrouded in darkness. In Melissa's room no
+gleam of light appeared. "They are all buried in sleep, said Alonzo,
+deeply sighing, and I have only to return in disappointment."
+
+He turned and walked towards the street; casting his eyes back, the
+blaze of a candle caught his sight. It passed rapidly along through the
+lower rooms, now gleaming, now intercepted, as the walls or the windows
+intervened, and suddenly disappeared. Alonzo gazed earnestly a few
+moments, and hastily returned back. No noise was to be heard, no new
+objects were discernible.--He clambered over the garden wall, and went
+around to the back side of the house. Here all was solemn and silent as
+in front. Immediately a faint light appeared through one of the chamber
+windows; it grew brighter; a candle entered the chamber; the sash was
+flung up, and Melissa seated herself at the window.
+
+The weather was sultry, she held a fan in her hand; her countenance,
+though stamped with deep dejection, was marked with serenity, but pale
+as the drooping lily of the valley. Alonzo placed himself directly under
+the window, and in a low voice called her by name. She started wildly,
+looked out, and faintly cried, "Who's there?" He answered, "Alonzo."
+"Good heavens, she exclaimed, is it you, Alonzo? I was disappointed in
+meeting you at Vincent's this evening; my father will not suffer me to
+go out without attendants. I am now constantly watched and guarded."
+
+"Watched and guarded! replied Alonzo: At the risque of my life I will
+deliver you from the tyranny with which you are oppressed."
+
+"Be calm, Alonzo, said she, I think it will not last long. Beauman will
+soon depart, after which there will undoubtedly be some alteration.
+Desire Mrs. Vincent to come here to-morrow; I believe they will let me
+see her. I can, from time to time, inform you of passing events, so that
+you may know what changes take place. I am placed under the care of my
+aunt, who suffers me not to step out of her sight. We pass the night in
+an adjoining chamber--from whence, after she had fallen asleep, I stole
+out, and went down with a design of walking in the garden, but found the
+doors all locked and the keys taken out. I returned and raised this
+window for fresh air. Hark! said she; my aunt calls me. She has waked
+and misses me. I must fly to her chamber. You shall hear more from me
+to-morrow by Mrs. Vincent, Alonzo." So saying, she let down the window
+sash, and retired.
+
+Alonzo withdrew slowly from the place, and repassed the way he came.
+As he jumped back over the garden wall, he found a man standing at its
+foot, very near him: after a moment's scrutiny he perceived it to be
+Beauman. "What, my chevalier, said he to Alonzo, such an adept in the
+amorous science already? Hast thou then eluded the watchful eyes of
+Argus, and the vigilance of the dragon!"
+
+"Unfeeling and impertinent intruder, retorted Alonzo, seizing hold of
+him; is it not enough that an innocent daughter must endure a merciless
+parent's persecuting hand, but must thou add to her misery by thy
+disgusting interference!"
+
+"Quit thy hold, tarquin, said Beauman. Art thou determined, after
+storming the fortress, to murder the garrison?"
+
+"Go, said Alonzo, quitting him; go sir, you are unworthy of my anger.
+Pursue thy grovelling schemes. Strive to force to your arms a lady who
+abhors you, and were it not on one account, must ever continue to
+despise and hate you."
+
+"Alonzo, replied Beauman, I perceive thou knowest me not. You and I were
+rivals in our pursuit--the hand of Melissa. Whether from freak or
+fortune, the preference was given to you, and I retired in silence. From
+coincidence of circumstances, her father has now been induced to give
+the preference to me. My belief was, that Melissa would comply with her
+father's will, especially after her prospects of connecting with you
+were cut off by the events which ruined your fortune. You, Alonzo, have
+yet, I find, to learn the character of women. It has been my particular
+study. Melissa, now ardently impassioned by first impressions, irritated
+by recent disappointment, her passions delicate and vivid, her
+affections animated and unmixed, it would be strange, if she could
+suddenly relinquish primitive attachments founded on such premises,
+without a struggle. But remove her from your presence for one year, with
+only distant and uncertain prospects of seeing you again, admit me as
+the substitute in your absence, and she accepts my hand as freely as she
+would now receive yours. I had no design--it was never my wish to marry
+her without her consent. That I believe I shall yet obtain. Under
+existing circumstances, it is impossible but that you must be separated
+for some considerable time. Then, when cool deliberation succeeds to the
+wild vagaries, the electric fire of frolic fancy, she will discover the
+dangerous precipice, the deadly abyss to which her present conduct and
+inclinations lead. She will see that the blandishments, without the
+possessions of life, must fade and die. She will discriminate between
+the shreds and the trappings of taste. She will prefer indifference and
+splendour to love and a cottage.
+
+"At present I relinquish all further persuit; to-morrow I return to
+New-London. When Melissa, from calm deliberation and the advice of
+friends, shall freely consent to yield me her hand, I shall return to
+receive it. I came from my lodgings this evening to declare these
+intentions to her father: but it being later than I was aware of, the
+family had gone to rest. I was about to return, when I saw a light from
+the chamber window, which soon withdrew. I stood a moment by the garden
+wall, when you approached and discovered me." So saying, he bade Alonzo
+good night, and walked hastily away. "I find he knows not the character
+of Melissa," said Alonzo, and returned to Vincent's.
+
+The next day Alonzo told the Vincents of all that had passed, and it was
+agreed that Mrs. Vincent should visit at Melissa's father's that
+afternoon. She went at an early hour. Alonzo's feelings were on the rack
+until she returned, which happened much sooner than was expected; when
+she gave him and Vincent the following information:
+
+"When I arrived there, said she, I found Melissa's father and mother
+alone, her mother was in tears, which she endeavoured to conceal. Her
+father soon withdrew. After some conversation I enquired for Melissa.
+The old lady burst into tears, and informed me that this morning
+Melissa's aunt (the old maid) had invited her to ride out with her.
+A carriage was provided, which, after a large trunk had been placed
+therein, drove off with Melissa and her aunt; that Melissa's father had
+just been informing her that he had sent their daughter to a distant
+part of the country, where she was to reside with a friend until Alonzo
+should depart from the neighbourhood. The reason of this sudden
+resolution was his being informed by Beauman, that notwithstanding his
+precaution, Melissa and Alonzo had an interview the last evening. Where
+she was sent to, the old lady could not tell, but she was convinced that
+Melissa was not apprised of the design when she consented to go. Her
+aunt had heretofore been living with the relatives of the family in
+various parts of the state."
+
+Alonzo listened to Mrs. Vincent's relation with inexpressible agitation.
+He sat silent a few moments; then suddenly starting up, "I will find her
+if she be on the earth!" said he, and in spite of Vincent's attempts to
+prevent him, rushed out of the house, flew to the road, and was soon out
+of sight.
+
+Melissa had not, indeed, the most distant suspicion of the designs of
+her father and aunt. The latter informed her that she was going to take
+a morning's ride, and invited Melissa to accompany her, to which she
+consented. She did not even perceive the trunk which was fastened on
+behind the carriage. They were attended by a single servant. They drove
+to a neighbouring town, where Melissa had frequently attended her father
+and mother to purchase articles of dress, &c. where they alighted at a
+friend's house, and lingered away the time until dinner; after which,
+they prepared, as Melissa supposed, to return, but found, to her
+surprise, after they had entered the carriage, that her aunt ordered the
+driver to proceed a different way. She asked her aunt if they were not
+going home. "Not yet," said she. Melissa grew uneasy; she knew she was
+to see Mrs. Vincent that afternoon; she knew the disappointment which
+Alonzo must experience, if she was absent. She begged her aunt to
+return, as she expected the company of some ladies that afternoon. "Then
+they must be disappointed, child," said her aunt.--Melissa knew it was
+in vain to remonstrate; she supposed her aunt was bent on visiting some
+of her acquaintance, and she remained silent.
+
+They arrived at another village, and alighted at an inn, where Melissa
+and her aunt tarried, while the servant was ordered out by the latter on
+some business unknown to Melissa. When they again got into the carriage
+she perceived several large packages and bundles, which had been
+deposited there since they left it. She enquired of her aunt what they
+contained. "Articles for family use, child," she replied, and ordered
+the driver to proceed.
+
+They passed along winding and solitary paths, into a bye road which led
+through an unfrequented wood, that opened into a rocky part of the
+country bordering on the Sound. Here they stopped at the only house in
+view. It was a miserable hut, built of logs, and boarded with slabs.
+They alighted from the carriage, and Melissa's aunt, handing the driver
+a large bunch of keys, "remember to do as I have told you," said she,
+and he drove rapidly away. It was with some difficulty they got into the
+hut, as a meagre cow, with a long yoke on her neck, a board before her
+eyes, and a cross piece on her horns, stood with her head in the door.
+On one side of her were four or five half starved squeaking pigs, on the
+other a flock of gaggling geese.
+
+As they entered the door, a woman who sat carding wool jumped up, "La
+me! she cried, here is Miss D----, welcome here again. How does madam
+do?" dropping a low curtsey. She was dressed in a linsey woolsey short
+gown, a petticoat of the same, her hair hanging about her ears, and
+barefoot. Three dirty, ragged children were playing about the floor, and
+the furniture was of a piece with the building. "Is my room in order?"
+enquired Melissa's aunt. "It hasn't been touched since madam was here,"
+answered the woman, and immediately stalked away to a little back
+apartment, which Melissa and her aunt entered. It was small, but neatly
+furnished, and contained a single bed. This appendage had been concealed
+from Melissa's view, as it was the opposite side of the house from
+whence she alighted. "Where is John?" asked Melissa's aunt. "My husband
+is in the garden, replied the woman; I will call him," and out she
+scampered. John soon appeared, and exhibited an exact counter part of
+his wife. "What does madam please to want?" said he, bowing three or
+four times. "I want you John," she answered, and immediately stepped
+into the other room, and gave some directions, in a low voice, to him
+and his wife. "La me! said the woman, madam a'nt a going to live in that
+doleful place?" Melissa could not understand her aunt's reply, but heard
+her give directions to "first hang on the teakettle." This done, while
+John and his wife went out, Melissa's aunt prepared tea in her own room.
+In about an hour John and his wife returned, and gave the same bunch of
+keys to Melissa's aunt, which she had given to the servant who drove the
+carriage.
+
+Melissa was involved in inscrutable mystery respecting these
+extraordinary proceedings. She conjectured that they boded her no good,
+but she could not penetrate into her aunt's designs. She frequently
+looked out, hoping to see the carriage return, but was disappointed.
+When tea was made ready, she could neither eat nor drink. After her aunt
+had disposed of a dozen cups of tea, and an adequate proportion of
+biscuit, butter and dried beef, she directed Melissa to prepare to take
+a walk. The sun was low; they proceeded through fields, in a foot path,
+over rough and uneven ways, directly towards the Sound. They walked
+about a mile, when they came to a large, old fashioned, castle-like
+building, surrounded by a high, thick wall, and almost totally concealed
+on all sides from the sight, by irregular rows of large locusts and elm
+trees, dry prim[A] hedges, and green shrubbery. The gate which opened
+into the yard, was made of strong hard wood, thickly crossed on the
+outside with iron bars, and filled with old iron spikes. Melissa's aunt
+unlocked the gate, and they entered the yard, which was overgrown with
+rank grass and rushes: the avenue which led to the house was almost in
+the same condition. The house was of real Gothic architecture, built of
+rude stone, with battlements.
+
+    [Footnote A: The botanical name of this shrub is not recollected.
+    There were formerly a great number of prim hedges in New-England,
+    and other parts of America. What is most remarkable is, that they
+    all died the year previous to the commencement of the American
+    war.]
+
+The doors were constructed in the same manner as the gate at which they
+entered the yard. They unlocked the door, which creaked heavily on its
+hinges, and went in. They ascended a flight of stairs, wound through
+several dark and empty rooms, till they came to one which was handsomely
+furnished, with a fire burning on the hearth. Two beds were in the room,
+with tables and chairs, and other conveniences for house keeping. "Here
+we are safe, said Melissa's aunt, as I have taken care to lock all the
+doors and gates after me; and here, Melissa, you are in the mansion of
+your ancestors. Your great grand father, who came over from England,
+built this house in the earliest settlements of the country, and here he
+resided until his death. The reason why so high and thick a wall was
+built round it, and the doors and gates so strongly fortified, was to
+secure it against the Indians, who frequently committed depredations on
+the early settlers. Your grandfather came in possession of this estate
+after his father's death: it fell to me by will, with the lands
+surrounding it. The house has sometimes been tenanted, at others not. It
+has now been vacant for a few years. The lands are rented yearly. John,
+the person from whose house we last came, is my overseer and tenant.
+I had a small room built, adjoining that hut, where I generally reside
+for a week when I come to receive my rents. I have thought frequently of
+fitting up this place for my future residence, but circumstances have
+hitherto hindered my carrying the scheme into effect, and now, perhaps,
+it will never take place.
+
+"Your perverseness, Melissa, in refusing to comply with the wishes of
+your friends, has induced us to adopt the method of bringing you here,
+where you are to remain until Alonzo leaves your neighbourhood, at
+least. Notwithstanding your father's injunctions and my vigilance, you
+had a clandestine interview with him last night. So we were told by
+Beauman this morning, before he set off for New-London, who discovered
+him at your window. It therefore became necessary to remove you
+immediately. You will want for nothing. John is to supply us with
+whatever is needful.--You will not be long here; Alonzo will soon be
+gone. You will think differently; return home, marry Beauman, and
+become a lady."
+
+"My God! exclaimed Melissa, is it possible my father can be so cruel!
+Is he so unfeeling as to banish me from his house, and confine me within
+the walls of a prison, like a common malefactor?" She flung herself on
+the bed in a state little inferior to distraction. Her aunt told her it
+was all owing to her own obstinacy, and because she refused to be made
+happy--and went to preparing supper.
+
+Melissa heard none of her aunt's observations; she lay in a stupifying
+agony, insensible to all that passed. When supper was ready, her aunt
+endeavoured to arouse her. She started up, stared around her with a wild
+agonizing countenance, but spoke not a word. Her aunt became alarmed.
+She applied stimulants to her temples and forehead, and persuaded her to
+take some cordials. She remained seemingly insensible through the night:
+just at morning, she fell into a slumber, interrupted by incoherent
+moanings, convulsive startings, long drawn sighs, intermitting sobs, and
+by frequent, sudden and restless turnings from side to side. At length
+she appeared to be in a calm and quiet sleep for about an hour. About
+sunrise she awoke--her aunt sat by her bed side. She gazed languidly
+about the room, and burst into tears. She wept a long time; her aunt
+strove to console her, for she truly began to tremble, lest Melissa's
+distress should produce her immediate dissolution. Towards night,
+however, she became more calm and resigned; but a slight fever
+succeeded, which kept her confined for several days, after which she
+slowly recovered.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+John came frequently to the house to receive the commands of Melissa's
+aunt, and brought such things as they wanted. Her aunt also sometimes
+went home with him, leaving the keys of the house with Melissa, but
+locking the gate and taking the key of that with her. She generally
+returned before sunset. When Melissa was so far recovered as to walk
+out, she found that the house was situated on an eminence, about one
+hundred yards from the Sound. The yard was large and extensive. Within
+the enclosure was a spacious garden, now overrun with brambles and
+weeds. A few medinical and odoriferous herbs were scattered here and
+there, and a few solitary flowers overtopped the tangling briars below;
+but there was plenty of fruit on the shrubbery and trees. The out
+buildings were generally in a ruinous situation. The cemetery was the
+most perfect, as it was built of hewn stone and marble, and had best
+withstood the ravages of time. The rooms in the house were mostly empty
+and decaying: the main building was firm and strong, as was also the
+extended wall which enclosed the whole. She found that although her
+aunt, when they first arrived, had led her through several upper rooms
+to the chamber they inhabited, yet there was from thence a direct
+passage to the hall.
+
+The prospect was not disagreeable. West, all was wilderness, from which
+a brook wound along a little distance from the garden wall. North, were
+the uneven grounds she had crossed when she came there, bounded by
+distant groves and hills. East, beautiful meadows and fields, arrayed in
+flowery green, sloped to salt marshes or sandy banks of the Sound, or
+ended in the long white beaches which extended far into the sea. South,
+was the Sound of Long Island.
+
+Melissa passed much of her time in tracing the ruins of this antiquated
+place, in viewing the white sails as they passed up and down the Sound,
+and in listening to the songs of the thousand various birds which
+frequented the garden and the forest. She could have been contented here
+to have buried her afflictions, and for ever to retire from the world,
+could Alonzo but have resided within those walls. "What will he think
+has become of me," she would say, while the disconsolate tear glittered
+in her eye. Her aunt had frequently urged her to yield to her father's
+injunctions, regain her liberty, and marry Beauman; and she every day
+became more solicitous and impertinent. A subject so hateful to Melissa
+sometimes provoked her to tears; at other her keen resentment. She
+therefore, when the weather was fair, passed much of her time in the
+garden and adjoining walks, wishing to be as much out of her aunt's
+company as possible.
+
+One day John came there early in the morning, and Melissa's aunt went
+home with him. The day passed away, but she did not return. Melissa sat
+up until a late hour of the night, expecting her; she went to the gate,
+and found it was fast locked, returned, locked and bolted the doors of
+the house, went to bed and slept as soundly as she had done since her
+residence in the old mansion. "I have at least, she said, escaped the
+disgusting curtain-lecture about marrying Beauman."
+
+The next day her aunt returned. "I was quite concerned about you, child,
+said she; how did you sleep?" "Never better, she answered, since I have
+been here." "I had forgotten, said her aunt, that my rents become due
+this week. I was detained until late by some of my tenants; John was
+out, and I dare not return in the night alone. I must go back to-day. It
+will take me a week to settle my business. If I am obliged to stay out
+again I will send one of John's daughters to sleep with you."----"You
+need not give yourself that trouble, replied Melissa; I am under no
+apprehension of staying here alone; nothing can get into or out of these
+premises."----"Well, thou hast wonderful courage, child, said her aunt;
+but I shall be as frequently here as possible, and as soon as my
+business is settled, I shall be absent no more." So saying, she bade
+Melissa good morning, and set off for her residence at the dwelling of
+John.
+
+She did not return in two days. The second night of her absence, Melissa
+was sitting in her chamber reading, when she heard a noise as of several
+people trampling in the yard below. She arose, cautiously raised the
+window, and looked out. It was extremely dark; she thought she might
+have been discovered.
+
+Her aunt came the next day, and told her she was obliged to go into the
+country to collect some debts of those to whom she had rented lands: she
+should be gone a few days, and as soon as she returned should come
+there. "The keys of the house, said she, I shall leave with you. The
+gate I shall lock, and leave that key with John, who will come here as
+often as necessary, to assist you, and see if you want any thing." She
+then went off, leaving Melissa not dissatisfied with the prospect of her
+absence.
+
+Melissa amused herself in evenings by reading in the few books her aunt
+had brought there, and in the day, in walking around the yard and
+garden, or in traversing the rooms of the antique building. In some,
+were the remains of ancient furniture, others were entirely empty.
+Cobwebs and mouldering walls were the principal ornaments left.
+
+One evening as she was about retiring to rest, she thought she heard the
+same trampling noise in the yard, as on a former occasion. She stepped
+softly to the window, suddenly raised it, and held out the candle. She
+listened and gazed with anxious solicitude, but discovered nothing more.
+All was silent; she shut the window, and in a short time went to bed.
+
+Some time in the night she was suddenly awakened by a sharp sound,
+apparently near her. She started in a trembling panic, but endeavoured
+to compose herself with the idea, that something had fallen from the
+shelves. As she lay musing upon the incident, she heard loud noises in
+the rooms below, succeeded by an irregular and confused number of
+voices, and presently after, footsteps ascending the stairs which led to
+her chamber. She trembled; a cold chilly sweat run down her face.
+Directly the doors below opened and shut with a quick and violent
+motion. And soon after she was convinced that she distinctly heard a
+whispering in her room. She raised herself up in the bed and cast
+inquisitive eyes towards her chamber door. All was darkness--no new
+object was visible--no sound was heard, and she again lay down.
+
+Her mind was too much agitated and alarmed to sleep. She had evidently
+heard sounds, footsteps and voices in the house, and whisperings which
+appeared to be in her room. The yard gate was locked, of which John had
+the key. She was confident that no person could ascend or get over the
+wall of the enclosure. But if that were practicable, how was it possible
+that any human being could enter the house? She had the key of every
+door, and they were all fast locked, and yet she had heard them
+furiously open and shut. A thought darted into her mind,--was it not a
+plan which her aunt had contrived in order to frighten her to a
+compliance with her wishes? But then how could she enter the house
+without keys? This might be done with the use of a false key. But from
+whence did the whisperings proceed, which appeared close to her bedside?
+Possibly it might be conveyed through the key-hole of her chamber door.
+These thoughts tended in some degree, to allay her fears;--they were
+possibilities, at least, however improbable.
+
+As she lay thus musing, a hand, cold as the icy fingers of death,
+grasped her arm, which lay on the outside of the bed clothes. She
+screamed convulsively, and sprang up in the bed. Nothing was to be
+seen--no noise was heard. She had not time to reflect. She flew out of
+the bed, ran to the fire, and lighted a candle. Her heart beat rapidly.
+She cast timid glances around the room, cautiously searching every
+corner, and examining the door. All things were in the same state she
+had left them when she went to bed. Her door was locked in the same
+manner; no visible being was in the room except herself. She sat down,
+pondering on these strange events. Was it not probable that she was
+right in her first conjectures respecting their being the works of her
+aunt, and effected by her agents and instrumentality? All were possible,
+except the cold hand which had grasped her arm. Might not this be the
+effect of a terrified and heated imagination? Or if false keys had been
+made use of to enter the rooms below, might they not also be used to
+enter her chamber? But could her room be unlocked, persons enter,
+approach her bed, depart and re-lock the door, while she was awake,
+without her hearing them?
+
+She knew she could not go to sleep, and she determined not to go to bed
+again that night. She took up a book, but her spirits had been too much
+disordered by the past scenes to permit her to read. She looked out of
+the window. The moon had arisen and cast a pale lustre over the
+landscape. She recollected the opening and shutting of the door--perhaps
+they were still open. The thought was alarming--She opened her chamber
+door, and with the candle in her hand, cautiously descended the stairs,
+casting an inquisitive eye in every direction, and stopping frequently
+to listen.--She advanced to the door; it was locked. She examined the
+others; they were in the same situation. She turned to go up stairs,
+when a loud whisper echoed through the hall expressing "_away! away!_"
+She flew like lightning to her chamber, relocked the door and flung
+herself, almost breathless, into a chair.
+
+As soon as her scattered senses collected, she concluded that whatever
+had been in the house was there still. She resolved to go out no more
+until day, which soon began to discolour the east with a fainter blue,
+then purple streaks, intermingled with a dusky whiteness, ascended in
+pyramidical columns to the zenith; these fading slowly away, the eastern
+horizon became fringed with the golden spangles of early morn. A spot of
+ineffable brightness succeeded, and immediately the sun burst over the
+verge of creation, deluging the world in a flood of unbounded light and
+glory.
+
+As soon as the morning had a little advanced, Melissa ventured out. She
+proceeded with hesitating steps, carefully scrutinizing every object
+which met her sight. She examined every door; they were all fast. She
+critically searched every room, closet, &c. above and below. She then
+took a light and descended into the cellar--here her inquisition was the
+same. Thus did she thoroughly and strictly examine and search every part
+of the house from the garret to the cellar, but could find nothing
+altered, changed, or removed; no outlet, no signs of there having been
+any being in the house the evening before, except herself.
+
+She then unlocked the outer door and proceeded to the gate, which she
+found locked as usual. She next examined the yard, the garden, and all
+the out houses.
+
+Nothing could be discovered of any person having been recently there.
+She next walked around by the wall, the whole circle of the enclosure.
+She was convinced that the unusual height of the wall rendered it
+impossible for any one to get over it. It was constructed of several
+tier of hewed timbers, and both sides of it were as smooth as glass.
+On the top, long spikes were thickly driven in, sharpened at both ends.
+It was surrounded on the outside by a deep wide moat, which was nearly
+filled with water. Over this moat was a draw-bridge, on the road leading
+to the gate, which was drawn up, and John had the key.
+
+The events of the past night, therefore, remained inscrutable. It must
+be that her aunt was the agent who had managed this extraordinary
+machinery.
+
+She found John at the house when she returned. "Does madam want any
+thing to-day?" asked he. "Has my aunt returned?" enquired Melissa. "Not
+yet," he replied. "How long has she been gone?" she asked. "Four days,
+replied John, after counting his fingers, and she will not be back under
+four or five more." "Has the key of the gate been constantly in your
+possession?" asked she. "The key of the gate and draw-bridge, he
+replied, have not been out of my possession for a moment since your aunt
+has been gone." "Has any person been to enquire for me or my aunt, she
+enquired, since I have been here?"--"No, madam, said he, not a single
+person." Melissa knew not what to think; she could not give up the idea
+of false keys--perhaps her aunt had returned to her father's.--Perhaps
+the draw-bridge had been let down, the gate opened, and the house
+entered by means of false keys. Her father would as soon do this as to
+confine her in this solitary place; and he would go all lengths to
+induce her, either by terror, persuasion or threats, to relinquish
+Alonzo and marry Beauman.
+
+A thought impressed her mind which gave her some consolation. It was
+possible to secure the premises so that no person could enter even by
+the aid of false keys. She asked John if he would assist her that day.
+"In anything you wish, madam," he replied. She then directed him to go
+to work. Staples and iron bars were found in different parts of the
+building, with which he secured the doors and windows, so that they
+could be opened only on the inside. The gate, which swung in, was
+secured in the same manner. She then asked John if he was willing to
+leave the key of the gate and the draw-bridge with her. "Perhaps I may
+as well," said he; "for if you bar the gate and let down the bridge,
+I cannot get in myself until you let me in." John handed her the keys.
+"When I come," said he, "I will halloo, and you must let me in." This
+she promised to do, and John departed.[A]
+
+    [Footnote A: Of the place where Melissa was confined, as described
+    in the foregoing pages, scarce a trace now remains. By the events
+    of the revolution, the premises fell into other hands. The mansion,
+    out houses and walls were torn down, the cemetery levelled, the
+    moat filled up; the locusts and elm trees were cut down; all
+    obstructions were removed, and the yard and garden converted into
+    a beautiful meadow. An elegant farm-house is now erected on the
+    place where John's hut then stood and the neighbourhood is thinly
+    settled.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+That night Melissa let down the bridge, locked and barred the gate, and
+the doors and windows of the house: she also went again over all parts
+of the building, strictly searching every place, though she was well
+convinced she should find nothing extraordinary. She then retired to her
+chamber, seated herself at a western window, and watched the slow
+declining sun, as it leisurely sunk behind the lofty groves. Pensive
+twilight spread her misty mantle over the landscape; the western horizon
+glowed with the spangles of evening. Deepening glooms advanced. The last
+beam of day faded from the view, and the world was enveloped in night.
+The owl hooted solemnly in the forest, and the whippoorwill sung
+cheerfully in the garden. Innumerable stars glittered in the firmament,
+intermingling their quivering lustre with the pale splendours of the
+milky way.
+
+Melissa did not retire from the window until late; she then shut it and
+withdrew within the room. She determined not to go to bed that night. If
+she was to be visited by beings, material or immaterial, she chose not
+again to encounter them in darkness, or to be surprised when she was
+asleep. But why should she fear? She knew of none she had displeased
+except her father, her aunt and Beauman. If by any of those the late
+terrifying scenes had been wrought, she had now effectually precluded a
+recurrence thereof, for she was well convinced that no human being could
+now enter the enclosure without her permission. But if supernatural
+agents had been the actors, what had she to fear from them? The night
+passed away without any alarming circumstances, and when daylight
+appeared she flung herself upon the bed, and slept until the morning was
+considerably advanced. She now felt convinced that her former
+conjectures were right; that it was her aunt, her father, or both, who
+had caused the alarming sounds she had heard, a repetition of which had
+only been prevented by the precautions she had taken.
+
+When she awoke, the horizon was overclouded, and it began to rain. It
+continued to rain until towards evening, when it cleared away. She went
+to the gate, and found all things as she had left them: She returned,
+fastened the doors as usual, examined all parts of the house, and again
+went to her chamber.
+
+She sat up until a late hour, when growing very drowsy, and convinced
+that she was safe and secure, she went to bed; leaving, however, two
+candles burning in the room. As she, for two nights, had been deprived
+of her usual rest, she soon fell into a slumber.
+
+She had not long been asleep before she was suddenly aroused by the
+apparent report of a pistol, seemingly discharged close to her head.
+Awakened so instantaneously, her recollection, for a time, was confused
+and imperfect. She was only sensible of a strong, sulphureous scent: but
+she soon remembered that she had left two candles burning, and every
+object was now shrouded in darkness. This alarmed her exceedingly. What
+could have become of the candles? They must have been blown out or taken
+away. What was the sound she had just heard?----What the sulphureous
+stench which had pervaded the room?----While she was thus musing in
+perplexity, a broad flash like lightning, transiently illuminated the
+chamber, followed by a long, loud, and deep roar, which seemed to shake
+the building to its centre. It did not appear like thunder; the sounds
+seemed to be in the rooms directly over her head. Perhaps, however,
+it was thunder.
+
+Perhaps a preceding clap had struck near the building, broken the
+windows, put out the lights, and filled the house with the electric
+effluvium. She listened for a repetition of the thunder--but a very
+different sound soon grated on her ear. A hollow, horrible groan echoed
+through her apartment, passing off in a faint dying murmur. It was
+evident that the groan proceeded from some person in the chamber.
+Melissa raised herself up in the bed; a tall white form moved from the
+upper end of the room, glided slowly by her bed, and seemed to pass off
+near the foot. She then heard the doors below alternately open and shut,
+slapping furiously, and in quick succession, followed by violent noises
+in the rooms below, like the falling of heavy bodies and the crash of
+furniture. Clamorous voices succeeded, among which she could distinguish
+boisterous menaces and threatenings, and the plaintive tone of
+expostulation.--A momentary silence ensued, when the cry of "_Murder!
+murder! murder!!_" echoed through the building, followed by the report
+of a pistol, and shortly after, the groans of a person apparently in the
+agonies of death, which grew fainter and fainter until it died away in a
+seemingly expiring gasp. A dead silence prevailed for a few minutes, to
+which a loud hoarse peal of ghastly laughter succeeded--then again all
+was still. But she soon heard heavy footsteps ascending the stairs to
+her chamber door. It was now she became terrified and alarmed beyond any
+former example.----"Gracious heaven, defend me! she exclaimed; what am I
+coming to!" Knowing that every avenue to the enclosure was effectually
+secured; knowing that all the doors and windows of the house, as also
+that which opened into her chamber, were fast locked, strictly bolted
+and barred; and knowing that all the keys were in her possession, she
+could not entertain the least doubt but the noises she had heard were
+produced by supernatural beings, and, she had reason to believe, of the
+most mischievous nature. She was now convinced that her father or her
+aunt could have no agency in the business. She even wished her aunt had
+returned. It must be exceedingly difficult to cross the moat, as the
+draw bridge was up; it must be still more difficult to surpass the wall
+of the enclosure; it was impossible for any human being to enter the
+house, and still more impossible to enter her chamber.
+
+While she lay thus ruminating in extreme agitation, momentarily
+expecting to have her ears assailed with some terrific sound, a pale
+light dimly illuminated her chamber. It grew brighter. She raised
+herself up to look towards the door;--the first object which met her
+eye, was a most horrible form, standing at a little distance from her
+bedside. Its appearance was tall and robust, wrapped in a tattered white
+robe, spotted with blood. The hair of its head was matted with clotted
+gore. A deep wound appeared to have pierced its breast, from which fresh
+blood flowed down its garment. Its pale face was gashed and gory! its
+eyes fixed, glazed, and glaring;--its lips open, its teeth set, and in
+its hand was a bloody dagger.
+
+Melissa, uttering a shriek of terror, shrunk into the bed, and in an
+instant the room was involved in pitchy darkness. A freezing ague seized
+her limbs, and drops of chilling sweat stood upon her face. Immediately
+a horrid hoarse voice burst from amidst the gloom of her apartment,
+"_Begone! begone from this house!_" The bed on which she lay then seemed
+to be agitated, and directly she perceived some person crawling on its
+foot. Every consideration, except present safety, was relinquished;
+instantaneously she sprang from the bed to the floor--with convulsed
+grasp, seized the candle, flew to the fire and lighted it. She gazed
+wildly around the room--no new object was visible. With timid step she
+approached the bed; she strictly searched all around and under it, but
+nothing strange could be found. A thought darted into her mind to leave
+the house immediately and fly to John's: this was easy, as the keys of
+the gate and draw-bridge were in her possession. She stopped not to
+reconsider her determination, but seizing the keys, with the candle in
+her hand, she unlocked her chamber door, and proceeded cautiously down
+stairs, fearfully casting her eyes on each side, as she tremblingly
+advanced to the outer door. She hesitated a moment. To what perils was
+she about to expose herself, by thus venturing out at the dead of the
+night, and proceeding such a distance alone? Her situation she thought
+could become no more hazardous, and she was about to unbar the door,
+when she was alarmed by a deep, hollow sigh. She looked around and saw,
+stretched on one side of the hall, the same ghastly form which had so
+recently appeared standing by her bedside. The same haggard countenance,
+the same awful appearance of murderous death. A faintness came upon her;
+she turned to flee to her chamber--the candle dropped from her trembling
+hand, and she was shrouded in impenetrable darkness. She groped to find
+the stairs: as she came near their foot, a black object, apparently in
+human shape, stood before her, with eyes which seemed to burn like coals
+of fire, and red flames issuing from its mouth. As she stood fixed a
+moment in inexpressible trepidation, a large ball of fire rolled along
+the hall, towards the door, and burst with an explosion which seemed to
+rock the building to its deepest foundation. Melissa closed her eyes and
+sunk senseless to the floor. She revived and got to her chamber, she
+hardly knew how; locked her door, lighted another candle, and after
+again searching the room, flung herself into a chair, in a state of mind
+which almost deprived her of reason.
+
+Daylight soon appeared, and the cheerful sun darting its enlivening rays
+through the crevices and windows of the antique mansion, recovered her
+exhausted spirits, and dissipated, in some degree, the terrors which
+hovered about her mind. She endeavoured to reason coolly on the events
+of the past night, but reason could not elucidate them. Not the least
+noise had been heard since she last returned to her chamber: she
+therefore expected to discover no traits which might tend to a
+disclosure of those mysteries. She consoled herself only with a fixed
+determination to leave the desolate mansion. Should John come there that
+day, he might be prevailed on to permit her to remain at her aunt's
+apartment in his house until her aunt should return. If he should not
+come before sunset, she resolved to leave the mansion and proceed there.
+
+She took some refreshment and went down stairs: she found the doors and
+windows all fast as she had left them. She then again searched every
+room in the house, both above and below, and the cellar; but she
+discovered no appearance of there having been any person there. Not the
+smallest article was displaced; every thing appeared as it had formerly
+been.--She then went to the gate; it was locked as usual, and the
+draw-bridge was up. She again traversed the circuit of the wall, but
+found no alteration, or any place where it was possible the enclosure
+might be entered. Again she visited the outer buildings, and even
+entered the cemetery, but discovered not the least circumstance which
+could conduce to explain the surprising transactions of the preceding
+night. She however returned to her room in a more composed frame of
+spirit, confident that she should not remain alone another night in that
+gloomy, desolate, and dangerous solitude.
+
+Towards evening Melissa took her usual walk around the enclosure. It was
+that season of the year when weary summer is lapsing into the arms of
+fallow autumn.--The day had been warm, and the light gales bore
+revigorating coolness on their wings as they tremulously agitated the
+foliage of the western forest, or fluttered among the branches of the
+trees surrounding the mansion. The green splendours of spring had begun
+to fade into a yellow lustre, the flowery verdure of the fields was
+changed to a russet hue. A robin chirped on a neighbouring oak, a wren
+chattered beneath, swallows twittered around the decayed buildings, the
+ludicrous mocking bird sung sportively from the top of the highest elm
+and the surrounding groves rung with varying, artless melody; while deep
+in the adjacent wilderness the woodcock, hammering on some dry and
+blasted trees, filled the woods with reverberant echoes. The Sound was
+only ruffled by the lingering breezes, as they idly wandered over its
+surface. Long Island, now in possession of the British troops, was
+thinly enveloped in smoky vapour; scattered along its shores lay the
+numerous small craft and larger ships of the hostile fleet. A few skiffs
+were passing and repassing the Sound, and several American gun-boats lay
+off a point which jutted out from the main land, far to the eastward.
+Numberless summer insects mingled their discordant strains amidst the
+weedy herbage. A heavy black cloud was rising in the north west, which
+seemed to portend a shower, as the sonorous, distant thunder was at long
+intervals distinctly heard.
+
+Melissa walked around the yard, contemplating the varying beauties of
+the scene: the images of departed joys--the days when Alonzo had
+participated with her in admiring the splendours of rural prospects,
+raised in her bosom the sigh of deep regret. She entered the garden and
+traversed the alleys, now overgrown with weeds and tufted knot-grass.
+The flower beds were choaked with the low running bramble and tangling
+five-finger; tall, rank rushes, mullens and daisies, had usurped the
+empire of the kitchen garden. The viny arbour was broken, and
+principally gone to decay; yet the "lonely wild rose" blushed mournfully
+amidst the ruins. As she passed from the garden she involuntarily
+stopped at the cemetery: she paused in serious reflection:--"Here, said
+she, in this house of gloom rest, in undisturbed silence, my honourable
+ancestors, once the active tenants of yonder mansion. Then, throughout
+these solitary demesnes, the busy occurrences of life glided in cheerful
+circles. Then, these now moss-clad alleys, and this wild weedy garden,
+were the resort of the fashionable and the gay. Then, evening music
+floated over the fields, while yonder halls and apartments shone in
+brilliant illumination. Now all is sad, solitary and dreary, the haunt
+of spirits and spectres of nameless terror. All that now remains of the
+head that formed, the hand that executed, and the bosom that relished
+this once happy scenery, is now, alas, only a heap of dust."
+
+She seated herself on a little hillock, under a weeping willow, which
+stood near the cemetery, and watched the rising shower, which ascended
+in gloomy pomp, half hidden behind the western groves, shrouding the low
+sun in black vapour, while coming thunders more nearly and more awfully
+rolled. The shrieking night hawk[A] soared high into the air, mingling
+with the lurid van of the approaching storm, which widening, more
+rapidly advanced, until "the heavens were arrayed in blackness."
+
+    [Footnote A: Supposed to be the male whippoorwill; well known in
+    the New-England states, and answering to the above peculiarity.]
+
+The lightning broader and brighter flashes, hurling down its forky
+streaming bolts far in the wilderness, its flaming path followed by the
+vollying artillery of the skies. Now bending its long, crinkling spires
+over the vallies, now glimmering along the summit of the hills.
+Convolving clouds poured smoky volumes through the expansion; a deep,
+hollow, distant roar, announced the approach of "summoned winds." The
+whole forest bowed in awful grandeur, as from its dark bosom rushed the
+impetuous hurricane, twisting off, or tearing up by the roots, the
+stoutest trees, whirling the heaviest branches through the air with
+irresistible fury. It dashed upon the sea, tossed it into irregular
+mountains, or mingled its white foamy spray with the gloom of the turbid
+skies. Slant-wise, the large heavy drops of rain began to descend.
+Melissa hastened to the mansion; as she reached the door a very
+brilliant flash of lightning, accompanied by a tremendous explosion,
+alarmed her. A thunder bolt had entered a large elm tree within the
+enclosure, and with a horrible crash, had shivered it from top to
+bottom. She unlocked the door and hurried to her chamber. Deep night now
+filled the atmosphere; the rain poured in torrents, the wind rocked the
+building, and bellowed in the adjacent groves: the sea raged and roared,
+fierce lightnings rent the heavens, alternately involving the world in
+the sheeted flame of its many coloured fires; thunders rolled awfully
+around the firmament, or burst with horrid din, bounding and
+reverberating among the surrounding woods, hills and vallies. It seemed
+nothing less than the crash of worlds sounding through the universe.
+
+Melissa walked her room, listening to the wild commotion of the
+elements. She feared that if the storm continued, she should be
+compelled to pass another night in the lone mansion: if so, she resolved
+not to go to bed. She now suddenly recollected that in her haste to
+regain her chamber, she had forgotten to lock the outer door. The shock
+she had received when the lightning demolished the elm tree, was the
+cause of this neglect. She took the candle, ran hastily down, and
+fastened the door. As she was returning, she heard footsteps, and
+imperfectly saw the glance of something coming out of an adjoining room
+into the hall. Supposing some ghastly object was approaching, she
+averted her eyes and flew to the stairs. As she was ascending them,
+a voice behind her exclaimed, "Gracious heaven! Melissa!" The voice
+agitated her frame with a confused, sympathetic sensation. She turned,
+fixed her eyes upon the person who had spoken; unconnected ideas floated
+a moment in her imagination: "Eternal powers! she cried, it is Alonzo."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Alonzo and Melissa were equally surprised at so unexpected a meeting.
+They could scarcely credit their own senses.--How he had discovered her
+solitude--what led him to that lonely place--how he had got over the
+wall--were queries which first arose in her mind. He likewise could not
+conceive by what miracle he should find her in a remote, desolate
+building, which he had supposed to be uninhabited. With rapture he took
+her trembling hand; tears of joy choaked their utterance. "You are wet,
+Alonzo, said Melissa at length; we will go up to my chamber; I have a
+fire there, where you can dry your clothes."--"Your chamber; replied
+Alonzo; who then inhabits this house?" "No one except myself, she
+answered; I am here alone, Alonzo." "Alone! he exclaimed--here alone,
+Melissa! Good God! tell me how--why--by what means are you here alone?"
+"Let us go up to my chamber, she replied, and I will tell you all."
+
+He followed her to her apartment and seated himself by the fire. "You
+want refreshment," said Melissa--which was indeed the case, as he had
+been long without any, and was wet, hungry and weary.
+
+She immediately set about preparing tea and soon had it ready, and a
+comfortable repast was spread for his entertainment.--And now, reader,
+if thou art a child of nature, if thy bosom is susceptible of refined
+sensibility, contemplate for a moment, Melissa and Alonzo seated at the
+same table, a table prepared by her own hand, in a lonely mansion,
+separated from society, and no one to interrupt them. After innumerable
+difficulties, troubles and perplexities; after vexing embarrassments,
+and a cruel separation, they were once more together, and for some time
+every other consideration was lost. The violence of the storm had not
+abated. The lightning still blazed, the thunder bellowed, the wind
+roared, the sea raged, the rain poured, mingled with heavy hail: Alonzo
+and Melissa heard a little of it. She told him all that had happened to
+her since they parted, except the strange noises and awful sights which
+had terrified her during her confinement in that solitary building: this
+she considered unnecessary and untimely, in her present situation.
+
+Alonzo informed her, that as soon as he had learned the manner in which
+she had been sent away, he left the house of Vincent and went to her
+father's to see if he could not find out by some of the domestics what
+course her aunt had taken. None of them knew any thing about it. He did
+not put himself in the way of her father, as he was apprehensive of ill
+treatment thereby. He then went to several places among the relatives of
+the family where he had heretofore visited with Melissa, most of whom
+received him with a cautious coldness. At length he came to the house of
+Mr. Simpson, the gentleman to whose seat Alonzo was once driven by a
+shower, where he accidentally found Melissa on a visit, as mentioned
+before. Here he was admitted with the ardour of friendship. They had
+heard his story: Melissa had kept up a correspondence with one of the
+young ladies; they were therefore informed of all, except Melissa's
+removal from her father's house: of this they knew nothing until told
+thereof by Alonzo.
+
+"I am surprised at the conduct of my kinsman, said Mr. Simpson; for
+though his determinations are, like the laws of the Medes and Persians,
+unalterable, yet I have ever believed that the welfare of his children
+lay nearest his heart. In the present instance he is certainly pursuing
+a mistaken policy. I will go and see him." He then ordered his horse,
+desiring Alonzo to remain at his house until he returned.
+
+Alonzo was treated with the most friendly politeness by the family; he
+found that they were deeply interested in his favour and the welfare of
+Melissa. At evening Mr. Simpson returned. "It is in vain, said he, to
+reason with my kinsman; he is determined that his daughter shall marry
+your rival. He will not even inform me to what place he has sent
+Melissa. Her aunt however is with her, and they must be at the residence
+of some of the family relatives.--I will dispatch my son William among
+our connections, to see if he can find her out."
+
+The next morning William departed, and was gone two days; but could not
+obtain the least intelligence either of Melissa or her aunt, although he
+had been the rounds among the relations of the family.
+
+"There is some mystery in this affair, said Mr. Simpson. I am very
+little acquainted with Melissa's aunt. I have understood that she draws
+a decent support from her patrimonial resources, which, it is said, are
+pretty large, and that she resides alternately with her different
+relatives. I have understood also that my kinsman expects her fortune to
+come into his family, in case she never marries, which, in all
+probability, she now will not, and that she, in consequence, holds
+considerable influence over him. It is not possible but that Melissa is
+yet concealed at some place of her aunt's residence, and that the family
+are in the secret. I think it cannot be long before they will disclose
+themselves: You, Alonzo, are welcome to make my house your home; and if
+Melissa can be found, she shall be treated as my daughter."
+
+Alonzo thanked him for his friendship and fatherly kindness. "I must
+continue, said he, my researches for Melissa; the result you shall
+know."
+
+He then departed, and travelled through the neighbouring villages and
+adjoining neighbourhoods, making, at almost every house, such enquiries
+as he considered necessary on the occasion. He at length arrived at the
+inn in the last little village where Melissa and her aunt had stopped
+the day they came to the mansion. Here the inn-keeper informed him that
+two ladies, answering his description, had been at his house: he named
+the time, which was the day in which Melissa, with her aunt, left her
+father's house. The inn-keeper told him that they purchased some
+articles in the village, and drove off to the south. Alonzo then
+traversed the country adjoining the Sound, far to the westward, and was
+returning eastward, when he was overtaken by the shower. No house being
+within sight, he betook himself to the forest for shelter. From a little
+hilly glade in the wilderness, he discovered the lonely mansion which,
+from its appearance, he very naturally supposed to be uninhabited.--The
+tempest soon becoming severe, he thought he would endeavour to reach the
+house.
+
+When he arrived at the moat, he found it impossible to cross it, or
+ascend the wall; and he stood in momentary jeopardy of his life, from
+the falling timber, some of which was broken and torn up by the tornado,
+and some splintered by the fiery bolts of heaven. At length a large
+tree, which stood near him, on the verge of the moat, or rather in that
+place, was hurled from its foundation, and fell, with a hideous crash,
+across the moat, its top lodging on the wall. He scrambled up on the
+trunk, and made his way on the wall. By the incessant glare of lightning
+he was able to see distinctly. The top of the tree was partly broken by
+the force of its fall, and hung down the other side of the wall. By
+these branches he let himself down into the yard, proceeded to the
+house, found the door open, which Melissa had left in her fright, and
+entered into one of the rooms, where he proposed to stay until at least
+the shower was over, still supposing the house unoccupied, until the
+noise of locking the door, and the light of the candle, drew him from
+the room, when, to his infinite surprise, he discovered Melissa, as
+before related.
+
+Melissa listened to Alonzo with varied emotion. The fixed obduracy of
+her father, the generous conduct of the Simpsons, the constancy of
+Alonzo, filled her heart with inexpressible sensations. She foresaw that
+her sufferings were not shortly to end--she knew not when her sorrows
+were to close.
+
+Alonzo was shocked at the alteration which appeared in the features of
+Melissa. The rose had faded from her cheek, except when it was
+transiently suffused with a hectic flush. A livid paleness sat upon her
+countenance, and her fine form was rapidly wasting. It was easy to be
+foreseen that the grief which preyed upon her heart would soon destroy
+her, unless speedily allayed.
+
+The storm had now passed into the regions of the east; the wind and rain
+had ceased, the lightning more unfrequently flashed, and the thunder
+rolled at a distance. The hours passed hastily;--day would soon appear.
+Hitherto they had been absorbed in the present moment; it was time to
+think of the future. After the troubles they had experienced; after so
+fortunate a meeting, they could not endure the idea of another and
+immediate separation. And yet immediately separated they must be. It
+would not be safe for Alonzo to stay even until the rising sun, unless
+he was concealed; and of what use could it be for him to remain there in
+concealment?
+
+In this dilemma there was but one expedient. "Suffer me, said Alonzo to
+Melissa, to remove you from this solitary confinement. Your health is
+impaired. To you, your father is no more a father; he has steeled his
+bosom to paternal affection; he has banished you from his house, placed
+you under the tyranny of others, and confined you in a lonely, desolate
+dwelling, far from the sweets of society; and this only because you
+cannot heedlessly renounce a most solemn contract, formed under his eye,
+and sanctioned by his immediate consent and approbation. Pardon me,
+Melissa, I would not censure your father; but permit me to say, that
+after such treatment, you are absolved from implicit obedience to his
+rigorous, cruel, and stern commands.--It will therefore be considered a
+duty you owe to your preservation, if you suffer me to remove you from
+the tyrannical severity with which you are oppressed."
+
+Melissa sighed, wiping a tear which fell from her eye. "Unqualified
+obedience to my parents, said she, I have ever considered the first of
+duties, and have religiously practised thereon----but where, Alonzo,
+would you remove me?" "To any place you shall appoint," he answered.
+"I have no where to go," she replied.
+
+"If you will allow me to name the place, said he, I will mention Mr.
+Simpson's. He will espouse your cause and be a father to you, and, if
+conciliation is possible, will reconcile you to your father. This can be
+done without my being known to have any agency in the business. It can
+seem as if Mr. Simpson had found you out. He will go any just lengths to
+serve us. It was his desire, if you could be found, to have you brought
+to his house. There you can remain either in secret or openly, as you
+shall choose. Be governed by me in this, Melissa, and in all things I
+will obey you thereafter. I will then submit to the future events of
+fate; but I cannot Melissa--I cannot leave you in this doleful place."
+
+Melissa arose and walked the room in extreme agitation. What could she
+do? She had, indeed, determined to leave the house, for reasons which
+Alonzo knew nothing of. But should she leave it in the way she had
+proposed, she was not sure but she would be immediately remanded back,
+more strictly guarded, and more severely treated. To continue there,
+under existing circumstances, would be impossible, long to exist. She
+therefore came to a determination--"I will go, she said, to Mr.
+Simpson's."
+
+It was then agreed that Alonzo should proceed to Vincent's, interest
+them in the plan, procure a carriage, and return at eleven o'clock the
+next night. Melissa was to have the draw-bridge down, and the gate open.
+If John should come to the house the succeeding day, she would persuade
+him to let her still keep the keys. But it was possible her aunt might
+return. This would render the execution of the scheme more hazardous and
+difficult. A signal was therefore agreed on; if her aunt should be
+there, a candle was to be placed at the window fronting the gate, in the
+room above; if not, it was to be placed against a similar window in the
+room below. In the first case Alonzo was to rap loudly at the door.
+Melissa was to run down, under pretence of seeing who was there, fly
+with Alonzo to the carriage, and leave her aunt to scrape acquaintance
+with the ghosts and goblins of the old mansion. For even if her aunt
+should return, which was extremely doubtful, she thought she could
+contrive to let down the bridge and unlock the gate in the evening
+without her knowledge. At any rate she was determined not to let the
+keys go out of her hands, unless they were forced from her, until she
+had escaped from that horrid and dreary place.
+
+Daylight began to break from the east, and Alonzo prepared to depart.
+Melissa accompanied him to the gate and the bridge, which was let down:
+he passed over, and she slowly withdrew, both frequently turning to look
+back. When she came to the gate, she stopped;--Alonzo stopped also. She
+waved a white handkerchief she had in her hand, and Alonzo bowed in
+answer to the sign. She then leisurely entered and slowly shut the
+gate.--Alonzo could not forbear climbing up into a tree to catch another
+glimpse of her as she passed up the avenue. With lingering step he saw
+her move along, soon receding from his view in the gray twilight of
+misty morning. He then descended, and hastily proceeded on his journey.
+
+Traits of glory now painted the eastern skies. The glittering day-star,
+having unbarred the portals of light, began to transmit its retrocessive
+lustre. Thin scuds flew swiftly over the moon's decrescent form. Low,
+hollow winds, murmured among the bushes, or brushed the limpid drops
+from intermingling foliage. The fire-fly[A] sunk, feebly twinkling,
+amidst the herbage of the fields. The dusky shadows of night fled to the
+deep glens, and rocky caverns of the wilderness. The American lark
+soared high in the air, consecrating its matin lay to morn's approaching
+splendours. The woodlands began to ring with native melody--the forest
+tops, on high mountains, caught the sun's first ray, which, widening and
+extending, soon gem'd the landscape with brilliants of a thousand
+various dies.
+
+    [Footnote A: The American lampyris, vulgarly called the
+    lightning-bug.]
+
+As Alonzo came out of the fields near the road, he saw two persons
+passing in an open chair. They suddenly stopped, earnestly gazing at
+him. They were wrapped in long riding cloaks, and it could not be
+distinguished from their dress whether they were men or women. He stood
+not to notice them, but made the best of his way to Vincent's, where he
+arrived about noon.--Rejoiced to find that he had discovered Melissa,
+they applauded the plan of her removal, and assisted him in obtaining a
+carriage. A sedan was procured, and he set out to return, promising to
+see Vincent again, as soon as he had removed Melissa to Mr. Simpson's.
+He made such use of his time as to arrive at the mansion at the hour
+appointed. He found the draw-bridge down, the gate open, and saw, as had
+been agreed upon, the light at the lower window, glimmering through the
+branches of trees. He was therefore assured that Melissa was alone. His
+heart beat; a joyful tremor seized his frame; Melissa was soon to be
+under his care, for a short time at least.--He drove up to the house,
+sprang out of the carriage, and fastened his horse to a locust tree: The
+door was open; he went in, flew lightly up stairs, entered her
+chamber--Melissa was not there! A small fire was blazing on the hearth,
+a candle was burning on the table. He stood petrified with amazement,
+then gazed around in anxious solicitude. What could have become of her?
+It was impossible, he tho't, but that she must still be there.
+
+Had she been removed by fraud or force, the signal candle would not have
+been at the window. Perhaps, in a freakish moment, she had concealed
+herself for no other purpose than to cause him a little perplexity. He
+therefore took the candle and searched every corner of the chamber, and
+every room of the house, not even missing the garret and the cellar.
+He then placed the candle in a lantern, and went out and examined the
+out-houses: he next went round the garden and the yard, strictly
+exploring and investigating every place; but he found her not. He
+repeatedly and loudly called her by name; he was answered only by the
+solitary echoes of the wilderness.
+
+Again he returned to the house, traversed the rooms, there also calling
+on the name of Melissa: his voice reverberated from the walls, dying
+away in solemn murmurs in the distant empty apartments. Thus did he
+continue his anxious scrutiny, alternately in the house and the
+enclosure, until day--but no traces could be discovered, nothing seen or
+heard of Melissa. What had become of her he could not form the most
+distant conjecture. Nothing was removed from the house; the beds, the
+chairs, the table, all the furniture remained in the same condition as
+when he was there the night before;--the candle, as had been agreed
+upon, was at the window, and another was burning on the table:--it was
+therefore evident that she could not have been long gone when he
+arrived. By what means she had thus suddenly disappeared, was a most
+deep and inscrutable mystery.
+
+When the sun had arisen, he once more repeated his inquisitive search,
+but with the same effect. He then, in extreme vexation and
+disappointment, flung himself into the sedan, and drove from the
+mansion. Frequently did he look back at the building, anxiously did he
+scrutinize every surrounding and receding object. A thrill of pensive
+recollection vibrated through his frame as he passed the gate, and the
+keen agonizing pangs of blasted hope, pierced his heart, as his carriage
+rolled over the bridge.
+
+Once more he cast a "longing, lingering look" upon the premises behind,
+sacred only for the treasure they lately possessed; then sunk backward
+in his seat, and was dragged slowly away.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Alonzo had understood from Melissa, that John's hut was situated about
+one mile north from the mansion where she had been confined. When he
+came out near the road, he left his horse and carriage, after securing
+them, and went in search of it.--He soon discovered it, and knew it from
+the description given thereof by Melissa.--He went up and knocked at the
+door, which was opened by John, whom Alonzo also knew, from the portrait
+Melissa had drawn of him.
+
+John started in amazement. "Understanding, said Alonzo, that you have
+the charge of the old mansion in yonder field, I have come to know if
+you can inform me what has become of the young lady who has been
+confined there."
+
+"Confined! answered John, I did not know she was confined."
+
+Recollecting himself, "I mean the young lady who has lately resided
+there with her aunt," replied Alonzo.
+
+"She was there last night, answered John; her aunt is gone into the
+country and has not returned."
+
+Alonzo then told him the situation of the mansion, and that she was not
+there. John informed him that she was there about sunset, and according
+to her request he had left the keys of the gate and bridge with her:
+he desired Alonzo to tarry there until he ran to the mansion.
+
+He returned in about half an hour. "She is gone, sure enough, said John;
+but how, or where, it is impossible for me to guess."--Convinced that he
+knew nothing of the matter, Alonzo left him and returned to Vincent's.
+
+Vincent and his lady were much surprised at Alonzo's account of
+Melissa's sudden disappearance, and they wished to ascertain whether her
+father's family knew any thing of the circumstance. Social intercourse
+had become suspended between the families of Vincent and Melissa's
+father, as the latter had taxed the former of improperly endeavouring to
+promote the views of Alonzo. They therefore procured a neighbouring
+woman to visit Melissa's mother, to see if any information could be
+obtained concerning Melissa; but the old lady had heard nothing of her
+since her departure with her aunt, who had never yet returned.--Alonzo
+left Vincent's and went to Mr. Simpson's. He told them all that had
+happened since he was there, of which, before, they had heard nothing.
+At the houses of Mr. Simpson and Vincent he resided some time, while
+they made the most dilligent search to discover Melissa; but nothing
+could be learned of her fate.
+
+Alonzo then travelled into various parts of the country, making such
+enquiries as caution dictated of all whom he thought likely to give him
+information;--but he found none who could give him the least
+intelligence of his lost Melissa.
+
+In the course of his wanderings he passed near the old mansion house
+where Melissa had been confined. He felt an inclination once more to
+visit it: he proceeded over the bridge, which was down, but he found the
+gate locked. He therefore hurried back and went to John's, whom he found
+at home. On enquiring of John whether he had yet heard any thing of the
+young lady and her aunt; "All I know of the matter, said John, is, that
+two days after you were here, her aunt came back with a strange
+gentleman, and ordered me to go and fetch the furniture away from the
+room they had occupied in the old mansion. I asked her what had become
+of young madam. She told me that young madam had behaved very
+indiscreetly, and she found fault with me for leaving the keys in her
+possession, though I did not know that any harm could arise from it.
+From the discourse which my wife and I afterwards overheard between
+madam and the strange gentleman, I understood that young madam had been
+sent to reside with some friend or relation at a great distance, because
+her father wanted her to marry a man, and she wishes to marry somebody
+else." From John's plain and simple narrative, Alonzo concluded that
+Melissa had been removed by her father's order, or through the agency,
+or instigation of her aunt. Whether his visit to the old mansion had
+been somehow discovered or suspected, or whether she was removed by some
+preconcerted or antecedent plan, he could not conjecture.--Still, the
+situation in which he found the mansion the night he went to convey her
+away, left an inexplicable impression on his mind. He could in no manner
+account how the candle could be placed at the window according to
+agreement, unless it had been done by herself; and if so, how had she so
+suddenly been conveyed away?
+
+Alonzo asked John where Melissa's aunt now was.
+
+"She left here yesterday morning, he answered, with the strange
+gentleman I mentioned, on a visit to some of her friends."
+
+"Was the strange gentleman you speak of her brother?" asked Alonzo.
+
+"I believe not, replied John, smiling and winking to his wife;--I know
+not who he was; somebody that madam seems to like pretty well."
+
+"Have you the care of the old mansion?" said Alonzo.
+
+"Yes, answered John, I have the keys; I will accompany you thither,
+perhaps you would like to purchase it; madam said yesterday she thought
+she should sell it."
+
+Alonzo told him he had no thoghts of purchasing, thanked him for his
+information, and departed.
+
+Convinced now that Melissa was removed by the agency of her persecutors,
+he compared the circumstances of John's relation. "She had been sent to
+reside with some friend or relation at a great distance." This great
+distance, he believed to be New London, and her friend or relation, her
+cousin, at whose house Alonzo first saw her, under whose care she would
+be safe, and Beauman would have an opportunity of renewing his
+addresses. Under these impressions, Alonzo did not long hesitate what
+course to pursue--he determined to repair to New London immediately.
+
+In pursuance of his design he went to his father's. He found the old
+gentleman with his man contentedly tilling his farm, and his mother
+cheerfully attending to household affairs, as their narrow circumstances
+would not admit her to keep a maid without embarrassment. Alonzo's soul
+sickened on comparing the present state of his family with its former
+affluence; but it was an unspeakable consolation to see his aged parents
+contented and happy in their humble situation; and though the idea could
+not pluck the thorn from his own bosom, yet it tended temporarily to
+assuage the anguish of the wound.
+
+"You have been long gone, my son, said his father; I scarcely knew what
+had become of you. Since I have become a farmer I know little of what is
+going forward in the world; and indeed we were never happier in our
+lives. After stocking and paying for my farm, and purchasing the
+requisites for my business, I have got considerable money at command:
+we live frugally, and realize the blessings of health, comfort, and
+contentment. Our only disquietude is on your account, Alonzo. Your
+affair with Melissa, I suppose, is not so favourable as you could wish.
+But despair not, my son; hope is the harbinger of fairer prospects: rely
+on Providence, which never deserts those who submissively bow to the
+justice of its dispensations."
+
+Unwilling to disturb the serenity of his parents, Alonzo did not tell
+them his troubles. He answered, that perhaps all might yet come right;
+but that, as in the present state of his mind he thought a change of
+situation might be of advantage, he asked liberty of his father to
+travel for some little time. To this his father consented, and offered
+him a part of the money he had on hand, which Alonzo refused, saying he
+did not expect to be long gone, and his resources had not failed him.
+
+He then sold off his books, his horses, his carriages, &c. the
+_insignia_ of his better days, but now useless appendages, from which he
+raised no inconsiderable sum.--He then took a tender and affectionate
+leave of his parents, and set out for New London.
+
+Alonzo journeyed along with a heavy heart and in an enfeebled frame of
+spirits. Through disappointment, vexation, and the fatigues he had
+undergone in wandering about, for a long time, in search of Melissa,
+despondency had seized upon his mind, and indisposition upon his body.
+He put up the first night within a few miles of New Haven, and as he
+passed through that town the next morning, the scenes of early life in
+which he had there been an actor, moved in melancholy succession over
+his mind. That day he grew more indisposed; he experienced an unusual
+languor, listlessness and debility; chills, followed by hot flashes,
+heavy pains in the head and back, with incessant and intolerable thirst.
+It was near night when he reached Killingsworth, where he halted, as he
+felt unable to go farther: he called for a bed, and through the night
+was racked with severe pain, and scorched with a burning fever.
+
+The next morning he requested that the physician of the town might be
+sent for;--he came and ordered a prescription which gave his patient
+some relief; and by strict attention, in about ten days Alonzo was able
+to pursue his journey. He arrived at New London, and took lodgings with
+a private family of the name of Wyllis, in a retired part of the town.
+
+The first object was to ascertain whether Melissa was at her cousin's.
+But how should he obtain this information? He knew no person in the town
+except it was those whom he had reason to suppose were leagued against
+him. Should he go to the house of her cousin, it might prove an injury
+to her if she were there, and could answer no valuable purpose if she
+were not.--The evening after he arrived there he wrapped himself up in
+his cloak and took the street which led to the house of Melissa's
+cousin: he stopped when he came against it, to see if he could make any
+discoveries. As people were passing and repassing the street, he got
+over into a small enclosure which adjoined the house, and stood under a
+tree, about thirty yards from the house: he had not long occupied this
+station, before a lady came to the chamber window, which was flung up,
+opposite to the place where he stood; she leaned out, looked earnestly
+around for a few minutes, then shut it and retired. She had brought a
+candle into the room, but did not bring it to the window; of course he
+could not distinguish her features so as to identify them.
+
+He knew it was not the wife of Melissa's cousin, and from her appearance
+he believed it to be Melissa. Again the window opened, again the same
+lady appeared;--she took a seat at a little distance within the room;
+she reclined with her head upon her hand, and her arm appeared to be
+supported by a stand or table. Alonzo's heart beat violently; he now had
+a side view of her face, and was more than ever convinced that it was
+Melissa. Her delicate features, though more pale and dejected than when
+last he saw her;--her brown hair, which fell in artless circles around
+her lily neck; her arched eye-brows and commanding aspect. Alonzo moved
+towards the house, with a design, if possible, to draw her attention,
+and should it really prove to be Melissa, to discover himself. He had
+proceeded but a few steps before she arose, shut the window, retired,
+and the light disappeared. Alonzo waited a considerable time, but she
+appeared no more. Supposing she had retired for the night, he slowly
+withdrew, chagrined at this disappointment, yet pleased at the discovery
+he had made.
+
+The family with whom Alonzo had taken lodgings were fashionable and
+respectable. The following afternoon they had appointed to visit a
+friend, and they invited Alonzo to accompany them. When they named the
+family where their visit was intended, he found it to be Melissa's
+cousin. Alonzo therefore declined going under pretence of business. He
+however waited with anxiety for their return, hoping he should be able
+to learn by their conversation, whether Melissa was there or not.--When
+they returned he made some enquiries concerning the families in town,
+until the conversation turned upon the family they had visited. "The
+young lady who resides there, said Mrs. Wyllis, is undoubtedly in a
+confirmed decline; she will never recover."
+
+Alonzo started, deeply agitated. "Who is the young lady?" he asked. "She
+is sister to the gentleman's wife where we visited, answered Mr.
+Wyllis;--her father lives in Newport, and she has come here for her
+health." "Do you not think, said Mrs. Wyllis, that she resembles their
+cousin Melissa, who resided there some time ago?" "Very much indeed,
+replied her husband, only she is not quite so handsome."
+
+Again was Alonzo disappointed, and again did he experience a melancholy
+pleasure: he had the last night hoped that he had discovered Melissa;
+but to find her in a hopeless decline, was worse than that she should
+remain undiscovered.
+
+"It is reported, said Mrs. Wyllis, that Melissa has been upon the verge
+of matrimony, but that the treaty was somehow broken off; perhaps
+Beauman will renew his addresses again, should this be the case."
+"Beauman has other business besides addressing the ladies, answered Mr.
+Wyllis. He has marched to the lines near New-York with his new raised
+company of volunteers."[A]
+
+    [Footnote A: New-York was then in possession of the British
+    troops.]
+
+From this discourse, Alonzo was convinced that Melissa was not the
+person he had seen at her cousin's the preceding evening, and that she
+was not there. He also found that Beauman was not in town. Where to
+search next, or what course to pursue, he was at a loss to determine.
+
+The next morning he rose early and wandered about the town. As he passed
+by the house of Melissa's cousin, he saw the lady, who had appeared at
+the window, walking in the garden. Her air, her figure, had very much
+the appearance of Melissa; but the lineaments of her countenance were,
+when viewed by the light of day, widely dissimilar. Alonzo felt no
+strong curiosity farther to examine her features, but passing on,
+returned to his lodgings.
+
+How he was now to proceed, Alonzo could not readily decide. To return to
+his native place, appeared to be as useless as to tarry where he was.
+For many weeks had he travelled and searched every place where he
+thought it probable Melissa might be found, both among her relatives and
+elsewhere. He had made every effort to obtain some clue to her removal
+from the old mansion, but he could learn nothing but what he had been
+told by John. If his friends should ever hear of her, they could not
+inform him thereof, as no one knew where he was. Would it not,
+therefore, be best for him to return back, and consult with his friends,
+and if nothing had been heard of her, pursue some other mode of enquiry?
+He might, at least, leave directions where his friends might write to
+him, in case they should have any thing whereof to apprise him.
+
+An incident tended to confirm this resolution. He one night dreamed that
+he was sitting in a strange house, contemplating on his present
+situation, when Melissa suddenly entered the room. Her appearance was
+more pale, sickly and dejected, than when he last saw her. Her elegant
+form had wasted away, her eyes were sunk, her cheeks fallen, her lips
+livid. He fancied it to be night, she held a candle in her hand, smiling
+languidly upon him;--she turned and went out of the room, beckoning him
+to follow: he thought he immediately arose and followed her. She glided
+through several winding rooms, and at length he lost sight of her, and
+the light gradually fading away, he was involved in deep darkness.--He
+groped along, and at length saw a faint distant glimmer, the course of
+which he pursued, until he came into a large room, hung with black
+tapestry, and illuminated by a number of bright tapers. On one side of
+the room appeared a hearse, on which some person was laid: he went up to
+it--the first object that arrested his attention was the lovely form of
+Melissa, shrouded in the sable vestments of death! Cold and lifeless,
+she lay stretched upon the hearse, beautiful even in dissolution; the
+dying smile of complacency had not yet deserted her cheek. The music of
+her voice had ceased; her fine eyes had closed for ever. Insensible to
+objects in which she once delighted; to afflictions which had blasted
+her blooming prospects, and drained the streams of life, she lay like
+blossomed trees of spring, overthrown by rude and boisterous winds. The
+deep groans which convulsed the distracted bosom, and shocked the
+trembling frame of Alonzo, broke the delusive charm: he awoke, rejoiced
+to find it but a dream, though it impressed his mind with doleful and
+portentous forebodings.
+
+It was a long time before he could again close his eyes to sleep; he at
+length fell into a slumber, and again he dreamed. He fancied himself
+with Melissa, at the house of her father, who had consented to their
+union, and that the marriage ceremony between them was there performed.
+He thought that Melissa appeared as she had done in her most fortunate
+and sprightly days, before the darts of adversity, and the thorns of
+affliction, had wounded her heart. Her father seemed to be divested of
+all his awful sternness, and gave her to Alonzo with cheerful freedom.
+He awoke, and the horrors of his former dream were dissipated by the
+happy influences of the last.
+
+"Who knows, he said, but that this may finally be the case; but that the
+sun of peace may yet dispel the glooms of these distressful hours!" He
+arose, determined to return home in a few days. He went out and enjoyed
+his morning walk in a more composed frame of spirits than he had for
+some time experienced. 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. The first
+article he read therein was as follows:
+
+"Died, of a consumption, on the 26th ult. at the seat of her uncle, Col.
+W. D--, near Charleston, South Carolina, whither she had repaired for
+her health, Miss Melissa D----, the amiable daughter of J---- D----,
+Esq. of *******, Connecticut, in the eighteenth year of her age."
+
+The paper fell from the palsied hand--a sudden faintness came upon
+him--the room grew dark--he staggered, and fell senseless upon the
+floor.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The incidents of our story will here produce a pause.----The fanciful
+part of our readers may cast it aside in chagrin and disappointment.
+"Such an event," may they say, "we were not prepared to expect.--After
+so many, and such various trials of heart; after innumerable
+difficulties surmounted; almost invincible objects overcome, and
+insuperable barriers removed--after attending the hero and heroine of
+your tale through the diversified scenes of anxiety, suspense, hope,
+disappointment, expectation, joy, sorrow, anticipated bliss, sudden and
+disastrous woe----after elevating them to the threshold of happiness,
+by the premature death of one, to plunge the other, instantaneously, in
+deep and irretrievable despair, must not, cannot be right.--Your story
+will hereafter become languid and spiritless; the subject will be
+uninteresting, the theme unengaging, since the _genius_ which animated
+and enlivened it is gone for ever."
+
+Reader of sensibility, stop. Are we not detailing facts? Shall we gloss
+them over with false colouring? Shall we describe things as they are, or
+as they are not? Shall we draw with the pencil of nature, or of art? Do
+we indeed paint life as it is, or as it is not? Cast thine eyes, reader,
+over the ephemeral circle of passing and fortuitous events; view the
+change of contingencies; mark well the varied and shifting scenery in
+the great drama of time;--seriously contemplate nature in her
+operations; minutely examine the entrance, the action, and the exit of
+characters on the stage of existence--then say, if disappointment,
+distress, misery and calamitous woe, are not the inalienable portion of
+the susceptible bosom. Say, if the possession of refined feeling is
+enviable----the lot of _Nature's children_ covetable--whether to such,
+through life, the sprinklings of comfort are sufficient to give a zest
+to the bitter banquets of adversity--whether, indeed, sorrow, sighing,
+and tears, are not the inseparable attendants of all those whose hearts
+are the repositories of tender affections and pathetic sympathies.
+
+But what says the moralist?--"Portray life as it is. Delude not the
+senses by deceptive appearances. Arouse your hero? call to his aid stern
+philosophy and sober reason. They will dissipate the rainbow-glories of
+unreal pleasure, and banish the glittering meteors of unsubstantial
+happiness. Or if these fail, lead him to the holy fane of religion: she
+will regulate the fires of fancy, and assuage the tempest of the
+passions: she will illuminate the dark wilderness, and smooth the thorny
+paths of life: she will point him to joys beyond the tomb--to _another
+and a better world_; and pour the balm of consolation and serenity over
+his wounded soul."
+
+Shall we indeed arouse Alonzo? Alas! to what paths of grief and
+wretchedness shall we arouse him! To a world to him void and
+cheerless--a world desolate, sad and dreary.
+
+Alonzo revived. "Why am I, he exclaimed, recalled to this dungeon of
+torment? Why was not my spirit permitted to take its flight to regions
+where my guardian is gone? Why am I cursed with memory? O that I might
+be blessed with forgetfulness! But why do I talk of blessings?--Heaven
+never had one in store for me. Where are fled my anticipated joys?
+To the bosom, the dark bosom of the oblivious tomb! There lie all the
+graces worthy of love in life--all the virtues worthy of lamentation in
+death! There lies perfection; perfection has here been found. Was she
+not all that even Heaven could demand?--Fair, lovely, holy and virtuous.
+Her tender solicitudes, her enrapturing endearments, her soul-inspiring
+blandishments,--gone, gone for ever? That heavenly form, that
+discriminate mind--all lovely as light, all pure as a seraph's--a prey
+to worms--mingled with incorporeal shadows, regardless of former
+inquietudes or delights, regardless of the keen anguish which now wrings
+tears of blood from my despairing heart!
+
+"Eternal Disposer of events! if virtue be thy special care, why is the
+fairest flower in the garden of innocence and purity blasted like a
+noxious weed? Why is the bright gem of excellence trampled in the dust
+like a worthless pebble?--Why is Melissa hurried to the tomb?"
+
+Thus raved Alonzo. It was evident that delirium had partially seized his
+brain. He arose and flung himself on the bed in unspeakable agony. "And
+what, Alas! he again exclaimed, now remains for me? Existence and
+unparalleled misery. The consolation even of death is denied me. But
+Melissa! she--ah, where is she! Oh, reflection insupportable!
+insufferable consideration! Must that heavenly frame putrify, moulder,
+and crumble into dust? Must the loathsome spider nestle on her lily
+bosom? the odious reptile riot on her delicate limbs? the worm revel
+amid the roses of her cheek, fatten on her temples, and bask in the
+lustre of her eyes? Alas! the lustre has become dimmed in death; the
+rose and the lily are withered; the harmony of her voice has ceased; the
+graces, the elegancies of form, the innumerable delicacies of air, all
+are gone, and I am left in a state of misery which defies mitigation or
+comparison."
+
+Exhausted by excess of grief, he now lay in a stupifying anguish, until
+the servant summoned him to breakfast. He told the servant he was
+indisposed and requested he might not be disturbed. Mr. Wyllis and his
+lady came up, anxious to yield him any assistance in their power, and
+advised him to call a physician. He thanked them, but told them it was
+unnecessary; he only wanted rest. His extreme distress of mind brought
+on a relapse of fever, from which he had but imperfectly recovered. For
+several days he lay in a very dangerous and doubtful state. A physician
+was called, contrary to his choice or knowledge, as for most part of the
+time his mind was delirious and sensation imperfect. This was, probably
+the cause of baffling the disorder. He was in a measure insensible to
+his woes. He did not oppose the prescriptions of the physician. The
+fever abated; nature triumphed over disease of body, and he slowly
+recovered, but the malady of his mind was not removed.
+
+He contemplated on the past. "I fear, said he, I have murmured against
+the wisdom of Providence. Forgive, O merciful Creator! Forgive the
+frenzies of distraction!" He now recollected that Melissa once told him
+that she had an uncle who resided near Charleston in South Carolina;
+thither he supposed she had been sent by her father, when she was
+removed from the old mansion, in order to prevent his having access to
+her, and with a view to compel her to marry Beauman. Her appearance had
+indicated a deep decline when he last saw her. "There, said he, far
+removed from friends and acquaintance, there did she languish, there did
+she die--a victim to excessive grief, and cruel parental persecution."
+
+As soon as he was able to leave his room, he walked out one evening, and
+in deep contemplation roved, he knew not where. The moon shone
+brilliantly from her lofty throne; the chill, heavy dews of autumn
+glittered on the decaying verdure. The _cadeat_[A] croaked hoarsely
+among the trees; the _dircle_[B] sung mournfully on the grass.--Alonzo
+heard them not; he was insensible to all external objects, until he had
+imperceptibly wandered to the rock on the point of the beach, verging
+the Sound, to which he had attended Melissa the first time he saw her at
+her cousin's.[C] Had the whole artillery of Heaven burst, in sheeted
+flame, from the skies--had raging winds mingled the roaring waves with
+the mountains--had an instantaneous earthquake burst beneath his feet,
+his frame would not have been so shocked, his soul so agitated!--Sudden
+as the blaze darts from the electric cloud was he aroused to a lively
+sense of blessings entombed! The memory of departed joys passed with
+rapidity over his imagination; his first meeting with Melissa; the
+evening he had attended her to that place; her frequent allusions to the
+scenery there displayed, when they had traversed the fields, or reclined
+in the bower on her favourite hill; in fine, all the vicissitudes
+through which they had passed, were called to his mind. His fancy saw
+her--felt her gently leaning on his arm, while he tremblingly pressed
+her hand.--Again he saw smiling health crimsoning the lilies of her
+cheek; again he saw the bright soul of sympathetic feelings sparkling in
+her eye; the air of ease; the graces of attitude; her brown locks
+circling the borders of her snowy robe. Again he was enraptured by the
+melody of her voice.--Once more would he have been happy, had not fancy
+changed the scene. But, alas! she shifted the curtain. He saw Melissa
+stretched on the sable hearse, wrapped in the dreary vestments of the
+grave; the roses withered; the lilies faded; motionless; the graces
+fled; her eyes fixed, and sealed in the glaze of death! Spontaneously he
+fell upon his knees, and thus poured forth the overcharged burden of his
+anguished bosom.
+
+    [Footnote AB: Local names given to certain American insects, from
+    their sound. They are well known in various parts of the United
+    States; generally make their appearance about the latter end of
+    August, and continue until destroyed by the frost. The notes of
+    the first are hoarse, sprightly, and discordant; of the last,
+    solemn and mournfully pleasing.]
+
+    [Footnote C: See page 8. See also allusions to this scene in
+    several subsequent parts of the story.]
+
+"Infinite Ruler of all events! Great Sovereign of this ever changing
+world! Omnipotent Controller of vicissitudes! Omniscient dispenser of
+destinies! The beginning, the progression, the end is thine.
+Unsearchable are thy purposes! mysterious thy movements! inscrutable thy
+operations! An atom of thy creation, wildered in the mazes of ignorance
+and woe, would bow to thy decrees. Surrounded with impenetrable gloom,
+unable to scrutinize the past, incompetent to explore the future----fain
+would he say, THY WILL BE DONE! And Oh, that it might be consistent with
+that HIGH WILL to call _this atom_ from a dungeon of wretchedness, to
+worlds of light and glory, where his only CONSOLATION is gone."
+
+Thus prayed the heart-broken Alonzo. It was indeed a worldly prayer; but
+perhaps as pure and as acceptable as many of our modern professors would
+have made on a similar occasion. He arose and repaired to his lodgings.
+One determination only he had now fallen upon--to bury himself and his
+griefs from all with whom he had formerly been acquainted. Why should he
+return to the scenes of his former bliss and anxiety, where every
+countenance would tend to renew his mourning; where every door would be
+inscribed with a _memento mori_, and where every object would be
+shrouded in crape? He therefore turned his attention to the army; but
+the army was far distant, and he was too feeble to prosecute a journey
+of such an extent.
+
+There were at that time preparations for fitting out a convoy, at
+private expense, from various parts of the United States, for the
+protection of our European trade; they were to rendezvous at a certain
+station, and thence proceed with the merchantmen under their care to the
+ports of France and Holland, where our trade principally centered, and
+return as convoy to some other mercantile fleet.
+
+One of these ships of war was then nearly fitted out at New-London.
+Alonzo offered himself to the captain, who, pleased with his appearance,
+gave him the station of commander of marines.
+
+Alonzo prepared himself with all speed for the voyage. He sought, he
+wished no acquaintance. His only place of resort, except to his lodgings
+and the ship, was to Melissa's favourite rock: there he bowed as to the
+shrine of her spirit, and there he consecrated his devotions.
+
+As he was one day passing through the town, a gentleman stepped out of
+an adjoining house and accosted him. Alonzo immediately recognized him
+to be the cousin of Melissa, at whose house he had first seen her. He
+was dressed in full mourning, which was a sufficient indication that he
+was apprised of her death. He invited Alonzo to his house, and he could
+not complaisantly refuse the invitation. He therefore accepted it, and
+passed an hour with him, from whom he learnt that Melissa had been sent
+to her uncle's at Charleston, for the recovery of her health, where she
+died. "Her premature death, said her cousin, has borne so heavily upon
+her aged father, that it is feared he will not long survive."----"Well
+may it wring his bosom, thought Alonzo;----his conscience can never be
+at peace." Whether Melissa's cousin had been informed of the particulars
+of Alonzo's unfortunate attachment, was not known, as he instituted no
+conversation on the subject. Neither did he enquire into Alonzo's
+prospects; he only invited him to call again. Alonzo thanked him, but
+replied it would be doubtful, as he should shortly leave town. He made
+no one acquainted with his intentions.
+
+The day at length arrived when the ship was to sail, and Alonzo to leave
+the shores of America. They spread their canvass to propitious gales;
+the breezes rushed from their woody coverts, and majestically wafted
+them from the harbour.
+
+Slowly the land receded; fields, forests, hills, mountains, towns and
+villages leisurely withdrew, until they were mingled in one common mass.
+The ocean opening, expanded and widened, presenting to the astonished
+eyes of the untried mariner its wilderness of waters. Near sunset,
+Alonzo ascended the mast to take a last view of a country once so dear,
+but whose charms were now lost forever. The land still appeared like a
+simicircular border of dark green velvet on the edge of a convex mirror.
+The sun sunk in fleecy golden vapours behind it. It now dwindled to
+discoloured and irregular spots, which appeared like objects floating,
+amidst the blue mists of distance, on the verge of the main, and
+immediately all was lost beneath the spherical, watery surface.
+
+Alonzo had fixed his eyes, as near as his judgment could direct, towards
+Melissa's favourite rock, till nothing but sea was discoverable. With a
+heart-parting sigh he then descended. They had now launched into the
+illimitable world of billows, and the sable wings of night brooded over
+the boundless deep.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A new scene was now opened to Alonzo in the wonders of the mighty deep.
+The sun rising from and setting in the ocean; the wide-spread region of
+watery waste, now smooth as polished glass, now urged into irregular
+rolling hillocks, then swelled to
+
+  "Blue trembling billows, topp'd with foam,"
+
+or gradually arising into mountainous waves. Often would he traverse the
+deck amid the still hours of midnight, when the moon silvered over the
+liquid surface: "Bright luminary of the lonely hour, he would say, that
+now sheddest thy mild and placid ray on the woe-worn head of fortune's
+fugitive, dost thou not also pensively shine on the sacred and silent
+grave of my Melissa?"
+
+Favourable breezes wafted them for many days over the bosom of the
+Atlantic.--At length they were overtaken by a violent storm. The wind
+began to blow strongly from the southwest, which soon increased to a
+violent gale. The dirgy scud first flew swiftly along the sky; then dark
+and heavy clouds filled the atmosphere, mingling with the top-gallant
+streamers of the ship. Night hovered over the ocean, rendered horrible
+by the intermitting blaze of lightnings, the awful crash of thunder,
+and the deafening roar of winds and waves. The sea was rolled into
+mountains, capped with foaming fire. Now the ship was soaring among the
+thunders of heaven, now sunk in the abyss of waters.
+
+The storm dispersed the fleet, so that when it abated, the ship in which
+Alonzo sailed was found alone; they, however, kept on their course of
+destination, after repairing their rigging, which had been considerably
+disordered by the violence of the gale.
+
+The next morning they discovered a sail which they fondly hoped might
+prove to be one of their own fleet, and accordingly made for it. The
+ship they were in pursuit of shortened sail, and towards noon wore round
+and bore down upon them, when they discovered that it was not a ship
+belonging to their convoy. It appeared to be of equal force and
+dimensions with that of their own; they therefore, in order to prepare
+for the worst, got ready with all speed for action. They slowly
+approached each other, manoeuvering for the advantage, till the strange
+ship ran up British colours, and fired a gun, which was immediately
+answered by the other, under the flag of the United States. It was not
+long before a close and severe action took place, which continued for
+three hours, when both ships were in so shattered a condition that they
+were unable to manage a gun.[A] The British had lost their captain, and
+one half their crew, most of the remainder being wounded.----The
+Americans had lost their second officer, and their loss in men, both
+killed and wounded, was nearly equal to that of the enemy.
+
+    [Footnote A: The particulars of this action, in the early stage of
+    the American war, are yet remembered by many.]
+
+While they lay in this condition, unable either to annoy each other
+more, or to get away, a large sail appeared, bearing down upon them,
+which soon came up and proved to be an English frigate, and which
+immediately took the American ship in tow, after removing the crew into
+the hold of the frigate. The crew of the British ship were also taken on
+board of the frigate, which was no sooner done than the ship went down
+and was for ever buried beneath mountains of ponderous waves. The
+frigate then, with the American ship in tow, made sail, and in a few
+days reached England. The wounded prisoners were sent to a hospital, but
+the others were confined in a strong prison within the precincts of
+London.
+
+The American prisoners were huddled into an apartment with British
+convicts of various descriptions. Among these Alonzo observed one whose
+demeanor arrested his attention. A deep melancholy was impressed upon
+his features; his eye was wild and despairing; his figure was
+interesting, tall, elegant and handsome. He appeared to be about
+twenty-five years of age. He seldom conversed, but when he did, it was
+readily discovered that his education had been above the common cast,
+and he possessed an enlightened and discriminating mind. Alonzo
+sympathetically sought his acquaintance, and discovered therein a unison
+of woe.
+
+One evening, when the prisoners were retired to rest, the stranger, upon
+Alonzo's request, rehearsed the following incidents of his life.
+
+"You express, said he, some surprise at finding a man of my appearance
+in so degraded a situation; and you wish to learn the events which have
+plunged me in this abject state. These, when I briefly relate, your
+wonder will cease.
+
+"My name is Henry Malcomb; my father was a clergyman in the west of
+England, and descended from one of the most respectable families in
+those parts. I received a classical education, and then entered the
+military school, as I was designed for the army, to which my earliest
+inclinations led. As soon as my education was considered complete, an
+ensign's commission was procured for me in one of the regiments destined
+for the West Indies. Previous to its departure for those islands,
+I became acquainted with a Miss Vernon, who was a few years younger
+than myself, and the daughter of a gentleman farmer, who had recently
+purchased and removed to an estate in my father's parish. Every thing
+that was graceful and lovely appeared centered in her person; every
+thing that was virtuous and excellent in her mind. I sought her hand.
+Our souls soon became united by the indissoluble bonds of sincerest
+love, and as there were no parental or other impediments to our union,
+it was agreed that as soon as I returned from the Indies, where it was
+expected that my stay would be short, the marriage solemnities should be
+performed. Solemn oaths of constancy passed between us, and I sailed,
+with my regiment, for the Indies.
+
+"While there, I received from her, and returned letters filled with the
+tenderest expressions of anxiety and regret of absence. At length the
+time came when we were to embark for England, where we arrived after an
+absence of about eighteen months. The moment I got on land I hastened to
+the house of Mr. Vernon, to see the charmer of my soul. She received me
+with all the ardency of affection, and even shed tears of joy in my
+presence. I pressed her to name the day which was to perfect our union
+and happiness, and the next Sunday, four days only distant, was agreed
+upon for me to lead her to the altar. How did my heart bound at the
+prospect of making Miss Vernon my own!--of possessing in her all that
+could render life agreeable; I hastened home to my family and informed
+them of my approaching bliss, who all sympathized in the anticipated joy
+which swelled my bosom.
+
+"I had a sister some years older than myself, who had been the friend
+and inmate of my angel in my absence. They were now almost every day
+together, so that I had frequent opportunities of her company. One day
+she had been with my sister at my father's, and I attended her home. On
+my return, my sister requested me to attend her in a private room. We
+therefore retired, and when we were seated she thus addressed me:
+
+"Henry, you know that to promote your peace, your welfare, and your
+happiness, has ever been the pride of my heart. Nothing except this
+could extort the secret which I shall now disclose, and which has yet
+remained deposited in my own bosom: my duty to a brother whom I esteem
+dear as life, forbids me to remain silent. As an affectionate sister, I
+cannot tacitly see you thus imposed upon; I cannot see you the dupe and
+slave of an artful and insidious woman, who does not sincerely return
+your love; nor can I bear to see your marriage consummated with one
+whose soul and affections are placed upon another object."
+
+"Here she hesitated--while I, with insufferable anguish of mind, begged
+her to proceed.
+
+"About six or eight months after your departure, she continued, it was
+reported to Miss Vernon that she had a rival in the Indies; that you had
+there found an American beauty, on whom you lavished those endearments
+which belonged of right to her alone. This news made, at first, a deep
+impression on her mind, but it soon wore away; and whether from this
+cause, from fickleness of disposition, or that she never sincerely loved
+you, I know not; but this I do know, that a youth has been for some time
+past her almost constant companion. To convince you of this, you need
+only tomorrow evening, about sunset, conceal yourself near the long
+avenue by the side of the rivulet, back of Mr. Vernon's country-house,
+where you will undoubtedly surprise Miss Vernon and her companion in
+their usual evening's walk. If I should be mistaken I will submit to
+your censure; but should you find it as I have predicted, you have only
+to rush from your concealment, charge her with her perfidy, and renounce
+her forever."
+
+"Of all the plagues, of all the torments, of all the curses which
+torture the soul, jealousy of a rival in love is the worst. Enraged,
+confounded and astonished, it seemed as if my bosom would have
+instantaneously burst. To conceal my emotions, I left my sister's
+apartment, after having thanked her for her information, and proceeded
+to obey her injunctions. I retired to my own room, and there poured out
+my execrations.
+
+"Cursed woman! I exclaimed, is it thus you requite my tender love! Could
+a vague report of my inconstancy drive you to infidelity! Did not my
+continual letters breathe constant adoration? And did not yours portray
+the same sincerity of affection? No, it was not that which caused you to
+perjure your plighted vows. It was that damnable passion for novelty,
+which more or less holds a predominancy over your whole sex. To a new
+coat, a new face, a new lover, you will sacrifice honour, principle and
+virtue. And to those, backed by splendid power and splendid property,
+you will forfeit your most sacred engagements, though made in the
+presence of heaven."--Thus did I rave through a sleepless night.
+
+"The next day I walked into the fields, and before the time my sister
+appointed had arrived, I had worked up my feelings almost to the frenzy
+of distraction. I repaired, however, to the spot, and concealed myself
+in the place she had named, which was a tuft of laurels by the side of
+the walk. I soon perceived Miss Vernon strolling down the avenue, arm in
+arm with a young man elegantly dressed, and of singular, delicate
+appearance. They were earnestly conversing in a low tone of voice; the
+hand of my false fair one was gently pressed in the hand of the
+stranger. As soon as they had passed the place of my concealment, they
+turned aside and seated themselves in a little arbour, a few yards
+distant from where I sat. The stranger clasped Miss Vernon in his arms:
+"Dearest angel! he exclaimed, what an interruption to our bliss by the
+return of my hated rival!" With fond caresses and endearing
+blandishments, "fear nothing, she replied; I have promised and must
+yield him my hand, but you shall never be excluded from my heart; we
+shall find sufficient opportunities for private conference." I could
+contain myself no longer--my brain was on fire. Quick as lightning I
+sprang from my covert, and presenting a pistol which I had concealed
+under my robe,--"Die! said I, thou false and perjured wretch, by the
+hand thou hast dishonoured, a death too mild for so foul a crime!" and
+immediately shot Miss Vernon through the head, who fell lifeless at my
+feet! Then suddenly drawing my sword, "And thou, perfidious contaminator
+and destroyer of my bliss! cried I--go! attend thy companion in iniquity
+to the black regions of everlasting torment!" So saying, I plunged my
+sword into his bosom. A screech of agony, attended by the exclamation,
+"_Henry, your wife! your sister!_" awoke me, too late, to terrors
+unutterable, to anguish unspeakable, to woes irretrievable, and
+insupportable despair! It was indeed my betrothed wife, it was indeed my
+affectionate sister, arrayed in man's habit. The one lay dead before me,
+the other weltering in her blood! With a feeble and expiring voice, my
+sister informed me, that in a gay and inconsiderate moment they had
+concerted this plan, to try my jealousy, determining to discover
+themselves as soon as they had made the experiment. "I forgive you,
+Henry, she said, forgive your mistake," and closed her eyes for ever in
+death! What a scene for sensibilities like mine! To paint or describe
+it, exceeds the power of language or imagination. I instantly turned the
+sword against my own bosom; an unknown hand arrested it, and prevented
+its entering my heart. The report of the pistol, and the dying screech
+of my sister, had alarmed Mr. Vernon's family, who arrived at that
+moment, one of whom had seized my arm, and thus hindered me from
+destroying my own life. I submitted to be bound and conveyed to prison.
+My trial came on at the last assizes. I made no defence; and was
+condemned to death. My execution will take place in eight weeks from
+to-morrow. I shall cheerfully meet my fate; for who would endure life
+when rendered so peculiarly miserable!"
+
+The wretched Malcomb here ended his tale of woe. No tear moistened his
+eye--his grief was too despairing for tears; it preyed upon his heart,
+drank the vital streams of life, and burst in convulsive sighs from his
+burning bosom.
+
+Alonzo seriously contemplated on the incidents and events of this
+tragical story. Conscience whispered him, are not Malcomb's miseries
+superior to thine? Candour and correct reason must have answered yes.
+"Melissa perished, said Alonzo, but not by the hand of her lover: she
+expired, but not through the mistaken frenzy of him who adored her. She
+died, conscious of the unfeigned love I bore her."
+
+Alonzo and his fellow prisoners had been robbed, when they were
+captured, of every thing except the clothes they wore. Their allowance
+of provisions was scanty and poor. They were confined in the third story
+of a lofty prison. Time rolled away; no prospects appeared of their
+liberation, either by exchange or parole. Some of the prisoners were
+removed, as new ones were introduced, to other places of confinement,
+until not one American was left except Alonzo.
+
+Meantime the day appointed for the execution of Malcomb drew near. His
+past and approaching fate filled the breast of Alonzo with sympathetic
+sorrow. He saw his venerable father, his mother, his friends and
+acquaintance, with several pious clergymen, frequently enter the prison
+to console and comfort him, and to prepare him for the unchangeable
+state on which he was soon to enter. He saw his mind softened by their
+advice and counsel;--frequently would he burst into tears;--often in the
+solitary hours of night was he heard addressing the throne of grace for
+mercy and forgiveness. But the grief that preyed at his heart had wasted
+him to a mere skeleton; a slow but deleterious fever had consequently
+implanted itself in his constitution. Exhausted nature could make but a
+weak struggle against disease and affliction like his, and about a week
+previous to the day appointed for his execution, he expired in peace and
+penitence, trusting in the mercy of his Creator through the sufferings
+of a Redeemer.
+
+Soon after this event, orders came for removing some of the prisoners to
+a most loathsome place of confinement in the suburbs of the city.
+It fell to Alonzo's lot to be one. He therefore formed a project for
+escaping. He had observed that the gratings in one of the windows of the
+apartment were loose and could be easily removed. One night when the
+prisoners were asleep, he stripped off his clothes, every article of
+which he cut into narrow strips, tied them together, fastened one end to
+one of the strongest gratings, removed the others until he had made an
+opening large enough to get out, and then, by the rope he had made of
+his clothes, let himself down into the yard of the prison. There he
+found a long piece of timber, which he dragged to the wall, clambered up
+thereon, and sprang over into the street. His shoes and hat he had left
+in the prison, as a useless encumbrance without his clothes, all which
+he had converted into the means of escape, so that he was now literally
+stark naked. He stood a moment to reflect:--"Here am I, said he, freed
+from my local prison indeed, but in the midst of an enemy's country,
+without a friend, without the means of obtaining one day's subsistence,
+surrounded by the darkness of night, destitute of a single article of
+clothing, and even unable to form a resolution what step next to take.
+The ways of heaven are marvellous--may I silently bow to its
+dispensations!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Alonzo passed along the street in this forlorn condition, not knowing
+where to proceed, or what course to take. It was about three o'clock in
+the morning; the street was illuminated by lamps, and he feared falling
+into the hands of the watch. For some time he saw no person; at length a
+voice from the other side of the street called out,----"Hallo, messmate!
+what, scudding under bare poles? You must have experienced a severe gale
+indeed thus to have carried away every rag of sail!"
+
+Alonzo turned, and saw the person who spoke. He was a decent looking
+man, of middle age, dressed in a sailor's habit. Alonzo had often heard
+of the generosity and honourable conduct of the British tars: he
+therefore approached him and told him his real case, not even concealing
+his being taken in actual hostility to the British government, and his
+escape from prison. The sailor mused a few minutes. "Thy case, said he,
+is a little critical, but do not despair. Had I met thee as an enemy,
+I should have fought thee; but as it is, compassion is the first
+consideration. Perhaps I may be in as bad a situation before the war is
+ended." Then slipping off his coat and giving it to Alonzo, "follow me,"
+he said, and turning, walked hastily along the street, followed by
+Alonzo; he passed into a bye-lane, entered a small house, and taking
+Alonzo into a back room, opened a trunk, and handed out a shirt: "there,
+said he, pointing to a bed, you can sleep till morning, when we will see
+what can be done."
+
+The next morning the sailor brought in a very decent suit of clothes and
+presented them to Alonzo. "You will make this place your home, said he,
+until more favorable prospects appear. In this great city you will be
+safe, for even your late gaoler would not recognize you in this dress.
+And perhaps some opportunity may offer by which you may return to your
+own country." He told Alonzo that his name was Jack Brown; that he was a
+midshipman on board the Severn; that he had a wife and four children,
+and owned the house in which they then were. "In order to prevent
+suspicion or discovery, said he, I shall consider you as a relation from
+the country until you are better provided for." Alonzo was then
+introduced to the sailor's wife, an amiable woman, and here he remained
+for several weeks.
+
+One day Alonzo was informed that a number of American prisoners were
+brought in. He went to the place where they were landed, and saw several
+led away to prison, and some who were sick or disabled, carried to the
+hospital. As the hospital was near at hand, Alonzo entered it to see how
+the sick and disabled prisoners were treated.
+
+He found that they received as much attention as could reasonably be
+expected.[A] As he passed along the different apartments he was
+surprised at hearing his name called by a faint voice. He turned to the
+place from whence it proceeded, and saw stretched on a mattress,
+a person who appeared on the point of expiring. His visage was pale and
+emaciated, his countenance haggard and ghastly, his eyes inexpressive
+and glazy. He held out his withered hand, and feebly beckoned to Alonzo,
+who immediately approached him. His features appeared not unfamiliar to
+Alonzo, but for a moment he could not recollect him. "You do not know
+me," said the apparently dying stranger. "Beauman!" exclaimed Alonzo,
+in surprise. "Yes, replied the sick man, it is Beauman; you behold me on
+the verge of eternity; I have but a short time to continue in this
+world." Alonzo enquired how he came in the power of the enemy. "By the
+fate of war, he replied; I was taken in an action on York Island,
+carried on board a prison-ship in New-York, and sent with a number of
+others for England. I had received a wound in my thigh, from a musket
+ball, during the action; the wound mortified, and my thigh was amputated
+on the voyage; since which I have been rapidly wasting away, and I now
+feel that the cold hand of death is laid upon me." Here he became
+exhausted, and for some time remained silent. Alonzo had not before
+discovered that he had lost his leg: he now found that it had been taken
+off close to his body, and that he was worn to a skeleton. When Beauman
+revived, he enquired into Alonzo's affairs. Alonzo related all that had
+happened to him after leaving New London.
+
+    [Footnote A: The Americans who were imprisoned in England, in the
+    time of war, were treated with much more humanity than those who
+    were imprisoned in America.]
+
+"You are unhappy, Alonzo, said Beauman, in the death of your Melissa,
+to which it is possible I have been undesignedly accessory. I could say
+much on the subject, would my strength permit; but it is needless. She
+is gone, and I must soon go also. She was sent to her uncle's at
+Charleston, by her father, where I was soon to follow her. It was
+supposed that thus widely removed from all access to your company, she
+would yield to the persuasion of her friends to renounce you: her
+unexpected death, however, frustrated every design of this nature, and
+overwhelmed her father and family in inexpressible woe."
+
+Here Beauman ceased. Alonzo found he wanted rest: he enquired whether he
+was in want of any thing to render him more comfortable. Beauman replied
+that he was not: "For the comforts of this life, said he, I have no
+relish; medical aid is applied, but without effect." Alonzo then left
+him, promising to call again in the morning.
+
+When Alonzo called the next morning, he perceived an alarming alteration
+in Beauman. His extremities were cold, a chilling, clammy sweat stood
+upon his face, his respiration was short and interrupted, his pulse weak
+and intermitting. He took the hand of Alonzo, and feebly pressing
+it,--"I am dying, said he in a faint voice. If ever you return to
+America, inform my friends of my fate." This Alonzo readily engaged to
+do, and told him also that he would not leave him.
+
+Beauman soon fell into a stupor; sensation became suspended; his eyes
+rolled up and fixed. Sometimes a partial revival would take place, when
+he would fall into incoherent muttering, calling on the names of his
+deceased father, his mother and Melissa; his voice dying away in
+imperfect moanings, till his lips continued to move without sound.
+Towards night he lay silent, and only continued to breathe with
+difficulty, till a slight convulsion gave the freed spirit to the
+unknown regions of immaterial existence. Alonzo followed his remains to
+the grave: a natural stone was placed at its head, on which Alonzo,
+unobserved, carved the initials of the deceased's name, with the date of
+his death, and left him to moulder with his native dust.
+
+A few days after this event, Jack Brown informed Alonzo that he had
+procured the means of his escape. "A person with whom I am acquainted,
+said he, and whom I suppose to be a smuggler, has agreed to carry you to
+France. There, by application to the American minister, you will be
+enabled to get to your own country, if that is your object. About
+midnight I will pilot you on board, and by to-morrow's sun you may be in
+France."
+
+At the time appointed, Jack set out bearing a large trunk on his
+shoulder, and directed Alonzo to follow him. They proceeded down to a
+quay, and went on board a small skiff. "Here, said Jack to the captain,
+is the gentleman I spoke to you about," and delivered him the trunk.
+Then taking Alonzo aside, "in that trunk, said he, are a few changes of
+linen, and here is something to help you till you can help yourself."
+So saying, he slipped ten guineas into his hand. Alonzo expressed his
+gratitude with tears. "Say nothing, said Jack, we were born to help each
+other in distress, and may Jack never weather a storm or splice a rope,
+if he permits a fellow creature to suffer with want while he has a
+luncheon on board." He then shook Alonzo by the hand, wishing him a good
+voyage, and went whistling away. The skiff soon sailed, and the next
+morning Alonzo was landed in France. Alonzo proceeded immediately to
+Paris, not with a view of returning to America; he had yet no relish for
+revisiting the land of his sorrows, the scenes where at every step his
+heart must bleed afresh, though to bleed it had never ceased. But he was
+friendless in a strange land: perhaps, through the aid of the American
+minister, Dr. Franklin, to whose fame Alonzo was no stranger, he might
+be placed in a situation to procure bread, which was all he at present
+hoped or wished.
+
+He therefore presented himself before the doctor, whom he found in his
+study.--To be informed that he was an American and unfortunate, was
+sufficient to arouse the feelings of Franklin. He desired Alonzo to be
+seated, and to recite his history. This he readily complied with, not
+concealing his attachment to Melissa, her father's barbarity, her death
+in consequence, his own father's failure, with all the particulars of
+his leaving America, his capture, escape from prison, and arrival in
+France; as also the town of his nativity, the name of his father, and
+the particular circumstances of his family; concluding by expressing his
+unconquerable reluctance to return to his native country, which now
+would be to him only a gloomy wilderness, and that his present object
+was only some means of support.
+
+The doctor enquired of Alonzo the particular circumstances and time of
+his father's failure. Of this Alonzo gave him a minute account. Franklin
+then sat in deep contemplation for the space of fifteen minutes, without
+speaking a word. He then took his pen, wrote a short note, directed it,
+and gave it to Alonzo: "Deliver this, said he, to the person to whom it
+is directed; he will find you employment, until something more
+favourable may offer."
+
+Alonzo took the note, thanked the doctor, and went in search of the
+person to whom it was addressed. He soon found the house, which was
+situated in one of the most popular streets in Paris. He knocked at the
+door, which was opened by an elderly looking man: Alonzo enquired for
+the name to whom the note was addressed. The gentleman informed him that
+he was the man. Alonzo presented him the note, which having read, he
+desired him to walk in, and ordered supper. After supper he informed
+Alonzo that he was an English bookseller; that he should employ him as a
+clerk, and desired to know what wages he demanded. Alonzo replied that
+he should submit that to him, being unacquainted with the customary
+salary of clerks in that line of business. The gentleman told him that
+the matter should be arranged the next day. His name was Grafton.
+
+The next morning Mr. Grafton took Alonzo into his bookstore, and gave
+him his instructions. His business was to sell the books to customers,
+and a list of prices was given him for that purpose. Mr. Grafton counted
+out twenty crowns and gave them to Alonzo: "You may want some
+necessaries, said he; and as you have set no price on your services, we
+shall not differ about the wages if you are attentive and faithful."
+
+Alonzo gave his employer no room to complain; nor had he any reason to
+be discontented with his situation. Mr. Grafton regularly advanced him
+twenty crowns at the commencement of every month, and boarded him in his
+family. Alonzo dressed himself in deep mourning. He sought no company;
+he found consolation only in solitude, if consolation it could be
+called.
+
+As he was walking out early one morning, he discovered something lying
+in the street, which he at first supposed to be a small piece of silk:
+he took it up and found it to be a curiously wrought purse, containing a
+few guineas with some small pieces of silver, and something at the
+bottom carefully wrapped in a piece of paper; he unfolded it, and was
+thunderstruck at beholding an elegant miniature of Melissa! Her sweetly
+pensive features, her expressive countenance, her soul-enlivening eye!
+The shock was almost too powerful for his senses. Wildered in a maze of
+wonders, he knew not what to conjecture. Melissa's miniature found in
+the streets of Paris, after she had some time been dead! He viewed it,
+he clasped it to his bosom.--"Such, said he, did she appear, ere the
+corroding cankers of grief had blighted her heavenly charms! By what
+providential miracle am I possessed of the likeness, when the original
+is no more? What benevolent angel has taken pity on my sufferings, and
+conveyed to me this inestimable prize?"
+
+But though he had thus become possessed of what he esteemed most
+valuable, what right had he to withhold it from the lawful owner, could
+the owner indeed be found? Perhaps the person who had lost it would part
+with it; perhaps the money contained in the purse was of more value to
+that person than the miniature. At any rate, justice required that he
+should endeavour to find to whom it belonged: this he might do by
+advertising, which he immediately concluded upon, resolving, should the
+owner appear, to purchase the miniature, if possibly within his power.
+
+Passing into another street, he saw several hand-bills stuck up on the
+walls of houses; stepping up to one, he read as follows:
+
+"Lost, between the hours of nine and ten last evening, in the _Rue de
+Loir_, a small silk purse, containing a few pieces of money, and a
+lady's miniature. One hundred crowns will be given to the person who may
+have found it, and will restore it to the owner at the _American Hotel_,
+near the _Louvre_, Room No. 4."
+
+It was printed both in the French and English languages. By the reward
+here offered, Alonzo was convinced that the miniature belonged to some
+person who set a value upon it. Determined to explicate the mystery,
+he proceeded immediately to the place, found the room mentioned in the
+bill, and knocked at the door. A servant appeared, of whom Alonzo
+enquired for the lodger. The servant answered him in French, which
+Alonzo did not understand: he replied in his own language, but found it
+was unintelligible to the servant. A grave middle aged gentleman then
+came to the door from within the room and ended their jabbering at each
+other: he, in the English language, desired Alonzo to walk in. It was an
+apartment, neatly furnished; no person was therein except the gentleman
+and servant before mentioned, and a person who sat writing in a corner
+of the room, with his back towards them.
+
+Alonzo informed the gentleman that he had called according to the
+direction in a bill of advertisement to enquire for the person who the
+preceding night, had lost a purse and miniature. The person who was
+writing had hitherto taken no notice of what had passed; but at the
+sound of Alonzo's voice, after he had entered the room, he started and
+turned about, and at mention of the miniature, he rose up. Alonzo fixed
+his eyes upon him: they both stood for a few moments silent: for a short
+time their recollection was confused and imperfect, but the mists of
+doubt were soon dissipated. "Edgar!"--"Alonzo!" they alternately
+exclaimed. It was indeed Edgar, the early friend and fellow student of
+Alonzo--the brother of Melissa! In an instant they were in each others
+arms.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Edgar and Alonzo retired to a separate room. Edgar informed Alonzo that
+the news of Melissa's death reached him, by a letter from his father,
+while with the army; that he immediately procured a furlough, and
+visited his father, whom, with his mother, he found in inconsolable
+distress.--"The letter which my uncle had written, said Edgar,
+announcing her death, mentioned with what patience and placidity she
+endured her malady, and with what calmness and resignation she met the
+approach of death. Her last moments, like her whole life, were unruffled
+and serene. She is in heaven Alonzo--she is an angel!"--Swelling grief
+here choaked the utterance of Edgar; for some time he could proceed no
+farther, and Alonzo, with bursting bosom, mingled his tears.
+
+"My father, resumed Edgar, bent on uniting her to Beauman or at least of
+preventing her union with you, had removed her to a desolate family
+mansion, and placed her under the care of an aunt. At that place, he
+either suspected, or really discovered that you had recourse to her
+while my aunt was absent on business. She was therefore no longer
+entrusted to the care of her aunt, but my father immediately formed and
+executed the plan of sending her to his brother in South Carolina, under
+pretence of restoring her to health by change of climate, as her health
+in reality had began rapidly to decay. There it was designed that
+Beauman should shortly follow her, with recommendations from my father
+to her uncle, urging him to use all possible means which might tend to
+persuade her to become the wife of Beauman. But change of climate only
+encreased the load of sorrows, and she soon sunk beneath them. The
+letter mentioned nothing of her troubles: possibly my uncle's family
+knew nothing of them: to them, probably,
+
+  ----"She never told her love,
+  But sat like Patience on a monument
+  Smiling at grief; while sad concealment,
+  Like a worm in the bud,
+  Fed on her damask cheek.
+
+"My father's distress was excessive: often did he accuse himself of
+barbarity, and he once earnestly expressed a wish that he had consented
+to her union with you. My father, I know, is parsimonious, but he
+sincerely loved his children. Inflexible as is his nature, the untimely
+death of a truly affectionate and only daughter will, I much fear,
+precipitate him, and perhaps my mother also, to a speedy grave.
+
+"As soon as my feelings would permit, I repaired to your father's, and
+made enquiry concerning you. I found your parents content in their
+humble state, except that your father had been ill, but was recovering.
+Of you they had heard nothing since your departure, and they deeply
+lamented your absence. And from Vincent I could obtain no farther
+information.
+
+"Sick of the world, I returned to the army. An American consul was soon
+to sail for Holland:--I solicited and obtained the appointment of
+secretary. I hoped by visiting distant countries, in some measure to
+relieve my mind from the deep melancholy with which it was oppressed. We
+were to proceed first to Paris, where we have been a few days; to-morrow
+we are to depart for Holland. The consul is the man who introduced you
+into the room where you found me.
+
+"Last evening I lost the miniature which I suppose you have found: the
+chain to which it was suspended around my neck, had broken while I was
+walking the street. I carefully wrapped it in paper and deposited it in
+my purse, which I probably dropped on replacing it in my pocket, and did
+not discover the loss until this morning. I immediately made diligent
+search, but not finding it, I put up bills of advertisement. The
+likeness was taken in my sister's happiest days. After I had entered
+upon my professional studies in New-York, I became acquainted with a
+miniature painter, who took my likeness. He afterwards went into the
+country, and as I found he was to pass near my father's, I engaged him
+to call there and take my sister's likeness also. We exchanged them soon
+after. It was dear to me, even while the original remained; but since
+she is gone it has become a most precious and valuable relique."
+
+All the tender powers of Alonzo's soul were called into action by
+Edgar's recital. The "days of other years"--the ghosts of sepulchered
+blessings, passed in painful review. Added to these, the penurious
+condition of his parents, his father's recent illness, and his probable
+inability to procure the bread of his family, all tended more deeply to
+sink his spirits in the gulf of melancholy and misery. He however
+informed Edgar of all that had happened since they parted at
+Vincent's--respecting the old mansion Melissa's extraordinary
+disappearance therefrom, the manner in which he was informed of her
+death, his departure from America, capture, escape, Beauman's death,
+arrival in France, and his finding the miniature. To Edgar as well as
+Alonzo, Melissa's sudden and unaccountable removal from the mansion was
+mysterious and inexplicable.
+
+As Edgar was to depart early the next morning, they neither slept nor
+separated that night.
+
+"If it were not for your reluctance to revisit your native country, said
+Edgar, I should urge you to accompany me to Holland, and thence return
+with me to America. Necessity and duty require that I should not be long
+absent, as my parents want my assistance, and they are now childless."
+
+"Suffer me, answered Alonzo, to bury myself in this city for the
+present: should I ever again awake to real life, I will seek you out if
+you are on the earth;--but now, I can only be a companion to my
+miseries."
+
+The next morning as they were about to depart, Alonzo took Melissa's
+miniature from his bosom, contemplated the picture a few moments with
+ardent emotion, and presented it to Edgar. "Keep it, said Edgar, it is
+thine. I bestow it upon thee as I would the original, had not death
+become the rival of thy love, and my affection.--Suffer not the sacred
+symbol too tenderly to renew your sorrows. How swiftly, Alonzo, does
+this restless life fleet away!--How soon shall we pass the barriers of
+terrestrial existence! Let us live worthy of ourselves, of our holy
+religion, of Melissa--Melissa, whom, when a few more suns have arisen
+and set, we shall meet in regions where all tears shall be eternally
+wiped from every eye."
+
+With what unspeakable sensibilities was it returned to Alonzo's bosom!
+Edgar offered Alonzo pecuniary assistance, which the latter refused:
+"I am in business, said he, which brings me a decent support, and that
+is sufficient." They agreed to write each other as frequently as
+possible, and then affectionately parted: Edgar sailed for Holland,
+and Alonzo returned to his business at Mr. Grafton's.
+
+Some time after this Alonzo received a message from Dr. Franklin,
+requiring his attendance at his house, which summons he immediately
+obeyed. The doctor introduced him into his study, and after being
+seated, he earnestly viewed Alonzo for some time, and thus addressed
+him:
+
+"Young man, your views, your resolutions, and your present conduct, are
+totally wrong. Disappointment, you say, has driven you from your native
+country. Disappointment in what? In obtaining the object on which you
+most doated. And suppose this object had been obtained, would your
+happiness have been complete? Your own reason, if you coolly consult it,
+will convince you of the contrary. Do you not remember when an infant,
+how you cried, and teazed your nurse, or your parents, for a rattle, or
+some gay trinket?--Your whole soul was fixed upon the enchanting bauble;
+but when obtained, you soon cast it away, and sighed as earnestly for
+some other trifle, some new toy. Thus it is through life; the fancied
+value of an object ceases with the attainment; it becomes familiar, and
+its charm is lost.
+
+"Was it the splendours of beauty which enraptured you? Sickness may, and
+age must destroy the symmetry of the most finished form--the brilliancy
+of the finest features. Was it the graces of the mind? I tell you, that
+by familiarity, these allurements are lost, and the mind, left vacant,
+turns to some other source to supply _vacuum_.
+
+"Stripped of all their intrinsic value, how poor, how vain, and how
+worthless, are those things we name pleasures, and enjoyments.
+
+"Besides, the attainment of your wishes might have been the death of
+your hopes. If my reasoning is correct, the ardency of your passion
+might have closed with the pursuit. An every day suit, however rich and
+costly the texture, is soon worn threadbare. On your part, indifference
+would consequently succeed: on the part of your partner, disappointment,
+jealousy, and disgust. What might follow is needless for me to
+name;--your soul must shudder at the idea of conjugal infidelity!
+
+"But admitting the most favourable consequences; turn the brightest side
+of the picture; admitting as much happiness as the connubial state will
+allow: how might your bosom have been wounded by the sickness and death
+of your children, or their disorderly and disobedient conduct! You must
+know also, that the warmth of youthful passion must soon cease, and it
+is merely a hazardous chance whether friendship will supply the absence
+of affection.
+
+"After all, my young friend, it will be well for you to consider,
+whether the all-wise dispensing hand of Providence, has not directed
+this matter which you esteem so great an affliction, for your greatest
+good, and most essential advantage. And suffer me to tell you, that in
+all my observations on life, I have always found that those connections
+which were formed from inordinate passion, or what some would call pure
+affection, have been ever the most unhappy. Examine the varied circles
+of society, you will there see this axiom demonstrated; you will there
+see how few among the sentimentally refined are even apparently at ease;
+while those, insusceptible of what you name tender attachments, or who
+receive them only as things of course, plod on through life, without
+even experiencing the least inconvenience from a want of the pleasures
+they are _supposed_ to bestow, or the pains they are sure to create.
+Beware, then, my son, beware of yielding the heart to the effeminacies
+of passion. Exquisite sensibilities are ever subject to exquisite
+inquietudes. Counsel with correct reason, place entire dependence on the
+SUPREME, and the triumph of fortitude and resignation will be yours."
+
+Franklin paused. His reasonings, however they convinced the
+understanding, could not heal the wounds of Alonzo's bosom.--In Melissa
+he looked for as much happiness as earth could afford, nor could he see
+any prospect in life which could repair the loss he had sustained.
+
+"You have, resumed the philosopher, deserted an indulgent father, a fond
+and tender mother, who must want your aid; now, perhaps, unable to toil
+for bread; now, possibly laid upon the bed of sickness, calling, in
+anguish or delirium, for the filial hand of their only son to administer
+relief."----All the parental feelings of Alonzo were now called into
+poignant action.----"You have left a country, bleeding at every pore,
+desolated by the ravages of war, wrecked by the thunders of battle, her
+heroes slain, her children captured. This country asks--she demands--you
+owe her your services: God and nature call upon you to defend her, while
+here you bury yourself in inglorious inactivity, pining for a hapless
+object, which, by all your lamentations, you can never bring back to the
+regions of mortality."
+
+This aroused the patriotic flame in the bosom of Alonzo; and he
+voluntarily exclaimed, "I will go to the relief of my parents--I will
+fly to the defence of my country!"
+
+"In former days, continued Franklin, I was well acquainted with your
+father. As soon as you informed me of his failure, I wrote to my
+correspondent in England, and found, as I expected, that he had been
+overreached by swindlers and sharpers.----The pretended failure of the
+merchants with whom he was in company, was all a sham, as, also the
+reported loss of the ships in their employ. The merchants fled to
+England: I have had them arrested, and they have given up their effects
+to much more than the amount of their debts. I have therefore procured a
+reversion of your father's losses, which, with costs, damages, and
+interests, when legally stated, he will receive of my agent in
+Philadelphia, to whom I shall transmit sufficient documents by you, and
+I shall advance you a sum equal to the expenses of your voyage, which
+will be liquidated by the said agent. A ship sails in a few days from
+Havre, for Savannah in Georgia: it would, indeed, be more convenient
+were she bound to some more northern port, but I know of no other which
+will sail for any part of America for some time. In her therefore I
+would advise you to take passage: it is not very material on what part
+of the continent you are landed; you will soon reach Philadelphia,
+transact your business, restore your father to his property, and be
+ready to serve your country."
+
+If any thing could have given Alonzo consolation, it must have been this
+noble, generous and disinterested conduct of the great Franklin in
+favour of his father, by which his family were restored to ease and to
+independence. Ah! had this but have happened in time to save a life far
+dearer than his own! The reflection was too painful. The idea, however,
+of giving joy to his aged parents, hastened his departure. Furnished
+with proper documents and credentials from Franklin, his benefactor, he
+took leave of him, with the warmest expressions of gratitude, as also of
+Mr. Grafton, and sailed for Savannah, where he arrived in about eight
+weeks.
+
+Intent on his purpose, he immediately purchased a carriage and proceeded
+on for Philadelphia. As he approached Charleston, his bosom swelled with
+mournful recollections. He arrived in that city in the afternoon, and at
+evening he walked out, and entered a little ale house, which stood near
+the large burial ground. An elderly woman and two small children were
+the only persons in the house, except himself. After calling for a pint
+of ale, he enquired of the old lady, if Col. D----, (Melissa's uncle)
+did not live near the city. She informed him that he resided about a
+mile from the town, where he had an elegant seat, and that he was very
+rich.
+
+"Was there not a young lady, asked Alonzo, who died there about eighteen
+months ago?"
+
+"La me! said she, did you know her? Yes: and a sweeter or more handsome
+lady the sun never shined on. And then she was so good, so patient in
+her sickness.--Poor, dear distressed girl, she pined away to skin and
+bones before she died. She was not Col. D----'s daughter, only somehow
+related: she came here in hopes that a change of air might do her good.
+She came from--la me! I cannot think of the name of the place;--it is a
+crabbed name though."
+
+"Connecticut, was it not?" said Alonzo.
+
+"O yes, that was it, replied she. Dear me! then you knew her, did you,
+sir?--Well, we have not her like left in Charleston; that we han't;--and
+then there was such ado at her funeral; five hundred people, I dare say,
+with eight young ladies for pall-bearers, all dressed in white, with
+black ribbons, and all the bells tolling."
+
+"Where was she buried?" enquired Alonzo.
+
+"In the church-yard right before our door, she answered. My husband is
+the sexton; he put up her large white marble tomb-stones;----they are
+the largest and whitest in the whole burying-ground; and so, indeed,
+they ought to be, for never was there a person who deserved them more."
+
+Tired with the old woman's garrulity, and with a bosom bursting with
+anguish, Alonzo paid for his ale without drinking it, bade her good
+night, and slowly proceeded to the church-yard. The moon, in full
+lustre, shone with solemn, silvery ray, on the sacred piles, and funeral
+monuments of the sacred dead; the wind murmured mournfully among the
+weeping willows; a solitary nightingale[A] sang plaintively in the
+distant forest; and a whippoorwill, Melissa's favourite bird, whistled
+near the portico of the church. The large white tomb-stones soon caught
+the eye of Alonzo. He approached them with tremulous step, and with
+feelings too agitated for description. On the head-stone he read as
+follows:
+
+                     SACRED
+     To the Memory of inestimable departed
+                     WORTH;
+     To unrivalled Excellence and Virtue.
+              Miss MELISSA D----,
+     Whose remains are deposited here, and
+      whose ethereal part became a seraph,
+               October 26, 1776,
+          In the 18th year of her age.
+
+    [Footnote A: This bird, though not an inhabitant of the northern
+    states, is frequently to be met with in Georgia and the Carolinas.]
+
+Alonzo bent, kneeled, he prostrated himself, he clasped the green turf
+which enclosed her grave, he watered it with his tears, he warmed it
+with his sighs. "Where art thou, bright beam of heavenly light! he said.
+Come to my troubled soul, blessed spirit! Come, holy shade! come in all
+thy native loveliness, and cheer the bosom of wretchedness, by thy grief
+dispersing smile! On the ray of yon evening star descend. One moment
+leave the celestial regions of glory--leave, one moment, thy sister
+beatitudes, and glide, in entrancing beauty, before me: wave, benignly
+wave thy white hand, and assuage the anguish of despairing sorrow! Alas!
+in vain my invocation! A curtain, impenetrable, is drawn betwixt me and
+thee, only to be disclosed by the dissolution of nature."
+
+He arose and walked away: suddenly he stopped. "Yet, said he, if spirits
+departed lose not the power of recollection;--if they have knowledge of
+present events on earth, Melissa cannot have forgotten me--she must pity
+me." He returned to the grave; he took her miniature from his bosom;
+he held it up, and earnestly viewed it by the moon's pale ray.
+
+"Ah, Franklin! he exclaimed, how tenderly does she beam her lovely eye
+upon me! How often have I drank delicious extacy from the delicacy of
+those unrivalled charms! How often have they taught me to anticipate
+superlative and uninterrupted bliss! Mistaken and delusive hope!
+[_returning the miniature to his bosom._] Vain and presumptuous
+assurance. Then [_pointing to the grave_] there behold how my dearest
+wishes, my fondest expectations are realized!----Hallowed turf! lie
+lightly on her bosom!--Sacred willows! sprinkle the dews gently over her
+grave, while the mourning breezes sigh sadly amid your branches! Here
+may the "widowed wild rose love to bloom!" Here may the first placid
+beams of morning delight to linger; from hence, the evening ray
+reluctantly withdraw!--And when the final trump shall renovate and
+arouse the sleeping saint;--when on "buoyant step" she soars to glory,
+may our meeting spirits join in beatifick transport! May my enraptured
+ear catch the first holy whisper of her consecrated lips."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Alonzo having thus poured out the effusions of an overcharged heart,
+pensively returned to the inn, which he entered and seated himself in
+the common room, in deep contemplation. As usual at public inns, a
+number of people were in the room, among whom were several officers of
+the American army. Alonzo was too deeply absorbed in melancholy
+reflection, to notice passing incidents, until a young officer came,
+seated himself by him, and entered into conversation respecting the
+events of the war. He appeared to be about Alonzo's age; his person was
+interesting, his manners sprightly, his observations correct.--Alonzo
+was, in some degree, aroused from his abstractedness;--the manners of
+the stranger pleased him. His frankness, his ease, his understanding,
+his urbanity, void of vanity or sophistication, sympathetically caught
+the feelings of Alonzo, and he even felt a sort of solemn regret when
+the stranger departed. He soon retired to bed, determining to proceed
+early in the morning.
+
+He arose about daylight; the horizon was overcast, and it had begun to
+rain, which before sunrise had encreased to a violent storm. He found
+therefore that he must content himself to stay until it was over, which
+did not happen till near night, and too late to pursue his journey. He
+was informed by the inn-keeper, that the theatre, which had been closed
+since the commencement of the war, was to be opened that night only,
+with the tragedy of _Gustavus_, and close with a representation of
+Burgoyne's capture, and some other recent events of the American war.
+To "wing the hours with swifter speed," Alonzo determined to go to the
+theatre, and at the hour appointed he repaired thither.
+
+As he was proceeding to take his seat, he passed the box where sat the
+young officer, whose manners had so prepossessed him the preceding
+evening at the inn. He immediately arose: they exchanged salutations,
+and Alonzo walked on and took his seat. The evening was warm, and the
+house exceedingly crowded. After the tragedy was through, and before the
+after-piece commenced, the young officer came to Alonzo's box, and made
+some remarks on the merit of the actors. While they were discoursing, a
+bustle took place in one part of the house, and several people gathered
+around a box, at a little distance from them. The officer turned, left
+Alonzo, and hastened to the place. To the general enquiry, "_what's the
+matter?_" it was answered, that "a lady had fainted." She was led out,
+and the tumult subsided.
+
+As soon as the after-piece was closed, Alonzo returned to the inn. As he
+passed along he cast his eyes toward the church-yard, where lay the
+"wither'd blessings of his richest joys." Affection, passion,
+inclination, urged him to go and breathe a farewell sigh, to drop a
+final tear over the grave of Melissa. Discretion, reason, wisdom forbade
+it--forbade that he re-pierce the ten thousand wounds of his bosom, by
+the acute revival of unavailing sorrows. He hurried to his chamber.
+
+As he prepared to retire to rest, he saw a book lying on the table near
+his bed. On taking it up he found it to be _Young's Night Thoughts_, a
+book which, in happier days, had been the solace of many a gloomy, many
+a lucid hour. He took it up and the first lines he cast his eyes upon
+were the following:
+
+  "Song, beauty, youth, love, virtue, joy: this group
+  Of bright ideas--flowers of Paradise,
+  As yet unforfeit! in one blaze we bind.
+  Kneel, and present it to the skies; as all
+  We guess of Heaven! And _these_ were all her own
+  And she was mine, and I was--was most blest--
+  Like blossom'd trees o'erturn'd by vernal storm,
+  Lovely in death the beauteous ruin lay--
+  Ye that e'er lost an angel, pity me."
+
+His tears fell fast upon the book! He replaced it and flung himself into
+bed. Sleep was far from him; he closed not his eyes till the portals of
+light were unbarred in the east, when he fell into interrupted slumbers.
+
+When he awoke, the morning was considerably advanced. He arose. One
+consolation was yet left--to see his parents happy. He went down to
+order his carriage; his favourite stranger, the young officer, was in
+waiting, and requested a private interview. They immediately retired to
+a separate room, when the stranger thus addressed Alonzo:
+
+"From our short acquaintance, you may, sir, consider it singular that I
+should attempt to scrutinize your private concerns, and more
+extraordinary you may esteem it, when I inform you of my reasons for so
+doing. Judging, however, from appearances, I have no doubt of your
+candour. If my questions should be deemed improper, you will tell me
+so."
+
+Alonzo assured him he would treat him candidly. "This I believe, said
+the young officer; I take the liberty therefore to ask if you are an
+American?"----"I am," answered Alonzo. "I presume, said the
+stranger--the question is a delicate one--I presume your family is
+respectable?" "Sacredly so," replied Alonzo. "Are you married, sir?"
+"I am not, and have ever been single." "Have you any prospects of
+connecting in marriage?" "I have not, sir." "I may then safely proceed,
+said the stranger; I trust you will hear me attentively; you will judge
+maturely; you will decide correctly, and I am confident that you will
+answer me sincerely.
+
+"A young lady of this city, with whom I am well acquainted, and to whom,
+indeed, I am distantly related, whose father is affluent, whose
+connections are eminently respectable, whose manners are engaging, whose
+mind is virtue, whose elegance of form and personal beauty defy
+competition, is the cause, sir, of this mission.--Early introduced into
+the higher walks of life, she has passed the rounds of fashionable
+company; numberless suitors sighed for her hand, whom she complaisantly
+dismissed without disobliging, as her heart had not yet been touched by
+the tender passion of love. Surprising as it may, however, seem, it is
+now about six months since she saw in her dream the youth who possessed
+the power to inspire her with this passion. In her dream she saw a young
+gentleman whose interesting manners and appearance, impressed her so
+deeply that she found she must be unhappy without him. She thought it
+was in a mixed company she saw him, but that she could not get an
+opportunity to speak to him. It seemed that if she could but speak with
+him, all difficulties would at once be removed. At length he approached
+her, and just as he was about to address her, she awoke.
+
+"This extraordinary dream she had communicated to several of her
+acquaintance.--Confident that she should some time or other behold the
+real person whose semblance she had seen in her dream, she has never
+since been perfectly at ease in her mind. Her father, who has but two
+children, one beside herself, being dotingly fond of her, has promised
+that if ever she meets this unknown stranger, he will not oppose their
+union, provided he is respectable, and that, if worthy of her hand,
+he will make him independent.
+
+"On my return from the inn the evening I first saw you, I told my
+sister--I beg pardon, sir--I was wandering from my subject--after I
+first met you at the inn, I fell in company with the lady, and in a
+rallying way told her that I had seen her _invisible beau_, as we used
+to call the gentleman of the dream. I superficially described your
+person, and descanted a little on the embellishments of your mind. She
+listened with some curiosity and attention; but I had so often jested
+with her in this manner, that she thought little of it. At the play last
+night, I had just been speaking to her when I came to your box: her eyes
+followed me, but no sooner had they rested on you, than she fainted!
+This was the cause of my leaving you so abruptly, and not returning. We
+conveyed her home, when she informed me that you was the person she had
+seen in her dream!
+
+"To me only, she preferred disclosing the circumstance at present, for
+reasons which must be obvious to your understanding.--Even her father
+and mother are not informed of it, and should my mission prove
+unsuccessful, none except you, sir, she and myself, I hope and trust,
+will ever know any thing of the matter.
+
+"Now, sir, it is necessary for me farther to explain. As singular as the
+circumstances which I have related may appear to you, to me they must
+appear as strange.--One valuable purpose is, however, answered thereby;
+it will exclude the imputation of capriciousness----the freakish whim of
+_love at first sight_, which exists only in novels and romances. You,
+sir, are young, unmarried, unaffianced, your affections free: such is
+the condition of the lady. She enquires not into the state of your
+property! she asks not riches:--If she obtains the object of her choice,
+on him, as I have told you, will her father bestow
+affluence.----Whatever, sir, may be your pretensions to eminence, and
+they may be many, the lady is not your inferior. Her education also is
+such as would do honour to a gentleman of taste.
+
+"I will not extend my remarks; you perfectly understand me--what answer
+shall I return?"
+
+Alonzo sighed: for a few moments he was silent.
+
+"Perhaps, said the stranger, you may consider the _mode_ of this message
+as bearing the appearance of indecorum. If so, I presume, on reviewing
+the incidents which to--which _enforced it_, as the most safe, the
+_only_ means of sure communication, you will change your opinion.
+Probably you would not wish finally to decide until you have visited the
+lady. This was my expectation, and I am, therefore, ready to introduce
+you to her presence."
+
+"No, sir, said Alonzo, so far from considering the message indecorous, I
+esteem it a peculiar honour, both as respects the lady and yourself. Nor
+is it necessary that I should visit the lady, to confirm the truth of
+what you have related. You will not, sir, receive it as an adulatory
+compliment, when I say, that although our acquaintance is short, yet my
+confidence in your integrity is such as to require no corroborating
+facts to establish your declaration. But, sir, there are obstacles,
+insuperable obstacles, to the execution of the measures you would
+propose.
+
+"Your frankness to me, demands, on my part, equal candour. I assured you
+that I was unmarried, and had no prospect of entering into matrimonial
+engagements; this is indeed the fact: but it is also true that my
+affections--my first, my earliest affections were engaged, unalienably
+engaged, to an object which is now no more. Perhaps you may esteem it
+singular; perhaps you will consider it enthusiasm; but, sir, it is
+impossible that my heart should admit a second and similar impression."
+
+The stranger paused. "Recent disappointments of this nature, he replied,
+commonly leave the mind under such gloomy influences. Time, however, the
+soother of severest woes, will, though slowly, yet surely, disperse the
+clouds of anguish, and the rays of comfort and consolation will beam
+upon the soul. I wish not to be considered importunate, but the day may
+arrive when you may change your present determination, and then will you
+not regret that you refused so advantageous an overture?"
+
+"That day will never arrive, sir answered Alonzo: I have had time for
+deliberate reflection since the melancholy event took place. I have
+experienced a sufficient change of objects and country; the effect is
+the same. The wound is still recent, and so it will ever remain: indeed
+I cannot wish it otherwise. There is a rich and sacred solemnity in my
+sorrows, sir, which I would not exchange for the most splendid
+acquirements of wealth, or the most dignified titles of fame."
+
+The young officer sat for some time silent. "Well, sir, he said, since
+it is thus, seeing that these things are so, I will urge you no farther.
+You will pardon me respecting the part I have taken in this business,
+since it was with the purest designs. May consolation, comfort, and
+happiness, yet be yours."
+
+"To you and your fair friend, said Alonzo, I consider myself under the
+highest obligations. The gratitude I feel I can but feebly express.
+Believe me, sir, when I tell you, (and it is all I can say,) that your
+ingenuous conduct has left impressions in my bosom which can never be
+obliterated."
+
+The stranger held out his hand, which Alonzo ardently grasped. They were
+silent, but their eyes spoke sympathy, and they parted.
+
+Alonzo immediately prepared, and was soon ready to depart. As he was
+stepping into his carriage, he saw the young officer returning. As he
+came up, "I must detain you a few moments longer, he said, and I will
+give you no farther trouble. You will recollect that the lady about whom
+I have so much teazed you, when she became _acquainted_ with you in her
+dream, believed that if she could speak with you, all difficulties would
+be removed. Conscious that this may be the case, (for with all her
+accomplishments she is a little superstitious,) she desires to see you.
+You have nothing to fear, sir; she would not for the world yield you her
+hand, unless in return you could give her your heart. Nor was she
+willing you should know that she made this request, but wished me to
+introduce you, as it were by stratagem. Confident, however, that you
+would thus far yield to the caprice of a lady, I chose to tell you the
+truth. She resides near by, and it will not hinder you long."
+
+"It is capriciousness in the extreme," thought Alonzo; but he told the
+stranger he would accompany him--who immediately stepped into the
+carriage, and they drove, by his direction, to an elegant house in a
+street at a little distance, and alighted. As they entered the house, a
+servant handed the stranger a note, which he hastily looked over: "Tell
+the gentleman I will wait on him in a moment," said he to the servant,
+who instantly withdrew. Turning to Alonzo, "a person is in waiting, said
+he, on urgent business; excuse me, therefore, if it is with reluctance I
+retire a few moments, after I have announced you; I will soon again be
+with you."
+
+They then ascended a flight of stairs: the stranger opened the door of a
+chamber--"The gentleman I mentioned to you madam," he said. Alonzo
+entered; the stranger closed the door and retired. The lady was sitting
+by a window at the lower end of the room, but arose as Alonzo was
+announced. She was dressed in sky-blue silk, embroidered with spangled
+lace; a gemmed _tiara_ gathered her hair, from which was suspended a
+green veil, according to the mode of those times; a silken girdle, with
+diamond clasps, surrounded her waist, and a brilliant sparkled upon her
+bosom. "The stranger's description was not exaggerated, thought Alonzo;
+for, except one, I have never seen a more elegant figure:" and he almost
+wished the veil removed, that he might behold her features.
+
+"You will please to be seated, sir, she said. I know not how--I feel an
+inconceivable diffidence in making an excuse for the inconveniences my
+silly caprices have given you."
+
+Enchanting melody was in her voice! Alonzo knew not why, but it thrilled
+his bosom, electrified his soul, and vibrated every nerve of his heart.
+Confused and hurried sensations, melancholy, yet pleasing; transporting
+as the recurrence of youthful joys, enrapturing as dreams of early
+childhood, passed in rapid succession over his imagination!
+
+She advanced towards him and turned aside her veil. Her eyes were
+suffused, and tears streamed down her cheeks.--Alonzo started--his whole
+frame shook--he gasped for breath!----"Melissa! he convulsively
+exclaimed,--God of infinite wonders, it is Melissa!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Again will the incidents of our history produce a pause. Our sentimental
+readers will experience a recurrence of sympathetic sensibilities, and
+will attend more eagerly to the final scene of our drama.----"Melissa
+alive!" may they say--"impossible! Did not Alonzo see her death in the
+public prints? Did not her cousin at New-London inform him of the
+circumstances, and was he not in mourning? Did not the dying Beauman
+confirm the melancholy fact? And was not the unquestionable testimony of
+her brother Edgar sufficient to seal the truth of all this? Did not the
+sexton's wife who knew not Alonzo, corroborate it? And did not Alonzo
+finally read her name, her age, and the time of her death, on her
+tomb-stone, which exactly accorded with the publication of her death in
+the papers, and his own knowledge of her age? And is not this sufficient
+to prove, clearly and incontestibly prove, that she is dead? And yet
+here she is again, in all her primitive beauty and splendour! No, this
+surely can never be. However the author may succeed in his description,
+in painting reanimated nature, he is no magician, or if he is, he cannot
+raise the dead.
+
+"Melissa has long since mouldered into dust, and he has raised up some
+female Martin Guerre, or Thomas Hoag--some person, from whose near
+resemblance to the deceased, he thinks to impose upon us and upon Alonzo
+also, for Melissa. But it will not do; it must be the identical Melissa
+herself, or it might as well be her likeness in a marble statue. What!
+can Alonzo realize the delicacies, the tenderness, the blandishments of
+Melissa in another? Can her substitute point him to the rock on New
+London beach, the bower on her favourite hill, or so feelingly describe
+the charms of nature? Can he, indeed, find in her representative those
+alluring graces, that pensive sweetness, those unrivalled virtues and
+matchless worth which he found in Melissa, and which attracted, fixed
+and secured the youngest affections of his soul? Impossible!----Or could
+the author even make it out that Alonzo was deceived by a person so
+nearly resembling Melissa that he could not distinguish the difference,
+yet to his readers he must unveil the deception, and, of course, the
+story will end in disappointment; it will leave an unpleasant and
+disagreeable impression on the mind of the reader, which in novel
+writing is certainly wrong. It is proved as clearly as facts can prove,
+that he has suffered Melissa to die; and since she is dead, it is
+totally beyond his power to bring her to life----and so his history is
+intrinsically _good for nothing_."
+
+Be not quite so hasty, my zealous censor. Did we not tell you that we
+were detailing facts? Shall we disguise or discolour truth to please
+_your_ taste? Have we not told you that disappointments are the lot of
+life? Have we not, according to the advice of the moralist, led Alonzo
+to the temple of philosophy, the shrine of reason, and the sanctuary of
+religion? If all these fail--if in these Alonzo cannot find a balsam
+sufficient to heal his wounded bosom; then if, in despite of graves and
+tomb-stones, Melissa will come to his relief--will pour the balm of
+consolation over his anguished soul, cynical critic, can the author help
+it?
+
+It was indeed Melissa, the identical Melissa, whom Alonzo ascended a
+tree to catch a last glimpse of, as she walked up the avenue to the old
+mansion, after they had parted at the draw-bridge, on the morning of the
+day when she was so mysteriously removed. "Melissa!"---- "Alonzo!"----
+were all they could articulate: and frown not, my fair readers, if we
+tell you that she was instantly in his arms, while he pressed his ardent
+lips to her glowing cheek.
+
+Sneer not, ye callous hearted insensibles, ye fastidious prudes, if we
+inform you that their tears fell in one intermingling shower, that their
+sighs wafted in one blended breeze.
+
+The sudden opening of the door aroused them to a sense of their improper
+situation; for who but must consider it _improper_ to find a young lady
+locked in the arms of a gentleman to whom she had just been introduced?
+The opening of the door, therefore, caused them quickly to change their
+_position_; not so hastily, however, but that the young officer who then
+entered the room had a glimpse of their situation.----"Aha! said he,
+have I caught you? Is my philosophic Plato so soon metamorphosed to a
+_bon ton_ enamarato? But a few hours ago, sir, and you were proof
+against the whole arcana of beauty, and all the artillery of the graces;
+but no sooner are you for one moment _tete a tete_ with a fashionable
+belle, than your heroism and your resolutions are vanquished, your
+former ties dissolved, and your deceased charmer totally forgotten or
+neglected, by the virtue of a single glance. Well, so it is: _Amor
+vincit omnia_ is my motto; to thee all conquering beauty, our firmest
+determinations must bow. I cannot censure you for discovering, though
+late, that one living object is really of more intrinsic value than two
+dead ones. Indeed, sir, I cannot but applaud your determination."
+
+"The laws of honour, said Alonzo, smiling, compel me to submit to become
+the subject of your raillery and deception; I am in your power."
+
+"I acknowledge, said the officer, that I have a little deceived you,
+my story was fiction founded on truth--the novel style: but for the
+deceptive part, you may thank your little gipsey of a nymph there,
+pointing to Melissa; she planned and I executed."
+
+"How ready you gentlemen are, replied Melissa, when accused of
+impropriety, to cast the blame on the defenceless! So it was with our
+first parents, and so it is still. But you must remember that Alonzo is
+yet to hear my story; there, sir, I have the advantage of you."
+
+"Then I confess, said he, looking at Alonzo, you will be too hard for
+me, and so I will say no more about it."
+
+Melissa then introduced the young officer to Alonzo, by the appellation
+of Capt. Wilmot. "He is the son of my deceased uncle, said she, a cousin
+to whom I am much indebted, as you shall hereafter know."
+
+A coach drove up to the door, which Melissa informed Alonzo was her
+uncle's, and was sent to convey Alfred and her home. "You will have no
+objection to breakfast with me at my uncle's, said Alfred, if it be only
+to keep our cousin Melissa in countenance."
+
+Alonzo did not hesitate to accept the invitation: They immediately
+therefore entered the coach, a servant took care of Alonzo's carriage,
+and they drove to the seat of Col. D----, who, with his family, received
+Alonzo with much friendship and politeness. Alfred had apprized them of
+Alonzo's arrival in town, and of course he was expected.
+
+Col. D---- was about fifty years old, his manners were majestically
+grave, and commanding, yet polished and polite. His family consisted of
+an amiable wife, considerably younger than himself, and three children:
+the eldest son, about ten years of age, and two daughters, one seven,
+the other four years old. Harmony and cheerfulness reigned in his
+family, which diffused tranquillity and ease to its members and its
+guests.
+
+It was agreed that Alonzo should pass a few days at the house of
+Melissa's uncle, when Melissa was to accompany him to Connecticut.
+Alfred, with some other officers, was recruiting for the army, where his
+regiment then lay, and which he was shortly to join. He could not,
+therefore, be constantly at his uncle's, though he was principally there
+while Alonzo staid: but being absent the day after his arrival, Melissa
+and Alonzo having retired to a room separate from the family, she gave
+him the following account of what happened after they had parted at the
+old mansion.
+
+"The morning after you left me, she said, John came to the bridge and
+called to be let in:--I immediately went to the gate, opened it, and let
+down the bridge. John informed me that my aunt had suddenly and
+unexpectedly arrived that morning in company with a strange gentleman,
+and that he had come for the keys, as my aunt was to visit the mansion
+that day. I strove to persuade John to leave the keys in my possession,
+and that I would make all easy with my aunt when she arrived. This,
+though with much reluctance, he at length consented to, and departed.
+Soon after this my aunt came, and without much ceremony demanded the
+keys, insinuating that I had obtained them from John by imposition, and
+for the basest purposes. This aroused me to indignation, and I answered
+by informing her that whatever purposes the persecution and cruelty of
+my family had compelled me to adopt, my conscience, under present
+circumstances approved them, and I refused to give her the keys. She
+then ordered me to prepare to leave the mansion, and accompany her to
+her residence at the house of John. I told her that I had been placed
+there by my father, and should not consent to a removal unless by his
+express orders. She then left me, intimating that she would soon let me
+know that her authority was not to be thus trampled upon with impunity.
+
+"I immediately raised the bridge, and made fast the gate, determining,
+on no considerations, to suffer it to be opened until evening. The day
+passed away without any occurrence worthy of note, and as soon as it was
+dark, I went, opened the gate, and cautiously let down the bridge.
+I then returned to the mansion, and placed the candle, as we had
+concerted, at the window. Shortly after I heard a carriage roll over the
+bridge and proceed up the avenue.--My heart fluttered; I wished--I
+hardly knew what I did wish; but I feared I was about to act improperly,
+as I had no other idea but that it was you, Alonzo, who was approaching.
+The carriage stopped near the door of the mansion; a footstep ascended
+the stairs. Judge of my surprise and agitation, when my father entered
+the chamber! A maid and two men servants followed him. He directed me to
+make immediate preparations for leaving the mansion--which command, with
+the assistance of the servants, I obeyed with a heart too full for
+utterance.
+
+"As soon as I was ready, we entered the carriage, which drove rapidly
+away. As we passed out of the gate, I looked back at the mansion, and
+saw the light of the candle, which I had forgotten to remove, streaming
+from the window, and it was by an extraordinary effort that I prevented
+myself from fainting.
+
+"The carriage drove, as near as I could judge, about ten miles, when we
+stopped at an inn for the night, except my father, who returned home on
+horseback, leaving me at the inn in company with the servants, where the
+carriage also remained. The maid was a person who had been attached to
+me from my infancy. I asked her whether she could explain these
+mysterious proceedings.
+
+"All I know, Miss, I will tell you, said she. Your father received a
+letter to-day from your aunt, which put him in a terrible flutter:--he
+immediately ordered his carriage and directed us to attend him. He met
+your aunt at a tavern somewhere away back, and she told him that the
+gentleman who used to come to our house so much once, had contrived to
+carry you off from the place where you lived with her; so your father
+concluded to send you to your uncle's in Carolina, and said that I must
+go with you. And to tell you the truth, Miss, I was not displeased with
+it; for your father has grown so sour of late, that we have little peace
+in the house.
+
+"By this I found that my fate was fixed, and I gave myself up for some
+time to unavailing sorrow. The maid informed me that my mother was well,
+which was one sweet consolation among my many troubles; but she knew
+nothing of my father's late conduct.
+
+"The next morning we proceeded, and I was hurried on by rapid stages to
+the Chesapeak, where, with the maid and one man servant, I was put on
+board a packet for Charleston, at which place we arrived in due time.
+
+"My uncle and his family received me with much tenderness: the servant
+delivered a package of letters to my uncle from my father. The carriage
+with one servant (the driver) had returned from the Chesapeak to
+Connecticut.
+
+"My father had but one brother and two sisters, of which my uncle here
+is the youngest. One of my aunts, the old maid, who was my _protectress_
+at the old mansion, you have seen at my father's. The other was the
+mother of Alfred:--she married very young, to a gentleman in Hartford,
+of the name of Wilmot, who fell before the walls of Louisburg, in the
+old French war. My aunt did not long survive him;--her health, which had
+been for some time declining, received so serious a shock by this
+catastrophe, that she died a few months after the melancholy tidings
+arrived, leaving Alfred, their only child, then an infant, to the
+protection of his relations, who as soon as he arrived at a suitable
+age, placed him at school.
+
+"My grandfather, who had the principal management of Mr. Wilmot's
+estate, sent my uncle, who was then young and unmarried, to Hartford,
+for the purpose of transacting the necessary business. Here he became
+acquainted with a young lady, eminent for beauty and loveliness, but
+without fortune, the daughter of a poor mechanic. As soon as my
+grandfather was informed of this attachment, he, in a very peremptory
+manner, ordered my uncle to break off the connection on pain of his
+highest displeasure. But such is the force of early impressions,
+(Melissa sighed) that my uncle found it impossible to submit to these
+firm injunctions; a clandestine marriage ensued, and my grandfather's
+maledictions in consequence. The union was, however, soon dissolved; my
+uncle's wife died in about twelve months after their marriage, and soon
+after the birth of the first child, which was a daughter. Inconsolable
+and comfortless, my uncle put the child out to nurse, and travelled to
+the south. After wandering about for some time, he took up his residence
+in Charleston, where he amassed a splendid fortune. He finally married
+to an amiable and respectable woman, whose tenderness, though it did not
+entirely remove, yet greatly alleviated the pangs of early sorrow; and
+this, added to the little blandishments of a young family, fixed him in
+a state of more contentedness than he once ever expected to see.
+
+"His daughter by his first wife, when she became of proper age, was sent
+to a respectable boarding-school in Boston, where she remained until
+within about two years before I came here.
+
+"Alfred was educated at Harvard College: as soon as he had graduated, he
+came here on my uncle's request, and has since remained in his family.
+
+"Soon after I arrived here; my uncle came into my chamber one day.
+"Melissa, said he, I find by your father's letters that he considers you
+to have formed an improper connection. I wish you to give me a true
+statement of the matter, and if any thing can be done to reconcile you
+to your father, you may depend upon my assistance. I have seen some
+troubles in this way myself, in my early days; perhaps my counsel may be
+of some service."
+
+"I immediately gave a correct account of every particular circumstance,
+from the time of my first acquaintance with you until my arrival at this
+house. He sat some time silent, and then told me that my father, he
+believed, had drawn the worst side of the picture; and that he had urged
+him to exert every means in his power to reclaim me to obedience: That
+Beauman was to follow me in a few months, and that, if I still refused
+to yield him my hand, my father positively and solemnly declared that he
+would discard me forever, and strenuously enjoined it upon him to do the
+same. "I well know my brother's temper, continued my uncle; the case is
+difficult, but something must be done. I will immediately write to your
+father, desiring him not to proceed too rashly; in the mean time we must
+consider what measures to pursue. You must not, my niece, you must not
+be sacrificed." So saying, he left me, highly consoled that, instead of
+a tyrant, I had found a friend in my new protector.
+
+"Alfred was made acquainted with the affair, and many were the plans
+projected for my benefit, and abandoned as indefeasible, till an event
+happened which called forth all the fortitude of my uncle to support it,
+and operated in the end to free me from persecution.
+
+"My uncle's daughter, by his first wife, was of a very delicate and
+sickly constitution, and her health evidently decreasing. After she came
+to this place, she was sent to a village on one of the high hills of
+Pedee, where she remained a considerable time; she then went to one of
+the inland towns in North Carolina, from whence she had but just
+returned with Alfred when I arrived. Afterwards I accompanied her to
+Georgetown, and other places, attended by her father, so that she was
+little more known in Charleston than myself. But all answered no purpose
+to the restoration of her health; a confirmed hectic carried her off in
+the bloom of youth.
+
+"I was but a few months older than she; her name was Melissa, a name
+which a pious grandmother had borne, and was therefore retained in the
+family. Our similarity of age, and in some measure of appearance, our
+being so little known in Charleston, and our names being the same,
+suggested to Alfred the idea of imposing on my father, by passing off my
+cousin's death as my own. This would, at least, deter Beauman from
+prosecuting his intended journey to Charleston; it would also give time
+for farther deliberation, and might so operate on my father's feelings
+as to soften that obduracy of temper, which deeply disquieted himself
+and others, and thus finally be productive of happily effecting the
+designed purpose.
+
+"My uncle was too deeply overwhelmed in grief to be particularly
+consulted on this plan. He however entrusted Alfred to act with full
+powers, and to use his name for my interest, if necessary. Alfred
+therefore procured a publication, as of my death, in the Connecticut
+papers, particularly at New London, the native place of Beauman. In
+Charleston it was generally supposed that it was the niece, and not the
+daughter of Col. D----, who had died.--This imposition was likewise
+practised upon the sexton, who keeps the register of deaths.[A] Alfred
+then wrote a letter to my father, in my uncle's name, stating the
+particulars of my cousin's death, and applying them to me. The epitaph
+on her tombstone was likewise so devised that it would with equal
+propriety apply either to her or to me.
+
+    [Footnote A: This was formerly the case.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"To undeceive you, Alonzo, continued Melissa, was the next object. I
+consulted with Alfred how this should be done.----"My sister, he said,
+(in our private circles he always called me by the tender name of
+sister,) I am determined to see you happy before I relinquish the
+business I have undertaken: letters are a precarious mode of
+communication; I will make a journey to Connecticut, find out Alonzo,
+visit your friends, and see how the plan operates. I am known to your
+father, who has ever treated me as a relative. I will return as speedily
+as possible, and we shall then know what measures are best next to
+pursue."
+
+"I requested him to unfold the deception to my mother, and, if he found
+it expedient, to Vincent and Mr. Simpson, in whose friendship and
+fidelity I was sure he might safely confide.
+
+"He soon departed, and returned in about two months. He found my father
+and mother in extreme distress on account of my supposed death: my
+mother's grief had brought her on the bed of sickness; but when Alfred
+had undeceived her she rapidly revived. My father told Alfred that he
+seriously regretted opposing my inclinations, and that, were it possible
+he could retrace the steps he had taken, he should conduct in a very
+different manner, as he was not only deprived of me, but Edgar also, who
+had gone to Holland in an official capacity, soon after receiving the
+tidings of my death. "I am now childless," said my father in tears.
+Alfred's feelings were moved, and could he then have found you, he would
+have told my father the truth; but lest he should relapse from present
+determinations, he considered it his duty still with him, to continue
+the deception.
+
+"On enquiring at your father's, at Vincent's, and at Mr. Simpson's,
+he could learn nothing of you, except that you had gone to New London,
+judging possibly that you would find me there. Alfred therefore
+determined to proceed to that place immediately. He then confidentially
+unfolded to your father, Vincent, and Mr. Simpson, the scheme, desiring
+that if you returned you would proceed immediately to Charleston. My
+father was still to be kept in ignorance.
+
+"Alfred proceeded immediately to New London: from my cousin there he was
+informed of your interview with him; but from whence you then came, or
+where you went, he knew not; and after making the strictest enquiry, he
+could hear nothing more of you. By a vessel in that port, bound directly
+for Holland, he wrote an account of the whole affair to Edgar,
+mentioning his unsuccessful search to find you; and returned to
+Charleston.
+
+"Alfred learnt from my friends the circumstances which occasioned my
+sudden removal from the old mansion. The morning you left me you was
+discovered by my aunt, who was passing the road in a chair with a
+gentleman, whom she had then but recently become acquainted with. My
+aunt knew you. They immediately drove to John's hut. On finding that
+John had left the keys with me, she sent him for them; and on my
+refusing to give them up, she came herself, as I have before related;
+and as she succeeded no better than John, she returned and dispatched a
+message to my father, informing him of the circumstances, and her
+suspicions of your having been to the mansion, and that, from my having
+possession of the keys and refusing to yield them up, there was little
+doubt but that we had formed a plan for my escape.
+
+"Alarmed at this information, my father immediately ordered his
+carriage, drove to the mansion, and removed me, as I have before
+informed you.
+
+"I ought to have told you, that the maid and man servant who attended me
+to Charleston, not liking the country, and growing sickly, were sent
+back by my uncle, after they had been there about two months."
+
+Alonzo found by this narrative that John had deceived him, when he made
+his enquiries of him concerning his knowledge of Melissa's removal. But
+this was not surprising: John was tenant to Melissa's aunt, and
+subservient to all her views;--she had undoubtedly given him
+instructions how to act.
+
+"But who was the strange gentleman with your aunt?" enquired Alonzo.
+"This I will also tell you, answered Melissa, tho' it unfolds a tale
+which reflects no great honour to my family.
+
+"Hamblin was the name which this man assumed: he said he had been an
+eminent merchant in New York, and had left it about the time it was
+taken by the British. He lodged at an inn where my aunt frequently
+stopped when she was out collecting her rents, where he first introduced
+himself to her acquaintance, and ingratiated himself into her favour by
+art and insidiousness. He accompanied her on her visits to her tenants,
+and assisted her in collecting her rents. He told her, that when the war
+came on, he had turned his effects into money, which he had with him,
+and was now in pursuit of some country place where he might purchase a
+residence to remain during the war. To cut the story as short as
+possible, he finally initiated himself so far in my aunt's favour that
+she accepted his hand, and, contrary to my father's opinion, she married
+him, and he soon after persuaded her to sell her property, under
+pretence of removing to some populous town, and living in style. Her
+property, however, was no sooner sold (which my father bought for ready
+cash, at a low price) than he found means to realize the money, and
+absconded.
+
+"It was afterwards found that his real name was Brenton; that he had
+left a wife and family in Virginia in indigent circumstances, where he
+had spent an ample fortune, left him by his father, in debauchery, and
+involved himself deeply in debt. He had scarcely time to get off with
+the booty he swindled from my aunt, when his creditors from Virginia
+were at his heels. He fled to the British at New York, where he rioted
+for a few months, was finally stabbed by a soldier in a fracas, and died
+the next day. He was about thirty-five years old.
+
+"All these troubles bore so heavily upon my aunt, that she went into a
+decline, and died about six months ago.
+
+"After Alfred returned from Connecticut, he wrote frequently to Vincent
+and Mr. Simpson, but could obtain no intelligence concerning you. It
+would be needless, Alonzo, to describe my conjectures, my anxieties, my
+feelings! The death of my cousin and aunt had kept me in crape until, at
+the instance of Alfred, I put it off yesterday morning at my uncle's
+house, which Alfred had proposed for the scene of action, after he had
+discovered the cause of my fainting at the theatre. I did not readily
+come into Alfred's plan to deceive you: "Suffer me, he said, to try the
+constancy of your _Leander_;----I doubt whether he would swim the
+Hellespont for you." This aroused my pride and confidence, and I
+permitted him to proceed."
+
+Alonzo then gave Melissa a minute account of all that happened to him
+from the time of their parting at the old mansion until he met with her
+the day before. At the mention of Beauman's fate Melissa sighed. "With
+how many vain fears, said she, was I perplexed, lest, by some means he
+should discover my existence and place of residence, after he, alas, was
+silent in the tomb!"
+
+Alonzo told Melissa that he had received a letter from Edgar, after he
+arrived in Holland, and that he had written him an answer, just as he
+left Paris, informing him of his reasons for returning to America.
+
+When the time arrived that Alonzo and Melissa were to set out for
+Connecticut, Melissa's uncle and Alfred accompanied them as far as
+Georgetown, where an affectionate parting took place: The latter
+returned to Charleston, and the former proceeded on their journey.
+
+Philadelphia was now in possession of the British troops. Alonzo found
+Dr. Franklin's agent at Chester, transacted his business, went on,
+arrived at Vincent's, where he left Melissa, and proceeded immediately
+to his father's.
+
+The friends of Alonzo and Melissa were joyfully surprised at their
+arrival. Melissa's mother was sent for to Vincent's. Let imagination
+paint the meeting! As yet however they were not prepared to undeceive
+her father.
+
+Alonzo found his parents in penurious circumstances; indeed, his father
+having the preceeding summer, been too indisposed to manage his little
+farm with attention, and being unable to hire laborers, his crops had
+yielded but a scanty supply, and he had been compelled to sell most of
+his stock to answer pressing demands. With great joy they welcomed
+Alonzo, whom they had given up as lost. "You still find your father
+poor, Alonzo, said the old gentleman, but you find him still
+honest.--From my inability to labour, we have latterly been a little
+more pressed than usual; but having now recovered my health, I trust
+that that difficulty will soon be removed."
+
+Alonzo asked his father if he ever knew Dr. Franklin.
+
+"We were school-mates, he replied, and were intimately acquainted after
+we became young men in business for ourselves. We have done each other
+favours; I once divided my money with Franklin on an urgent occasion to
+him; he afterwards repaid me with ample interest--he will never forget
+it."
+
+Alonzo then related to his father all the incidents of his travels,
+minutely particularizing the disinterested conduct of Franklin, and then
+presented his father with the reversion of his estate. The old man fell
+on his knees, and with tears streaming down his withered cheeks, offered
+devout thanks to the great Dispenser of all mercies.
+
+Alonzo then visited Melissa's father, who received him with much
+complacency. "I have injured, said he, my young friend, deeply injured
+you; but in doing this, I have inflicted a wound still deeper in my own
+bosom."
+
+Alonzo desired him not to renew his sorrows. "What is past, said he, is
+beyond recal; but a subject of some importance to me, is the object of
+my present visit.--True it is, that your daughter was the object of my
+earliest affection--an affection which my bosom must ever retain; but
+being separated by the will of Providence--for I view Providence as
+overruling all events for wise purposes--I betook myself to travel.
+Time, you know it is said, sir, will blunt the sharpest thorns of
+sorrow.--[The old man sighed.]----In my travels I have found a lady so
+nearly resembling your daughter, that I was induced to sue for her hand,
+and have been so happy as to gain the promise of it. The favour I have
+to ask of you, sir, is only that you will permit the marriage ceremony
+to be celebrated in your house, as you know my father is poor, his house
+small and inconvenient, and that you will also honour me by giving the
+lady away. In receiving her from your hands, I shall in some measure
+realize former anticipations; I shall receive her in the character of
+Melissa."
+
+"Ah! said Melissa's father, were it in my power--could I but give you
+the original; But how vain that wish! Yes, my young friend, your request
+shall be punctually complied with: I will take upon myself the
+preparations. Name your day, and if the lady is portionless, in that she
+shall be to me a Melissa."
+
+Alonzo bowed his head in gratitude; and after appointing that day week,
+he departed.
+
+Invitations were once more sent abroad for the wedding of Alonzo and
+Melissa.--Few indeed knew it to be the real Melissa, but they were
+generally informed of Alonzo's reasons for preferring the celebration at
+her father's.
+
+The evening before the day on which the marriage was to take place,
+Alonzo and Melissa were sitting with the Vincents in an upper room, when
+a person rapped at the door below. Vincent went down, and immediately
+returned, introducing, to the joy and surprise of the company, Edgar!
+
+Here, again, we shall leave it for the imagination to depict the scene
+of an affectionate brother, meeting a tender and only sister, whom he
+had long since supposed to be dead! He had been at his father's, and his
+mother had let him into the secret, when he immediately hastened to
+Vincent's. He told them that he did not stay long in Holland; that after
+receiving Alonzo's letter from Paris, he felt an unconquerable
+propensity to return, and soon sailed for America, arrived at Boston,
+came to New-Haven, took orders in the ministry, and had reached home
+that day. He informed them that Mr. Simpson and family had arrived at
+his father's, and some relatives whom his mother had invited.
+
+The next morning ushered in the day in which the hero and heroine of our
+story were to consummate their felicity. No _cross purposes_ stood ready
+to intervene their happiness, no obdurate father, no watchful, scowling
+aunt, to interrupt their transports. It was the latter end of May;
+nature was arrayed in her richest ornaments, and adorned with her
+sweetest perfumes. The sun blended its mild lustre with the landscape's
+lovely green; silk-winged breezes frolicked amidst the flowers; the
+spring birds carolled in varying strains:
+
+  "The air was fragrance, and the world was love."
+
+Evening was appointed for the ceremony, and Edgar was to be the
+officiating clergyman.
+
+  "To tie those bands which nought but death can sever."
+
+When the hour arrived, they repaired to the house of Melissa's father,
+where numerous guests had assembled. Melissa was introduced into the
+bridal apartment, and took her seat among a brilliant circle of ladies.
+She was attired in robes "white as the southern clouds," spangled with
+silver, and trimmed with deep gold lace; her hair hung loosely upon her
+shoulders, encircled by a wreath of artificial flowers. She had regained
+all her former loveliness; the rose and the lily again blended their
+tinges in her cheek; again _pensive sprightliness_ sparkled in her eye.
+
+Alonzo was now introduced, and took his seat at the side of Melissa. His
+father and mother came next, who were placed at the right hand of the
+young couple: Melissa's parents followed, and were stationed at the
+left. Edgar then came and took his seat in front; after which the guests
+were summoned, who filled the room. Edgar then rising, motioned to the
+intended bride and bridegroom to rise also. He next turned to Alonzo's
+father for his sanction, who bowed assent. Then addressing his own
+father, with emotions that scarcely suffered him to articulate. "Do you,
+sir, said he, give this lady to that gentleman?" A solemn silence
+prevailed in the room. Melissa was extremely agitated, as her father
+slowly rising, and with down-cast eyes,
+
+  "Where tides of heavy sorrow swell'd,"
+
+took her trembling hand, and conveying it into Alonzo's, "May the smiles
+of heaven rest upon you, he said; may future blessings crown your
+present happy prospects; and may your latter days never be embittered by
+the premature loss of near and dear----"
+
+Pungent grief here choaked his utterance, and at this moment Melissa,
+falling upon her knees, "Dear father! she exclaimed, bursting into
+tears, pardon deception; acknowledge your daughter--your own Melissa!"
+
+Her father started--he gazed at her with scrutinizing attention, and
+sunk back in his chair.--"My daughter! he cried--God of mysterious
+mercy! it is my daughter!"
+
+The guests caught the contagious sympathy; convulsive sobs arose from
+all parts of the room. Melissa's father clasped her in his arms--"And I
+receive thee as from the dead! he said. I am anxious to hear the mighty
+mystery unfolded. But first let the solemn rites for which we are
+assembled be concluded; let not an old man's anxiety interrupt the
+ceremony."
+
+"But you are apprised, sir, said Alonzo, of my inability to support your
+daughter according to her deserts."
+
+"Leave that to me, my young friend, replied her father. I have enough:
+my children are restored, and I am happy."
+
+Melissa soon resumed her former station. The indissoluble knot was tied:
+they sat down to the wedding feast, and mirth and hilarity danced in
+cheerful circles.
+
+Before the company retired, Edgar related the most prominent incidents
+of Alonzo and Melissa's history, since they had been absent. The guests
+listened with attention: they applauded the conduct of our new bride and
+bridegroom, in which Melissa's father cordially joined. They rejoiced to
+find that Alonzo's father had regained his fortune, and copious
+libations were poured forth in honour of the immortal Franklin.
+
+And now, reader of sensibility, indulge the pleasing sensations of thy
+bosom--for Alonzo and Melissa are MARRIED.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Alonzo's father was soon in complete repossession of his former
+property. The premises from which he had been driven by his unfeeling
+creditors, were yielded up without difficulty, and to which he
+immediately removed. He not only recovered the principal of the fortune
+he had lost, but the damages and the interest; so that, although like
+Job, he had seen affliction, like him his latter days were better than
+his beginning. But wearied with the bustles of life, he did not again
+enter into the mercantile business, but placing his money at interest in
+safe hands, lived retired on his little farm.
+
+A few days after the wedding, as Melissa was sitting with Alonzo, Edgar
+and her parents, she asked her father whether the old mansion was
+inhabited.
+
+"Not by human beings, he replied.----Since it has fallen into my hands I
+have leased it to three or four different families, who all left it
+under the foolish pretence or impression of hearing noises and seeing
+frightful objects, and such is the superstition of the people that no
+one now, will venture to try it again, though I suppose its inhabitants
+to consist only of rats and mice."
+
+Melissa then informed them of all that had happened when she was there,
+the alarming noises and horrible appearances she had been witness to,
+and in which she was confident her senses had not deceived her.
+Exceedingly astonished at her relation; it was agreed that Edgar and
+Alonzo, properly attended, should proceed to the mansion, in order to
+find whether any discoveries could be made which might tend to the
+elucidation of so mysterious an affair.
+
+For this purpose they chose twenty men, armed them with muskets and
+swords, and proceeded to the place, where they arrived in the dusk of
+the evening, having chosen that season as the most favourable to their
+designs.
+
+They found the drawbridge up, and the gate locked, as Edgar's father
+said he had left them. They entered and secured them in the same manner.
+When they came to the house, they cautiously unlocked the door, and
+proceeded to the chamber, where they struck a fire and lighted candles,
+which they had brought with them. It was then agreed to plant fifteen of
+the men at suitable distances around the mansion, and retain five in the
+chamber with Alonzo and Edgar.
+
+The men, who were placed around the house, were stationed behind trees,
+stumps or rocks, and where no object presented, lay flat on the ground,
+with orders not to stir, or discover themselves, let what would ensue,
+unless some alarm should be given from the house.
+
+Alonzo and Edgar were armed with pistols and side arms, and posted
+themselves with the five men in the chamber, taking care that the lights
+should not shine against the window shutters, so that nothing could be
+discovered from without. Things thus arranged, they observed almost an
+implicit silence, no one being allowed to speak, except in a low
+whisper.
+
+For a long time no sound was heard except the hollow roar of winds in
+the neighbouring forest, their whistling around the angles of the
+mansion, or the hoarse murmers of the distant surge. The night was dark,
+and only illuminated by the feeble twinkling of half clouded stars.
+
+They had watched until about midnight, when they were alarmed by noises
+in the rooms below, among which they could distinguish footsteps and
+human voices. Alonzo and Edgar, then taking each a pistol in one hand,
+and a drawn sword in the other, ordered their men to follow them,
+prepared for action. Coming to the head of the stairs, they saw a
+brilliant light streaming into the hall; they therefore concluded to
+take no candles, and to prevent discovery they took off their shoes.
+When they came into the hall opposite the door of the room from whence
+the light and noises proceeded, they discovered ten men genteelly
+dressed, sitting around a table, on which was placed a considerable
+quantity of gold and silver coin, a number of glasses and several
+decanters of wine. Alonzo and his party stood a few minutes, listening
+to the following discourse, which took place among this _ghostly_
+gentry.
+
+"Well, boys, we have made a fine haul this trip."----"Yes, but poor Bob,
+though, was plump'd over by the d----d skulkers!"----"Aye, and had we
+not tugged bravely at the oars, they would have hook'd us."----"Rascally
+cow-boys detained us too long."----"Well, never mind it; let us knock
+around the wine, and then divide the spoil."
+
+At this moment, Alonzo and Edgar, followed by the five men, rushed into
+the room, crying. "_Surrender, or you are all dead men!_" In an instant
+the room was involved in pitchy darkness; a loud crash was heard, then a
+scampering about the floor, and a noise as if several doors shut to,
+with violence. They however gave the alarm to the men without, by loudly
+shouting "_Look out_;" and immediately the discharge of several guns was
+heard around the mansion. One of the men flew up stairs and brought a
+light; but, to their utter amazement, no person was to be discovered in
+the room except their own party. The table, with its apparatus, and the
+chairs on which these now invisible beings had sat, had disappeared, not
+a single trace of them being left.
+
+While they stood petrified with astonishment, the men from without
+called for admittance. The door being unlocked, they led in a stranger
+wounded, whom they immediately discovered to be one of those they had
+seen at the table.
+
+The men who had been stationed around the mansion informed, that some
+time before the alarm was made, they saw a number of persons crossing
+the yard from the western part of the enclosure, towards the house; that
+immediately after the shout was given, they discovered several people
+running back in the same direction: they hailed them, which being
+disregarded, they fired upon them, one of whom they brought down, which
+was the wounded man they had brought in. The others, though they pursued
+them, got off.
+
+The prisoner's wound was not dangerous, the ball had shattered his arm,
+and glanced upon his breast. They dressed his wound as well as they
+could, and then requested him to unfold the circumstances of the
+suspicious appearance in which he was involved.
+
+"First promise me, on your honour, said the stranger, that you will use
+your influence to prevent my being punished or imprisoned."
+
+This they readily agreed to, on condition that he would conceal nothing
+from them--and he gave them the following relation:
+
+That they were a part of a gang of _illicit traders_; men who had
+combined for the purpose of carrying on a secret and illegal commerce
+with the British army on Long Island, whom, contrary to the existing
+laws, they supplied with provisions, and brought off English goods,
+which they sold at very extortionate prices. But this was not all; they
+also brought over large quantities of counterfeit continental money,
+which they put off among the Americans for live stock, poultry, produce,
+&c. which they carried to the Island. The counterfeit money they
+purchased by merely paying for the printing; the British having obtained
+copies of the American emission, struck immense quantities of it in
+New-York, and insidiously sent it out into the country, in order to sink
+our currency.
+
+This gang was likewise connected with the cow-boys, who made it their
+business to steal, not only milch cows, and other cattle, but also hogs
+and sheep, which they drove by night to some convenient place on the
+shores of the Sound, where these _thief-partners_ received them, and
+conveyed them to the British.
+
+"In our excursions across the Sound, continued the wounded man, we had
+frequently observed this mansion, which, from every appearance, we were
+convinced was uninhabited:--we therefore selected it as a suitable place
+for our future rendezvous, which had therefore been only in the open
+woods. To cross the moat, we dragged up an old canoe from the sea shore,
+which we concealed in the bushes as soon as we recrossed from the old
+mansion. To get over the wall we used ladders of ropes, placing a flat
+of thick board on the top of the spikes driven into the wall. We found
+more difficulty in getting into the house:--we however at length
+succeeded, by tearing away a part of the back wall, where we fitted in a
+door so exactly, and so nicely painted it, that it could not be
+distinguished from the wall itself. This door was so constructed, that
+on touching a spring, it would fly open, and when unrestrained, would
+shut to with violence. Finding the apartment so eligible for our
+purpose, and fearing that at some future time we might be disturbed
+either by the owner of the building or some tenant, we cut similar doors
+into every room of the house, so that on an emergency we could traverse
+every apartment without access to the known doors. Trap-doors on a
+similar construction, communicated with the cellar:--the table, which
+you saw us sitting around, stood on one of those, which, on your abrupt
+appearance, as soon as the candles were extinguished, was with its
+contents, precipitated below, and we made our escape by those secret
+doors, judging, that although you had seen us, if we could get off, you
+would be unable to find out any thing which might lead to our discovery.
+
+"A circumstance soon occurred, which tended to embarrass our plans, and
+at first seemed to menace their overthrow. Our assembling at the mansion
+was irregular, as occasion and circumstances required; often not more
+than once a week, but sometimes more frequent, and always in the
+night.--Late one night, as we were proceeding to the mansion, and had
+arrived near it, suddenly one of the chamber windows was opened and a
+light issued from within. We entered the house with caution, and soon
+discovered that some person was in the chamber from whence we had seen
+the light. We remained until all was silent, and then entered the
+chamber by one of our secret doors, and to our inexpressible surprise,
+beheld a beautiful young lady asleep on the only bed in the room. We
+cautiously retired, and reconnoitering all parts of the mansion, found
+that she was the only inhabitant except ourselves. The singularity of
+her being there alone, is a circumstance we have never been able to
+discover, but it gave us fair hopes of easily procuring her ejectment.
+We then immediately withdrew, and made preparations to dispossess the
+fair tenant of the premises to which we considered ourselves more
+properly entitled, as possessing a prior incumbency.
+
+"We did not effect the completion of our apparatus under three or four
+days. As soon as we were prepared, we returned to the mansion. As we
+approached the house, it appears the lady heard us, for again she
+suddenly flung up a window and held out a candle: we skulked from the
+light, but feared she had a glimpse of us.--After we had got into the
+house we were still until we supposed her to be asleep, which we found
+to be the case on going to her chamber.
+
+"We then stationed one near her bed, who, by a loud rap on the floor
+with a cane, appeared to arouse her in a fright. Loud noises were then
+made below, and some of them ran heavily up the stairs which led to her
+chamber; the person stationed in the room whispering near her bed--she
+raised herself up, and he fled behind the curtains. Soon after she again
+lay down; he approached nearer the bed with a design to lay his hand,
+on which he had drawn a thin sheet-lead glove, across her face; but
+discovering her arm on the out side of the bedclothes, he grasped
+it--she screamed and sprang up in the bed; the man then left the room.
+
+"As it was not our intention to injure the lady, but only to drive her
+from the house, we concluded we had sufficiently alarmed her, and having
+extinguished the lights, were about to depart, when we heard her
+descending the stairs. She came down and examined the doors, when one of
+our party, in a loud whisper, crying "_away! away_;" she darted up
+stairs, and we left the house.
+
+"We did not return the next night, in order to give her time to get off;
+but the night after we again repaired to the mansion, expecting that she
+had gone, but we were disappointed. As it was late when we arrived, she
+was wrapped in sleep, and we found that more forcible measures must be
+resorted to before we could remove her, and for such measures we were
+amply prepared."
+
+The stranger then unfolded the mysteries of that awful night, when
+Melissa was so terrified by horrible appearances. One of the tallest and
+most robust of the gang, was attired, as has been described, when he
+appeared by her bed side. The white robe was an old sheet, stained in
+some parts with a liquid red mixture; the wound in his breast was
+artificial, and the blood issuing therefrom was only some of this
+mixture, pressed from a small bladder, concealed under his robe. On his
+head and face he wore a mask, with glass eyes----the mask was painted to
+suit their purposes. The bloody dagger was of wood, and painted.
+
+Thus accoutred, he took his stand near Melissa's bed, having first blown
+out the candles she had left burning, and discharged a small pistol.
+Perceiving this had awakened her, a train of powder was fired in the
+adjoining room opposite the secret door, which was left open, in order
+that the flash might illuminate her apartment; then several large cannon
+balls were rolled through the rooms over her head, imitative of thunder.
+The person in her room then uttered a horrible groan, and gliding along
+by her bed, took his stand behind the curtains, near the foot. The
+noises below, the cry of murder, the firing of the second pistol, and
+the running up stairs, were all corresponding scenes to impress terror
+on her imagination. The pretended ghost then advanced in front of her
+bed, while lights were slowly introduced, which first shone faintly,
+until they were ushered into the room by the private door, exhibiting
+the person before her in all his horrific appearances. On her shrieking,
+and shrinking into the bed, the lights were suddenly extinguished, and
+the person, after commanding her to be gone in a hoarse voice, passed
+again to the foot of the bed, shook it violently, and made a seeming
+attempt to get upon it, when, perceiving her to be springing up, he fled
+out of the room by the secret door, cautiously shut it, and joined his
+companions.
+
+The operators had not yet completed their farce, or rather, to Melissa,
+tragedy. They had framed an image of paste-board, in human shape,
+arrayed it in black, its eyes being formed of large pieces of what is
+vulgarly called _fox-fire_,[A] made into the likeness of human eyes,
+some material being placed in its mouth, around which was a piece of the
+thinnest scarlet tiffany, in order to make it appear of a flame colour.
+They had also constructed a large combustible ball, of several
+thicknesses of paste-board, to which a match was placed. The image was
+to be conveyed into her room, and placed, in the dark, before her
+bed;--while in that position, the ball was to be rubbed over with
+phosphorus, the match set on fire, and rolled across her chamber, and
+when it burst, the image was to vanish, by being suddenly conveyed out
+of the private door, which was to close the scene for that night. But as
+Melissa had now arisen and lighted candles, the plan was defeated.
+
+    [Footnote A: A sort of decayed or rotten wood, which in the night
+    looks like coals of fire, of a bright whitish colour. It emits a
+    faint light.]
+
+While they were consulting how to proceed, they heard her unlock her
+chamber door, and slowly descend the stairs. Fearing a discovery, they
+retired with their lights, and the person who had been in her chamber,
+not having yet stripped off his ghostly habiliments, laid himself down
+on one side of the hall. The man who had the image, crowded himself with
+it under the stairs she was descending. On her dropping the candle, when
+she turned to flee to her chamber, from the sight of the same object
+which had appeared at her bed-side, the person under the stairs
+presented the image at their foot, and at the same instant the
+combustible ball was prepared, and rolled through the hall; and when on
+its bursting she fainted, they began to grow alarmed; but on finding
+that she recovered and regained her chamber, they departed, for that
+time, from the house.
+
+"Our scheme, continued the wounded man, had the desired effect. On
+returning a few evenings after, we found the lady gone and the furniture
+removed. Several attempts were afterwards made to occupy the house, but
+we always succeeded in soon frightening the inhabitants away."
+
+Edgar and Alonzo then requested their prisoner to show them the springs
+of the secret doors, and how they were opened. The springs were sunk in
+the wood, which being touched by entering a gimblet hole with a piece of
+pointed steel, which each of the gang always had about him, the door
+would fly open, and fasten again in shutting to. On opening the
+trap-door over which the gang had sat when they first discovered them,
+they found the table and chairs, with the decanters broken, and the
+money, which they secured. In one part of the cellar they were shown a
+kind of cave, its mouth covered with boards and earth--here the company
+kept their furniture, and to this place would they have removed it, had
+they not been so suddenly frightened away. The canoe they found secreted
+in the bushes beyond the canal.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It was then agreed that the man should go before the proper authorities
+in a neighbouring town, and there, as state's evidence, make affidavit
+of what he had recited, and as complete a developement of the characters
+concerned in the business as possible, when he was to be released. The
+man enquired to what town they were to go, which, when they had informed
+him, "Then, said he, it will be in my power to perform one deed of
+justice before I leave the country, as leave it I must, immediately
+after I have given in my testimony, or I shall be assassinated by some
+of those who will be implicated in the transaction I have related."
+
+He then informed them, that while he, with the gang, was prosecuting the
+illicit trade, a British ship came and anchored in the Sound, which they
+supplied with provisions, but that having at one time a considerable
+quantity on hand, the ship sent its boat on shore, with an officer and
+five men, to fetch it; the officer came with them on shore, leaving the
+men in the boat: "As we were about to carry the provisions on board the
+boat, continued the man, a party of Americans fired upon us, and wounded
+the officer in the thigh, who fell: "I shall be made prisoner, said he,
+taking out his purse; keep this, and if I live and regain my liberty,
+perhaps you may have an opportunity of restoring it:--alarm the boat's
+crew, and shift for yourselves." The boat was alarmed, returned to the
+ship, and we saved ourselves by flight.
+
+"This happened about four months ago; the ship soon after sailed for New
+York, and the officer was imprisoned in the gaol of the town to which we
+are to go; I can therefore restore him his purse."
+
+The man farther informed them, that they had several times come near
+being taken, and the last trip they were fired upon, and one of their
+party killed.
+
+They immediately set out for the aforesaid town, after having dismissed
+their fifteen men; and when they arrived there, Alonzo and Edgar
+accompanied their prisoner to the gaol. On making the proper enquiries,
+they were conducted into a dark and dirty apartment of the gaol, where
+were several prisoners in irons. The British officer was soon
+distinguished among them by his regimentals. Though enveloped in filth
+and dust, his countenance appeared familiar to Alonzo; and on a few
+moments recollection, he recognized in the manacled officer, the
+generous midshipman, Jack Brown, who had so disinterestedly relieved
+him, when he escaped from the prison in London!
+
+In the fervency of his feelings, Alonzo flew to him and clasped him in
+his arms. "What do I behold! he cried. My friend, my brave deliverer,
+in chains in my own country!"
+
+"The fortune of war, boy! said Jack--it might have been worse. But my
+lad, I am heartily glad to see you; how has it fared with you since you
+left Old England?"--"We will talk of that by and by," said Alonzo.
+
+There were then some American officers of distinction in town, with whom
+Edgar was acquainted, to whom he applied for the relief of the noble
+sailor;----and as there were several other British prisoners in gaol
+it was agreed that a cartel should be immediately sent to New York to
+exchange them. Alonzo had, therefore, the satisfaction to see the irons
+knocked off of his liberal hearted benefactor, and his prison doors
+opened.
+
+The man they had taken at the mansion, returned him his purse,
+containing only twenty-five guineas, of which Jack gave him ten. "There,
+boy, said he, you have been honest, so I will divide with you."
+
+They then repaired to an inn. Jack, whose wound was healed, was put
+under the hands of a barber, cleaned, furnished with a change of
+clothes, and soon appeared in a new attitude.
+
+He informed Alonzo, that soon after he left England, his ship was
+ordered for America: that the price of provisions growing high, it had
+taken almost all his wages to support his family; that he had sent home
+his last remittance just before he was taken, reserving only the
+twenty-five guineas which had been restored him that day.--"But I have
+never despaired, said he; the great Commodore of life orders all for the
+best. My tour of duty is to serve my king and country, and provide for
+my dear Poll and her chicks, which, if I faithfully perform, I shall
+gain the applause of the Commander."
+
+When the cartel was ready to depart, Alonzo, taking Jack apart from the
+company, presented him with a draught of five hundred pounds sterling,
+on a merchant in New York, who privately transacted business with the
+Americans. "Take this, my friend, said he; you can ensure it by
+converting it into bills of exchange on London. Though you once saw me
+naked, I can now conveniently spare this sum, and it may assist you in
+buffeting the billows of life."--The generous tar shed tears of
+gratitude, and Alonzo enjoyed the pleasure of seeing him depart, calling
+down blessings on the head of his reciprocal benefactor.
+
+The man who came with Alonzo and Edgar from the mansion, then went
+before the magistrates of the town, and gave his testimony and
+affidavit, by which it appeared that several eminent characters of
+Connecticut were concerned in this illicit trade. They then released
+him, gave him the money they had found in the cellar at the mansion, and
+he immediately left the town. Precepts were soon after issued for a
+number of those traders; several were taken, among whom were some of the
+gang, and others who were only concerned--but most of them absconded,
+so that the company and their plans were broken up.
+
+When Alonzo and Edgar returned home and related their adventure, they
+were all surprised at the fortitude of Melissa in being enabled to
+support her spirits in a solitary mansion, amidst such great, and so
+many terrors.
+
+It was now that Alonzo turned his attention to future prospects. It was
+time to select a place for domestic residence. He consulted Melissa, and
+she expressively mentioned the little secluded village, where
+
+  "Ere fate and fortune frown'd severe,"
+
+they projected scenes of connubial bliss, and planned the structure of
+their family edifice. This intimation accorded with the ardent wishes of
+Alonzo. The site formerly marked out, with an adjoining farm, was
+immediately purchased, and suitable buildings erected, to which Alonzo
+and Melissa removed the ensuing summer.
+
+The clergyman of the village having recently died in a _good old age_,
+Edgar was called to the pastoral charge of this unsophisticated people.
+Here did Melissa and Alonzo repose after the storms of adversity were
+past. Here did they realize all the happiness which the sublunary hand
+of time apportions to mortals. The varying seasons diversified their
+joys, except when Alonzo was called with the militia of his country,
+wherein he bore an eminent commission, to oppose the enemy; and this was
+not unfrequent, as in his country's defence he took a very conspicuous
+part. Then would anxiety, incertitude, and disconsolation possess the
+bosom of Melissa, until dissipated by his safe return. But the happy
+termination of the war soon removed all cause of these disquietudes.
+
+Soon after the close of the war, Alonzo received a letter from his
+friend, Jack Brown, dated at an interior parish in England,--in which,
+after pouring forth abundance of gratitude, he informed, that on
+returning to England he procured his discharge from the navy, sold his
+house, and removed into the country, where he had set up an inn with the
+sign of _The Grateful American_. "You have made us all happy, said he;
+my dear Poll blubbered like a fresh water sailor in a hurricane, when I
+told her of your goodness. My wife, my children, all hands upon deck are
+yours. We have a good run of business, and are now under full sail, for
+the land of prosperity."
+
+Edgar married to one of the Miss Simpsons, whose father's seat was in
+the vicinity of the village. The parents of Alonzo and Melissa were
+their frequent visitors, as were also Vincent and his lady, with many
+others of their acquaintance, who all rejoiced in their happy situation,
+after such a diversity of troubles. Alfred was generally once a year
+their guest, until at length he married and settled in the mercantile
+business in Charleston, South Carolina.
+
+To our hero and heroine, the rural charms of their secluded village were
+a source of ever pleasing variety. Spring, with its verdured fields,
+flowery meads, and vocal groves: its vernal gales, purling rills, and
+its evening whippoorwill: summer, with its embowering shades, reflected
+in the glassy lake, and the long, pensive, yet sprightly notes of the
+solitary strawberry-bird;[A] its lightning and its thunder; autumn with
+its mellow fruit, its yellow foliage and decaying verdure; winter, with
+its hoarse, rough blasts, its icy beard and snowy mantle, all tended to
+thrill with sensations of pleasing transition, the feeling bosoms of
+_Alonzo and Melissa_.
+
+    [Footnote A: A bird which, in the New England states, makes its
+    first appearance about the time strawberries begin to ripen. Its
+    song is lengthy, and consists of a variety of notes, commencing
+    sprightly, but ending plaintive and melancholy.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+           *       *       *       *
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Chronology
+
+Based on references to datable external events, the story covers at
+least ten years. The parts of the book that take place in Connecticut
+are filled with descriptions of changing seasons. Europe and the
+southern states have no climate.
+
+"two young gentlemen of Connecticut ... graduated at Yale College"
+"Beauman ... came regularly once in two or three months"
+"Beauman's visits to Melissa became more frequent"
+"[Beauman's] visits became more and more frequent."
+"It was summer, and towards evening when [Alonzo] arrived."
+
+  To accommodate Beauman's repeated visits, a full year would have to
+  pass.
+
+"The troubles which gave rise to the disseveration of England from
+America had already commenced, which broke out the ensuing spring into
+actual hostilities, by the battle of Lexington, followed soon after by
+the battle of Bunker Hill."
+
+  The battles took place in April and June of 1775; "the ensuing spring"
+  would mean that the year is 1774.
+
+"Winter came on; it rapidly passed away. Spring advanced..."
+
+  1774 changes to 1775
+
+"The spring opened ... the colonies, which had now been dissevered from
+the British empire, by the declaration of independence"
+
+  This is the same spring as in the previous quotation, but if the
+  Declaration of Independence (July 1776) is in the past, it would have
+  to be the spring of 1777.
+
+"It was at the latter end of the month of May"
+
+  May 1775 or 1777, depending on one's chosen chronology.
+
+"The particulars of this action, in the early stage of the American war,
+are yet remembered by many."
+
+  The "action" may be a conflation of two different episodes involving
+  the _Trumbull_, neither of them early in the war: the first was in
+  June 1780, the second in late August 1781. The _Trumbull_ was towed
+  to New York, not to London.
+
+"who died there about eighteen months ago"
+
+  Alonzo took sail shortly after learning of Melissa's death, so we are
+  now in early 1783.
+
+[Melissa's gravestone] "October 26, 1776 / In the 18th year of her age."
+
+  Depending on the chronology chosen, Melissa's reported death could
+  have been in 1775, 1777 or 1781. Her 18th year is properly the year
+  _leading up to_ her 18th birthday, but may mean that she was 18 years
+  old.
+
+"to be opened that night only, with the tragedy of _Gustavus_"
+
+  _Gustavus_ was written by Henry Brooke in 1739 and immediately
+  banned. Its American premiere was in Baltimore on 14 June 1782.
+
+           *       *       *       *
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Quotations
+
+Only a few quotations have been identified. Some of the others may be
+paraphrases.
+
+  "Call round her laughing eyes, in playful turns,
+  The glance that lightens, and the smile that burns."
+    Erasmus Darwin, 1731-1802, "The Temple of Nature, or, The Origin of
+    Society"
+
+  But far beyond the pride of pomp, and power,
+  He lov'd the realms of nature to explore;
+  . . .
+    Timothy Dwight (president of Yale), 1752-1817, _The Conquest of
+    Canaan_. The _Cambridge History of English and American Literature_
+    says that the poem was "written by the time he was twenty-two, but
+    published when he was thirty-three and should have known better."
+
+  "musing, moping melancholy."
+    Arthur Murphy, _The Upholsterer or What News_ (1758), I:i: "musing,
+    moping, melancholy lover".
+
+  "The breeze's rustling wing was in the tree"
+    This unidentified line is also quoted in Mitchell's _Albert and
+    Eliza_.
+
+  the "stilly sound" of the low murmuring brook
+    Misprinted in 1851 as "slitty sound". Probably John Home, _Douglas_
+    (1756) IV:i.
+
+  "the confused noise of the warriors, and garments rolled in blood,"
+    1804 text has "warrior". Isaiah 9:5 (King James): For every battle
+    of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood.
+
+  until "the heavens were arrayed in blackness."
+    Isaiah 50:3: "I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make
+    sackcloth their covering."
+
+  he cast a "longing, lingering look"
+    Thomas Gray (1716-71) _Elegy_.
+
+  "Blue trembling billows, topp'd with foam,"
+    The 1804 and 1811 texts have the correct form "tumbling billows".
+    _Anarchiad, a New England Poem_ (1786-87) with joint authors Joel
+    Barlow (1754-1812), David Humphreys (1752-1818), John Trumbull
+    (1750-1831) and Lemuel Hopkins (1750-1801).
+
+  "dingy scud"
+    Printed "dirgy scud" in all but the 1804 original. Possibly from
+    Charles Dibdin (b. 1745), "Ev'ry Inch a Sailor":
+      The wind blew hard, the sea ran high,
+      The dingy scud drove 'cross the sky ...
+
+  "... like Patience on a monument ..."
+    _Twelfth Night_ II:iv.
+
+  The "days of other years"
+    Possibly from "Ossian" (James MacPherson); the phrase is used often.
+
+  Here may the "widowed wild rose love to bloom!"
+    May be a paraphrase of another line in _The Conquest of Canaan_.
+
+  "Song, beauty, youth, love, virtue, joy ...."
+    Identified in the text as Edward Young, _Night Thoughts_, 1745. The
+    couplet on the title page is from the same source.
+
+  "To tie those bands which nought but death can sever."
+    May be "bonds" as in 1804 text. The phrase "that naught but death
+    can sever" occurs in Spenser, _Amoretti_ VI (1595).
+
+  "white as the southern clouds"
+    The phrase occurs in a translation of Salomon Gessner, as well as
+    in an 1817 text (Pennie, "The Royal Minstrel"). Both passages are
+    descriptions of sheep.
+
+  "a good old age"
+    The phrase occurs at least four times in the King James Bible.
+
+           *       *       *       *
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Other Editions
+
+The editions available for comparison were:
+
+  1804
+    Weekly installments in _The Political Barometer_, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
+    This version was only available in an online transcription.
+    A number of questioned words were checked with the transcriber, Hugh
+    MacDougall of the Cooper Society.
+  1811
+    Plattsburgh, N.Y. "Printed For The Proprietor."
+    The first of the pirated editions. Some copies have no author
+    credit.
+  1851
+    Boston. "Printed for the Publishers."
+    Attached to the end, without page break, is a short narrative poem
+    with prose introduction, "Henry and Julia, a tale of real life"
+    (omitted from this e-text).
+  1864
+    Philadelphia, Lippincott.
+    With two exceptions, this is a reprint of the 1851 edition,
+    including obvious typographical errors and with identical
+    punctuation. There is a new frontispiece (the 1851 edition had
+    none). The "Henry and Julia" poem is omitted. Instead, the final
+    page compresses the last two pages (one full page plus seven lines
+    of text and a four-line footnote) of the 1851 edition into one,
+    using a noticeably smaller font.
+  1870?
+    New York, Leavitt & Allen.
+    The date is hypothetical, based on librarian's notation. The book
+    is probably a reprint of the 1836 Boston edition, which has the same
+    page count (significantly different from other known editions); 1836
+    is also a plausible date for the frontispiece.
+
+
+General Differences:
+
+In the 1804 and 1811 texts, dialogue is usually punctuated as
+
+  "To this place (said Melissa) have I taken...."
+
+with some variation between brackets [] and parentheses (). In the 1870
+text, dialogue has "modern" punctuation with single quotes:
+
+  'To this place,' said Melissa, 'have I taken....'
+
+The earlier versions are _more_ likely to use "American" spellings such
+as "jail" (but "gaoler") and "honor"; later editions (published in the
+U.S.) use "British" spellings such as "gaol" and "honour". The older
+form "shew" appears only in the earliest editions.
+
+The spelling "stupify" is used consistently, and "vallies" is almost
+universal. The spellings "discreet(ly)" and "discrete(ly)" seem to have
+been used interchangeably. Names in "New" such as "New London" were
+generally hyphenated in 1804; later versions have fewer hyphens, but
+they never disappear altogether.
+
+The ampersand & appears a few dozen times in the original (1804)
+version; in 1811 most were changed to "and", and in later editions it
+survived only in the form "&c."
+
+The 1804 and 1811 texts use "consolate" for "console" almost everywhere,
+and the name is spelled Wyllys, changed in later editions to Wyllis. The
+1811 text consistently uses the spelling "whipperwill", and often uses
+"come" and "become" for "came" and "became". The 1851 text often uses
+non-standard spellings such as "visiter", "suiter", "persuit". The 1870
+text consistently spells "lilly" with two l's, and uses "set" for "sit";
+it often interchanges or omits "the/this/that" and similar.
+
+
+In All Editions:
+
+  With lingering gaze Edinian spring survey'd  [for Edenian]
+  The panic and general bustle which took place in America on these
+    events, is yet well remembered by many.  ["is" for "are"]
+  to level on the property of the former
+    [common error or variant for "levy"]
+  this measure, once adopted, her father must consent also
+    [sentence structure is the same in all editions]
+  constructed of several tier of hewed timbers
+    ["tier" used as a plural]
+  he should conduct in a very different manner
+    [sentence structure is the same in all editions]
+
+
+Details:
+
+The following are highlights, not an exhaustive list. See below for
+errors corrected in the 1851 text. Spelling and punctuation have been
+regularized in some cases.
+
+  In the time of the late American revolution
+    1811ff ... the late revolution
+  at the day appointed
+    1811ff on the day appointed
+  her aspect was attempered with a pensive mildness
+    1870 her aspect was tempered ...
+  [QUOTATION]
+  For far beyond the pride and pomp of power
+    1870 pride or pomp
+  The heaven embosom'd sun; the rainbow's die
+    1851 the rainbow's dye
+  a few days, during which time they passed in visiting select friends
+  and in social parties.
+    1870 a few days, which time they passed in was visiting ...
+    1811/51 and social parties
+  the sound of various instrumental music
+    1811ff ... of instrumental music
+  mortgages on lands and houses for security
+    1811ff ... securities
+  attracted him hither. If he had admired the manly virtues of the
+  brother, could he fail to adore the sublimer graces
+    1870 thither ... the sublime graces
+  the milder and more refined excellencies of the other?
+    1870 ... of the latter?
+  He came regularly, about once in two or three months
+    1811ff He came regularly, once in ...
+  It was not probable, therefore, that he would be objectionable to
+  Melissa's friends--_Nor to Melissa herself_----said Alonzo, with
+  an involuntary sigh.
+    1811ff "It is not probable therefore that he will be
+    objectionable to Melissa's friends or to Melissa herself," ...
+  Was it not then highly probable that he had secured her affections?
+    1870 Was it not highly probable then that ...
+  the foliage glittering to the western ray
+    1851 glittering the 1870 glittering in the
+  the extremest verge of the horizon. "This is a most beautiful scene,"
+  said Melissa.
+    1811ff the extreme verge
+    1851/70 a most delightful scene
+  he was not always my _beau_-man
+    1851/70 he was not always my Beauman
+  He formally addresses you.
+    1851 He formerly.
+  Al. Melissa. [A pause ensued.]
+    1870 ... [A pause.]
+  but his fears declared otherways
+    1811ff ... otherwise
+  friendship must yield its pretensions to a superior claim
+    1870 friendship must yield to a superior claim
+  Were Beauman here, my position might be demonstrated.
+    1811ff Was Beauman here ...
+  She was still silent.
+    1870 She was silent.
+  Mel. (confused.) If it be a proper one. You are entitled to candour.
+    1811ff ... If it be a proper one you are ...
+  her voice tremulous, her eyes still cast down.) My parents have
+  informed me that it is improper to receive the particular addresses
+  of more than one.
+    1870 her voice trembles
+    1811 the particular address
+  But-- (she hesitated.)
+    1870 But (she blushed.)
+  [QUOTATION]
+  Darted her silvery intercepted ray
+    1811 Darted his silvery ...
+  nor had they attempted to influence or forestal her choice
+    1811ff ... to influence or direct her choice
+  We must pour a liberal libation upon the mystic altar
+    1870 We must pour out a liberal libation to the mystic altar
+  And why have I ever doubted this event" said Alonzo. "What infatuation
+  hath thus led me on the pursuit of fantastic and unreal bliss?
+    1870 And why have I doubted ... led me on to the pursuit ...
+  and will convince both Melissa and Beauman
+    1811ff and I will convince Melissa and Beauman
+  she has treated me as a friend to her brother. She was the
+  unsuspecting object of my passion. She was unconscious of the flame
+    1811/51/70 ... as a friend to her brother. She was unconscious ...
+  said that business had prevented him; he esteemed him as his most
+  valued friend
+    1851/70 said that business prevented him ... most valuable
+  to which you attended me when you was last here
+    1870 ... when you last was here
+  The solemn herds lowed in monotonous symphony. The autumnal insects
+  in sympathetic wailings
+    1870 in solemn symphony
+    1811 waftings 1851/70 wafting
+  the rude despoiling hand of winter
+    1870 the despoiling hand of winter
+  She was still silent
+    1851/70 She was silent.
+  The "stilly sound" of the low murmuring brook
+    1851 slitty sound 1870 distant sound
+  the frequent lights darted their paly lustre thro' the gloom
+    1811/51 palely lustre 1870 pale lustre
+  but other subjects engaged the mental attention of Alonzo.
+    1811ff but the other subject ...
+  Alonzo and Beauman pledged their honour to abide explicitly by these
+  injunctions
+    1851 ... abide implicitly by ...
+    1870 ... abide implicitly to ...
+  That time has now arrived
+    1851/70 That time has arrived
+  the deep and solemn silence of night
+    1870 the deep and sullen silence of night
+  bowed to the minutia of female volatility
+    1870 minutiae
+    [[Note that "minutiae" is the correct form. All earlier editions,
+    including the 1804 original, have the incorrect word "minutia".]]
+  finally appointed a day to give both him and Alonzo a determinate
+  answer
+    1811ff ... to give him and Alonzo a determinate answer
+  to make a journey into a different part of the country
+    1811ff to make a journey to a distant part ...
+  thither he hasted to gain shelter from the approaching storm.
+    1811ff thither he hastened ...
+  In a moment he discovered that it was Melissa.
+    1870 In a moment, however, he discovered that it was Melissa.
+  Alonzo felt all the force of the remark
+    1870 Alonzo felt the force ...
+  remaining beauties of Summer
+    1811ff remaining beauties of the summer
+  the battle at Lexington, followed soon after by the battle at
+  Bunker's Hill.
+    1870 of Lexington ... of Bunker Hill
+    1811ff Bunker Hill
+  Alonzo and she frequently discoursed upon the subject, and they agreed
+    1811ff Alonzo and she frequently discoursed, and they agreed
+  orchards, arbours, and cultured fields
+    1811ff ... cultivated fields
+  The inhabitants of this modern Avernum
+    1851/70 ... Auvernum [sic]
+  Such was the place chosen for the future residence of Alonzo and
+  Melissa.
+    1811ff Such was the place for the residence ...
+  "the confused noise of the warrior, and garments rolled in blood,"
+    1811ff ... of the warriors ...
+  this modern Vacluse [sic]
+    1851/70 this modern Vaucluse
+  the walks, the meads, the fountains
+    1811ff the walks, the mead, the fountains
+  Around the horizon electric clouds raised their brazen summits,
+  based in the black vapor of approaching night
+    1870 Around the horizon clouds raised their brazen summits, based
+    on the
+  and the adjacent towns and villages, presented to the eye, on a single
+  view, perhaps one of the most picturesque draperies
+    1870 and the adjacent towns and villages, perhaps one of the most
+    picturesque draperies
+  she had an uncle who lived near Charleston, in South Carolina
+    1870 she had an uncle near Charleston, South Carolina
+  was expected to arrive before the appointed marriage day.
+    1811ff ... before the appointed day
+  He would frequently start up in the bed
+    1870 ... in bed
+  He scarcely spoke a word, and after the table was removed
+    1870 ... after the cloth was removed
+  that the reputation of my latter days was stained with acts of
+  baseness and meanness.
+    1870 ... acts of baseness.
+  I had some hopes that your happiness, Alonzo, might yet be secured
+    1870 ... might be secured
+  We would not stop the reader to moralize on this disastrous event.
+    1811ff We will not ...
+  I know the old gentleman too well
+    1870 I know that old gentleman too well
+  fringed with the gold of even
+    1851/70 fringed with the gold of evening
+  Her countenance appeared dejected, which on her seeing Alonzo
+    1870 Her countenance appeared to be dejected ...
+    1811ff ... which, on seeing ...
+  Thus spake my father, and immediately withdrew
+    1870 Thus spoke my father, and immediately withdrew
+  Mr. and Mrs. Vincent are now my only confidents
+    1851/70 ... confidants
+  but the sound, late so cheerful and sprightly
+    1870 but the sound, so cheerful and sprightly
+  a deep dejection was depicted upon her features
+    1870 ... in her features
+  Alonzo was received with a cool reserve
+    1870 ... a cold reserve
+  Melissa's father soon entered
+    1811ff Melissa's father entered
+  if you marry in your present situation? I know you have talents and
+  have had an education. But what are they without means? You have
+  friends
+    1811/51/70 if you marry in your present situation? You have friends
+  the hand of Melissa." Thus spake the father of Melissa, and
+  immediately left the room.
+    1811ff of Melissa"--and immediately left the room.
+  it was a shock their fortitude could scarcely sustain
+    1870 ... scarcely contain
+  Disappointment seldom finds its votaries prepared to receive her.
+    1811ff ... her votaries ...
+  but could not counteract the will of her father
+    1811ff but could not contradict the will of her father
+  after Alonzo had related the manner of his reception
+    1870 after Alonzo had related his reception
+  of little consequence. But their united situation tortured his
+  soul.--What was to become of Melissa, what of himself
+    1870 of little consequence. But what was to become of Melissa,
+    what of himself
+  With part of this I have purchased a small, but well cultivated farm
+    1811ff With this I have ...
+  a ray of joy illumined his troubled bosom.
+    1811ff illuminated
+  [QUOTATION]
+  Like morn's gay hues, the fading splendors fled
+    1870 gray
+  He thought on Melissa, from whom he had heard nothing since he last
+  saw her.--He thought on the difficulties which surrounded him. He
+  thought on the barriers which were opposed to his happiness
+    1811ff He thought of ... thought of ... thought of
+  The day after you left here, her father received a letter
+    1811ff The day after you were here ...
+  Where is your fortitude and your firmness," said he
+    1851 "Where," said he, "is your fortitude and your firmness
+    1870 Where is your fortitude and firmness," said he
+  war ends in peace
+    1811ff wars end in peace
+  transports them to another and a better world
+    1811/51 ... and better world
+  but where, alas were the means of alleviation?
+    1811ff but alas! where were ...
+  ordered her to prepare to become the wife of Beauman
+    1811ff ordered her to become the wife of Beauman
+  You suffer the Jack-a-lantern fancy to lead you
+    1870 ... Jack-with-a-lantern ...
+  Marry Beauman, and you roll in your coach
+    1811ff ... you will roll in your coach
+  I give you now two days to consider the matter
+    1870 ... to consider of the matter
+  bordered with the odor-flowering lilac
+    1811ff bordered with the odour-flowing lilac
+  He turned, and saw Edgar approaching: in a moment they were in each
+  other's arms, and mingled tears
+    1870 He turned round and saw ... mingling tears
+  You, Alonzo, must exert your fortitude
+    1870 You, Alonzo, must ever exert your fortitude
+  It must, I think, ere long, be determined
+    1811ff ... be terminated
+  it is in your power to remove them; and if you are a man of honour
+  you will remove them. You cannot wish
+    1870 it is in your power to remove them. You cannot wish
+  half squeaking through her nose, which was well charged with rappee,
+  "did'nt I tell you so? I knew the fellow would come to no terms
+    1870 half speaking
+    1811ff I knew the fellow would not come to terms
+  your daughter. And I should not wonder if you should soon find that
+  the girl had eloped, and your desk robbed into the bargain
+    1870 your daughter. I should not wonder ...
+    1811ff ... find the girl had eloped, and your desk robbed in the
+    bargain
+  his eyes flashed resentment
+    1811/51 flashed in  1870 flashed with
+  unless she was already apprised of it
+    1811 was apprised  1851/70 was appraised
+  the feeble glimmer of the twinkling stars
+    1811ff glimmering
+  "Thou still knowest me, Curlow," said Alonzo
+    1870 ... Carlow ...
+  Here all was solemn, dark and silent as in front
+    1811ff Here all was solemn and silent as in front
+  "Be calm," Alonzo, said she, "I think it will not long last
+    1851/70 ... not last long
+  I believe they will trust me to see her
+    1851/70 I believe they will let me see her
+  Unfeeling and impertinent intruder (retorted Alonzo)
+    1811 ... intruder, [retorted Alonzo]
+    1851 ... intruder? retorted Alonzo
+    1870 ... intruder?" retorted Alonzo
+  and were it on no other account, must ever continue to despise and
+  hate you
+    1811ff and were it not on one other account ...
+    1870 ... to hate and despise you
+  From a coincidence of consequences
+    1811ff From coincidence of circumstances
+  the family had retired to rest
+    1811ff the family had gone to rest
+  Alonzo's feelings were on the wrack until she returned
+    1811 on the wreck  1851/70 on the rack
+  Melissa's aunt (the old maid) had invited her to ride out with her
+    1870 Melissa's aunt had ...
+  he had sent their daughter to a different part of the country
+    1811ff ... a distant part of the country
+  living with the different relatives of the family
+    1811ff living with the relatives of the family
+  He sat silent a few moments; then suddenly started up
+    1851/70 ... suddenly starting up
+  Melissa had not, indeed, the most distant suspicion of the designs of
+  her father and aunt. The latter informed her that she was going to
+  take a morning's ride, to which she consented. She did not even
+  perceive the trunk which was fastened on behind the carriage
+    1870 Melissa had not the most distant suspicion ... a morning
+    ride ... that was fastend [sic] on behind the carriage
+  Melissa had frequently attended her father or mother
+    1851/70 ... her father and mother
+  her aunt ordered the driver to proceed a different way
+    1870 her aunt had ordered ...
+  They arrived at another small village
+    1811ff They arrived at another village
+  Melissa's aunt, handing the driver a large bunch of keys
+    1870 Melissa's aunt handed the driver ...
+  "La me!" she cried
+    1870 "La me!" cried she
+  the opposite side of the house from whence she alighted
+    1870 ... from where she alighted
+  This was done, while John and his wife went out, and Melissa's aunt
+    1811ff This done, while John and his wife went out, Melissa's aunt
+  hoping to see the return of the carriage
+    1811ff hoping to see the carriage return
+  surrounded by high, thick walls
+    1811ff surrounded by a high, thick wall
+  They unlocked the door, which creaked heavily on its hinges
+    1811 ... the door, which screaked ...
+  as I have took care to lock all the doors and gates after me
+    1851/70 as I have taken care ...
+  circumstances have hitherto hindered my carrying the scheme into
+  effect
+    1870 circumstances have hitherto hindered me from carrying my
+    scheme into effect
+  stared around her with a wild and agonizing countenance
+    1811ff ... a wild agonizing countenance
+  She remained seemingly insensible throughout the night: just at
+  morning, she fell into a slumber, interrupted by incoherent moanings,
+  convulsive startings, long sighs
+    1811ff through the night ... long drawn sighs
+  taking the key of that with her. She generally returned before sunset.
+  When Melissa was so far recovered
+    1870 taking the key of that with her. When Melissa was so far
+    recovered
+  A few medical and odoriferous herbs
+    1851 medinical [sic]  1870 medicinal
+  The out buildings were generally in a ruinous situation
+    1870 ... in a ruinous condition
+  through several upper rooms to the chamber she inhabited
+    1811ff ... the chamber they inhabited
+  West, all was wilderness, from a brook which wound along at a little
+  distance from the garden wall. North, were the uneven grounds she had
+  crossed when she came there
+    1811ff from which a brook
+    1851/70 wound along a little distance from
+    1870 the uneven grounds which she had crossed
+  South, was the Sound and Long Island.
+    1811ff South, was the Sound of Long Island.
+  Melissa passed much of her time in tracing the ruins
+    1870 Melissa passed much time in tracing the ruins
+  She could have been contented here to have buried all her afflictions
+    1811ff ... buried her afflictions
+  while the disconsolate tear of reflection glittered in her eye
+    1811ff while the disconsolate tear glittered in her eye
+  more solicitous and importunate. A subject so hateful to Melissa
+  sometimes provoked her to tears; at others her keen resentment.
+    1811ff more solicitous and impertinent ...
+    1851 at other
+  Melissa sat up until a late hour, expecting her; she then went to the
+  gate
+    1811 hour in the night  1851/70 hour of the night
+    1811ff ... she went to the gate
+  "I had forgotten," said her aunt, "that my rents became due this
+  week."
+    1851/70 ... that my rents become due this week
+  she heard a noise as of several people trampling in the yard below
+    1870 she heard a noise of several people ...
+  It was extremely dark, she could discern nothing. All was still and
+  she thought she might have been deceived
+    1811ff It was extremely dark; she thought she might have been
+    discovered
+  to collect some debts of those to whom she had rented lands
+    1870 ... rented some lands
+  and in the day time, in walking around the yard and garden
+    1811ff and in the day, in walking ...
+  She stepped softly to the window, suddenly raised it, and held out
+  the candle. She fancied she saw the glimpse of two or three dark forms
+  pass swiftly along, but so indistinctly that it was impossible to
+  determine whether they were real, or only shadows produced by objects
+  intervening the light of the candle. She listened and gazed
+    1811/51/70 She stepped softly to the window, suddenly raised it, and
+    held out the candle. She listened and gazed
+  All was still; she shut the window, and in a short time went to bed.
+    1811ff All was silent ...
+  she heard loud noises in the rooms below
+    1870 she heard noises in the rooms below
+  a cold chilly sweat ran down her face
+    1811ff ... run down her face
+  grasped her arm which lay on the outside of the bed clothes
+    1870 grasped her arm which lay outside of the bed clothes
+  no visible being was in the room except herself. She sat down,
+  pondering these strange events. Was it not possible that she was right
+    1870 no visible being was in the room except herself; how then could
+    she account for these events? Was ...
+    1811ff probable
+  Might not this be the effect of a terrified and heated imagination?
+  Or if false keys had been made use of to enter the rooms below, might
+  they not be also used to enter her chamber? But could her room
+    1870 ... imagination? But could her room
+  She knew she could not sleep
+    1811ff She knew she could not go to sleep
+  The moon had arisen and cast a pale, imperfect lustre over the
+  landscape. She recollected the opening and shutting of the doors--
+  perhaps they were still open.
+    1811ff a pale lustre ... of the door
+  She examined the others; they were in the same situation
+    1870 ... they were all in the same situation
+  As soon as her scattered senses collected, she concluded that whoever
+  had been in the house were there still
+    1870 As soon as her scattered senses were collected ...
+    1811ff ... whatever had been in the house was there still
+  ascended in pyramidal columns to the zenith
+    1811 pyramidial  1851/70 pyramidical
+    1851/70 columns the zenith
+  A small spot of ineffable brightness succeeded
+    1851/70 A spot of ...
+  both sides of it were smoothe [sic] as glass.
+    1811ff as smooth as glass
+  The events of the past night, therefore, remained inscrutable
+    1870 The events of the last night ...
+  the gate opened and the house entered by the means of false keys.
+  Her father would as soon do this as to confine her
+    1811/51 by means of false keys  1870 by false keys
+    1870 ... as confine her
+  Innumerous stars glittered in the firmament, intermingling their
+  quivering lustre with the pale splendours of the milkyway [sic]
+    1811ff Innumerable
+    1811 the milk way 1851/70 the milky way
+  But why should she fear? She knew of no one she had injured. She knew
+  of none she had displeased
+    1811/51/70 But why should she fear? She knew of none she had
+    displeased
+  the horizon was overclouded, and it had begun to rain.
+    1811ff ... and it began to rain
+  convinced that she was safe and secure, she concluded to go to bed
+    1811ff convinced that she was safe and secure, she went to bed
+  leaving, however, two candles burning in the room. As she for two
+  nights had been deprived of her usual rest
+    1870 leaving, however, candles burning in the room. As she for two
+    nights had been deprived of her rest
+  a broad flash like that of lightning, transiently illuminated her
+  chamber
+    1811ff a broad flash like lightning, transiently illuminated the
+    chamber
+  the sounds seemed to be in the rooms directly over her head
+    1870 the sound seemed to be in the room ...
+  filled the house with the electric effluvium. She listened for a
+  repetition of the thunder--but a very different sound soon grated
+    1870 with electric effluvium ... a very different sound grated
+  the doors below alternately open and shut, flapping furiously
+    1811ff ... slapping furiously
+    [[The 1804 text uses long "s". The reading "flapping" is the
+    transcriber's best guess, but the condition of the text does not
+    allow certainty.]]
+  she perceived some person crawling on to its foot
+    1811ff ... on its foot
+  instantaneously she sprang from the bed to the floor--with convulsive
+  grasp, seized the candle
+    1870 instantly she ...
+    1811ff with convulsed grasp
+  she was alarmed by a deep, hollow sigh
+    1870 she heard a deep, hollow sigh
+  Not the least noise had been heard since she last returned
+    1870 ... since she returned
+  Towards evening Melissa took her usual walk around the enclosure
+    1870 ... took a walk around the enclosure
+  the light gales bore revigorating coolness
+    1870 the light gales bore invigorating coolness
+  the flowery verdure of the fields were changing to a russet hue
+    1870 of the field
+    1811ff was changed
+  hammering on the hollow trunk of some dry and blasted tree, filled
+  the woods with reverberant echoes
+    1811ff hammering on some dry and blasted trees
+    1870 reverberating
+  the images of departed joys
+    1870 the images of departing joys
+  in this house of gloom rest, in undisturbed silence
+    1870 in this house of gloom rests ...
+  throughout these now solitary demesnes
+    1851/70 throughout these solitary demesnes
+  yonder halls and apartments shone with brilliant illumination. Now
+  all is sad, solitary and dreary, the haunt of sprites and spectres
+  of nameless terror.
+    1811ff in brilliant illumination ... the haunt of spirits
+  All that now remains of the head that formed, the hand that executed
+    1870 ... the head that formed and the hand that executed
+  the rising shower, which slowly ascended in gloomy pomp
+    1851/70 the rising shower, which ascended in gloomy pomp
+  The lightning more broader and brighter flashed
+    1811ff The lightning broader
+    1851/70 flashes
+  Convolving clouds pouring smoky volumes
+    1811ff Convolving clouds poured smoky volumes
+  Slantways, the large heavy drops of rain began to descend
+    1851/70 Slant-wise ...
+  It seemed nothing less than the crush of worlds
+    1851/70 ... the crash of worlds
+  pass another night in the lonely mansion
+    1851/70 ... the lone mansion
+  a voice behind her exclaimed, "Gracious heaven! Melissa!"
+    1870 a voice exclaimed ...
+  "No one except myself, Alonzo," she answered
+    1811ff "No one except myself," she answered
+  He followed her up to her apartment and seated himself by the fire
+    1811ff He followed her to her apartment ...
+  separated from society, and no one present to interrupt them
+    1811ff separated from society, and no one to interrupt them
+  Alonzo and Melissa heard little of it
+    1851 heard a little  1870 heard but little
+  what course her aunt and she had taken
+    1811ff what course her aunt had taken
+  where he accidentally found Melissa on a visit, as mentioned before
+    1811 [FOOTNOTE] See page 26
+  desiring Alonzo to remain at his house until he returned
+    1870 desiring Alonzo to remain until he returned
+  they were deeply interested in his favour and the welfare of Melissa
+    1870 ... in his affairs and in the welfare of Melissa
+  It is possible that Melissa is
+    1811ff It is not possible but that Melissa is
+  At length a large, tall tree, which stood near him, on the verge of
+  the moat, or rather, in that place, river, was hurled from its
+  foundation
+    1811ff At length a large tree ... or rather in that place, was
+    hurled from its foundation
+  He scrambled up on the trunk, and made his way on to the wall
+    1811ff ... made his way on the wall
+  found the door open, which Melissa had left so in her fright
+    1811ff ... had left in her fright
+  they could not endure the idea of another and an immediate separation
+    1811ff ... another and immediate separation
+  It would not be safe for Alonzo to stay there
+    1811ff It would not be safe for Alonzo to stay
+  I would not wish unjustly to censure your father
+    1811ff I would not censure your father
+  Melissa sighed, wiping a tear which fell from her eye. "Unqualified
+  obedience to my parents," said she, "I have ever considered the first
+  of duties
+    1870 sighed, wiped ... one of the first duties
+  for reasons which Alonzo knew nothing of. But should she leave it
+  in the way she had proposed, she was not sure but she would be
+  immediately remanded back, more strictly guarded, and more severely
+  treated. To continue there
+    1870 ... knew nothing of. To continue there
+  Melissa was to leave the draw-bridge down
+    1811ff Melissa was to have the draw-bridge down
+  he passed over, and she slowly withdrew
+    1870 he passed over and slowly withdrew
+  The fire-fly sunk feebly twinkling amidst the herbage of the fields
+    1870 amongst the herbage
+    1870 NO FOOTNOTE
+  and assisted him in obtaining a carriage
+    1870 to obtain a carriage
+  and another burning on the table
+    1811ff and another was burning on the table
+  By what means she had thus suddenly disappeared
+    1870 By what means had she thus suddenly disappeared
+  John's hut was situate about one mile north from the mansion where
+  she had been confined. When he came out near the road
+    1851/70 situated
+    1870 When he came near the road
+  John stared in amazement
+    1851/70 John started in amazement
+  her aunt is gone into the country and has not returned
+    1870 her aunt has gone ...
+  John informed him that she was there about sunset
+    1870 ... he was there about sunset
+  He returned in about half an hour
+    1870 He returned in half an hour
+  the latter had taxed the former of improperly endeavoring
+    1870 ... with improperly endeavoring
+  He told them all that had happened since he was there, of which,
+  before, they had heard nothing. At the houses of Mr. Simpson and
+  Vincent
+    1870 He told him all .... At the house
+  and she wished to marry somebody else
+    1811ff and she wishes to marry somebody else
+  Alonzo did not long hesitate what course to pursue
+    1870 Alonzo did not hesitate long ...
+  the idea could not pluck the thorn from his bosom
+    1851/70 ... from his own bosom
+  I have got considerable money at command
+    1870 ... at my command
+  He answered, that perhaps all might yet come right
+    1870 ... come to right
+  his resources had not yet failed him
+    1851/70 his resources had not failed him
+  he reached Killingsworth
+    1870 ... Killingworth
+  through the night was wrecked with severe pain
+    1851/70 ... racked with severe pain
+  it might prove an injury to her if she was there, and could answer no
+  valuable purpose if she was not
+    1811ff ... if she were ... if she were not
+  he could not distinguish her features
+    1870 he did not distinguish her features
+  he now had a side view of her face, and was more than ever convinced
+  that it was Melissa
+    1870 he had a side view of her face, was more ...
+  he found it was Melissa's cousin
+    1811ff he found it to be Melissa's cousin
+  "Do you not think," said Mrs. Wyllis, "that she resembles their cousin
+  Melissa, who resided there some time ago?"
+    1870 ... her cousin Melissa ...
+  what course to pursue, he was at a loss to determine upon.
+    1811ff what course to pursue, he was at a loss to determine.
+  Alonzo felt no strong curiosity farther to examine her features
+    1870 Alonzo felt no curiosity ...
+  An incident tended to confirm his resolution
+    1851/70 ... this resolution
+  her fine eyes were closed for ever
+    1851/70 her fine eyes had closed for ever
+  and shook the trembling frame of Alonzo
+    1811ff and shocked the trembling frame of Alonzo
+  the sun of peace may yet dispel the glooms of these distressful hours
+    1870 ... dispel these distressful hours
+  the death list arrested his attention
+    1870 the death list attracted his attention
+  Died, of a consumption ...
+  1804/11: DIED, of a consumption on the 26th ult. at the seat of her
+    uncle, Col. W****** D----, near Charleston, South-Carolina, whither
+    she had repaired for her health, Miss Melissa D----, the amiable
+    daughter of J**** D----, Esq. of *******, Connecticut, in the
+    18th year of her age.
+  1851: Died, of a consumption, on the 26th ult. at the seat of her
+    uncle, Col. W. D--, near Charleston, South Carolina, whither she
+    had repaired for her health,  Miss Melissa D----, the amiable
+    daughter of J---- D----, Esq. of *******, Connecticut, in the
+    eighteenth year of her age.
+  1870: Died, of a consumption, on the 26th ult. at the seat of her
+    uncle, Col. W. D----, near Charleston, South Carolina, whither she
+    had repaired for her health,  Miss Melissa D----, the amiable
+    daughter of J. D----, Esq. of ------, Connecticut, in the
+    eighteenth year of her age.
+  The fanciful part of our readers may be ready to cast it aside
+    1811ff ... may cast it aside
+  the geni which animated and enlivened it
+    1811ff the _genius_ which animated and enlivened it
+  Arouse your hero. Call to his aid
+    1811 Arouse your hero: call to his aid
+    1851/70 Arouse your hero? call to his aid
+  to what pathos of grief and wretchedness
+    1811ff to what paths of grief and wretchedness
+  regions where my guardian angel is gone
+    1811/51 regions where my guardian is gone
+  nature triumphed over disease of body, he slowly recovered
+    1811 body--he  1851/70 body, and he
+  an uncle who resided near Charleston in South Carolina [See
+  _Barometer_ No. 110.]
+    1811 [FOOTNOTE] See page 39.  1851/70 NO FOOTNOTE
+  roved, he knew not whether [sic]  [for "whither"]
+    1811ff where
+  the _dircle_ sung mournfully in the grass
+    1811ff ... on the grass
+  through which they had passed, were recalled to his mind
+    1851/70 ... were called to his mind
+  His fancy saw her--felt her gently leaning on his arm
+    1870 His fancy saw her--he felt ...
+  Again was he enraptured by the melody of her voice
+    1811ff Again he was enraptured ...
+  the first time he saw her at her cousin's [See _Barometer_ No. 105.
+  See also allusions to this scene in several subsequent parts of the
+  story.]
+    1811/51 [FOOTNOTE] See page 7/8. See also ...  1870 NO FOOTNOTE
+  his former bliss and anxiety, where every countenance would tend
+  to renew his mourning, where every door would be inscribed with a
+  _memento mori_
+    1870 the scenes of his former bliss and anxiety, where every door
+    would be inscribed with a _memento mori_
+  the breezes rustled from their woody coverts
+    1811ff the breezes rushed
+  the willderness [sic] of its waters
+    1811ff its wilderness of waters
+  A new scene now opened to Alonzo
+    1811ff A new scene was now opened to Alonzo
+  [QUOTATION]
+  Blue tumbling billows, topp'd with foam
+    1851/70 Blue trembling billows ...
+  The _dingy scud_ first flew swiftly along the sky
+    1811ff The dirgy scud ...
+  It appeared to be of about equal force and dimensions
+    1811ff It appeared to be of equal force and dimensions
+  the ship went down and was for ever buried
+    1870 the ship went down and was buried
+  as there existed no parental or other impediments to our union
+    1811ff as there were no ...
+  the friend and intimate of my angel in my absence. They were now
+  almost every day together, so that I had frequently opportunities
+    1811ff the friend and inmate ...
+    1851/70 ... frequent opportunities
+  promised to obey her injunctions
+    1811ff proceeded
+    1870 injunction
+  No, it was not this that caused you to perjure your plighted vows
+    1811ff No, it was not that which ...
+  I had worked up my feelings almost to the frenzy of distraction
+    1870 I worked up my feelings ...
+  gently pressed in the hand of the stranger
+    1870 ... in the hands of the stranger
+  a little arbour, at a few yards distant from where I was
+    1811ff a little arbour, a few ...
+    1851/70 ... where I sat
+  "I forgive you, Henry," she said, "I forgive your mistake,"
+    1851 "I forgive you," Henry, she said, "forgive your mistake"
+  I made no defence; was condemned to death
+    1851/70 defence; and was
+  frequently enter the prison to console and comfort him
+    [here alone, the 1804 form is "console" rather than "consolate"]
+  But the grief that preyed at his heart had wasted him to a skeleton
+    1851/70 ... to a mere skeleton
+  trusting in the mercy of his Creator through the merits of a Redeemer
+    1811ff ... the sufferings of a Redeemer
+  were loose and could easily be removed
+    1851/70 were loose and could be easily removed
+  every article of which he cut into narrow strips
+    1811 ... narrow slips
+  a piece of long timber
+    1811ff a long piece of timber
+  as useless encumbrances without his clothes
+    1811ff as a useless encumbrance ...
+  You must have experienced a severe gale indeed
+    1870 You have experienced ...
+  The sailor mused a few minutes
+    1870 The sailor mused for a few minutes
+  Alonzo entered it to see how the sick and disabled American prisoners
+  were treated
+    1811ff ... and disabled prisoners were treated
+  [FOOTNOTE]
+  were treated with much more humanity than those who were imprisoned
+  in America
+    1870 ... imprisoned at Halifax and other places in America
+  he now found that he had lost his leg
+    1870 he now discovered ...
+  it is possible I have been undesigningly accessory
+    1811ff ... undesignedly accessory
+  to render him more comfortable. Beauman replied that he was not: "For
+  the comforts of life," said he
+    1870 to make him more
+    1811ff the comforts of this life
+    1811 replied he
+  he would fall into incoherent mutterings
+    1851/70 ... muttering
+  a natural stone was placed at its head
+    1870 ... at his head
+  bearing a large trunk on his shoulder, and directing Alonzo
+    1811ff ... and directed Alonzo
+  not with a view to returning to America; he had yet no relish for
+  revisiting
+    1811ff of returning
+    1870 ... he had no relish for revisiting
+  Of this Alonzo gave a minute account
+    1811ff Of this Alonzo gave him a minute account
+  Alonzo enquired for the name to whom the note was addressed
+    1870 ... the man to whom ...
+  Alonzo gave his employer no room to complain
+    1870 ... no reason to complain
+  Alonzo dressed himself in deep mourning
+    1870 Alonzo dressed in deep mourning
+  he took it up and found it to be a curiously wrought purse
+    1870 ... a curious wrought purse
+  what he esteemed most invaluable
+    1811ff what he esteemed most valuable
+  Lost, between the hours of 9 and 10 last evening, in the _Rue de
+  Loire_
+    1811ff nine and ten ... Loir [_sic_]
+  had hitherto taken no notice of what had passed
+    1870 ... of what passed
+  a letter from his father, while he was at the army
+    1811 while at 1851/70 while with
+  Last evening I lost the miniature which I suppose you have found
+    1870 ... which I suppose you to have found
+  which I probably dropped on replacing in my pocket
+    1811ff ... on replacing it in my pocket
+  it has become a most precious and invaluable relique
+    1811ff ... and valuable relique
+  The next morning as they were about to part
+    1811ff ... about to depart
+  and sighed as ardently for some other trifle
+    1811ff and sighed as earnestly ...
+  turns to some other source to supply the vacuum
+    1811ff ... to supply _vacuum_
+  Stripped of all but their intrinsic value
+    1811ff Stripped of all their intrinsic value
+  inordinate passion, or what you would call pure affection
+    1811ff ... what some would call ...
+  pining for a hopeless object
+    1811ff ... a hapless object
+  which will sail for any part of America in some time
+    1851/70 ... for some time
+  Ah! had this but have happened in time to save a life
+    1870 Ah! had this but happened ...
+  consecrated piles, and funereal monuments of the sacred dead
+    1811ff sacred piles, and funeral monuments ...
+  October 26, 1776,
+    1811 Oct.
+  how tenderly pensive does she beam her lovely eyes upon me!
+    1811ff how tenderly does she beam her lovely eye upon me!
+  There [_pointing to the grave_] there behold how my dearest wishes
+    1811ff Then ...
+  the first holy whisper of her consecrated lips
+    1870 whispers
+  determining to proceed on early in the morning
+    1811ff ... proceed early in the morning
+    1870 ... proceed early the next morning
+  which before sunrise encreased to a violent storm
+    1851/70 which before sunrise had encreased to a violent storm
+  was to be opened for that night only
+    1851/70 was to be opened that night only
+  To the general enquiry of "_what's the matter?_"
+    1851/70 To the general enquiry, "_what's the matter?_"
+  forbade that he should re-pierce the ten thousand wounds
+    1811ff forbade that he re-pierce ...
+  [QUOTATION]
+  Song, beauty, youth, love, virtue, joy: this group
+  . . .
+  As yet unforfeit! in one blaze we bind.
+    1870 Song, beauty, love ...
+    1870 As yet a forfeit! ...
+  They immediately retired to a separate room, where the stranger
+    1811ff ... when the stranger
+  private concerns; more extraordinary may you esteem it
+    1851/70 private concerns, and more extraordinary you may esteem it
+  "Are you unmarried, sir?" "I am now, and have ever been single."
+    1811ff Are you married
+    1851/70 I am not
+  numberless suitors have sighed for her hand
+    1811ff numberless suitors sighed ...
+  It seemed that if she could but speak with him
+    1870 ... speak to him
+  This extraordinary dream she has communicated
+    1851/70 ... she had communicated
+  Her father, who has but two children besides herself, being dotingly
+  fond of her
+    1811 two children, one besides herself
+    1851/70 two children, one beside herself
+    1811 doting
+  in a rallying way told her I had seen her _invisible beau_
+    1811 in a railing way
+    1851/70 told her that I
+  she thought but little of it
+    1811ff she thought little of it
+  my leaving you so abruptly, and of my not returning
+    1811ff ... and not returning
+  Now, sir, it is necessary for me farther to explain
+    1870 Now, sir, it is necessary farther to explain
+  on reviewing the incidents which led to
+    1811ff on reviewing the incidents which to
+  I have experienced a sufficient change of objects and of country
+    1851/70 ... and country
+  a silk girdle, with diamond clasps
+    1811ff a silken girdle ...
+  Did not Alonzo see her death announced in the public prints?
+    1851/70 ... her death in ...
+  And is not all this sufficient to prove
+    1811ff And is not this ...
+  However the author may succeed in description
+    1811ff ... in his description
+  the bower on her favorite hill
+    1870 the bower of ...
+  Have we not, according to the advice of the moralist
+  [FOOTNOTE]
+    1804 see _Barometer_, no. 118
+  their tears fell in one immingling shower
+    1811ff ... one intermingling shower
+  you were proof against the whole arcana of beauty
+    1870 ... the whole arena of beauty
+  Indeed, sir, I cannot but applaud your discrimination
+    1811ff ... your determination
+  the true novel style
+    1811ff the novel style
+  "There I confess," said he, looking at Alonzo
+    1811ff "Then I confess" ...
+  He is the son of a deceased uncle
+    1811ff ... my deceased uncle
+  a servant took charge of Alonzo's carriage
+    1851/70 ... took care ...
+  the eldest, a son about ten years of age
+    1811ff the eldest son, about ten years of age
+  to its members and its guests.
+  And here, were we to adopt the method of some novel writers, we
+  might close our history, and leave it for imagination to paint the
+  sequel. But there are some _mysteries_, which if not elucidated,
+  will render our story incomplete, and besides were we to stop here,
+  the real _finishing_ stroke would still be wanting; we shall
+  therefore pass with as much rapidity as possible over the remaining
+  incidents of our story, rendered already too lengthy for a weekly
+  paper.
+  It was agreed that Alonzo
+    1811ff to its members and its guests. // It was agreed that Alonzo
+    [entire paragraph omitted]
+  I told her that as I had been placed there by my father, I should not
+  consent to a removal unless by his express orders
+    1811ff I told her that I had been placed there by my father, and
+    should not consent
+  I hardly know what I did wish
+    1811ff I hardly knew ...
+  As we passed out of the gate, I looked back at the mansion
+    1870 ... back to the mansion
+  which put him in a terrible fluster
+    1851/70 ... a terrible flutter
+  we have little peace in the house
+    1870 we have but little peace in the house
+  the servant delivered a packet of letters
+    1811ff ... a package of letters
+  my uncle found it impossible to submit to these stern injunctions
+    1811ff ... these firm injunctions
+  soon after the birth of their first child
+    1811ff ... the first child
+  Inconsolable and comfortless, my uncle put the child out to nurse
+    1870 ... the child to nurse
+  He finally married to an amiable and respectable woman
+    1870 He finally married to an amiable woman
+  yet soon greatly alleviated the pangs of early sorrow
+    1851/70 yet greatly ...
+  he considers you to have formed an improper connection
+    1870 he considers you have ...
+  I have seen some troubles in this way myself, in my early days;
+  perhaps my counsel may be of some service
+    1870 in that way ... council
+  I immediately gave him a correct account
+    1811ff I immediately gave a correct account
+  write to your father, advising him not to proceed too rashly
+    1811ff ... desiring him ...
+  her health evidently decreasing after she came to this place
+    1851/70 ... decreasing. After ...
+  and was thereafter retained in the family
+    1811ff and was therefore ...
+  In Charleston it was also generally supposed
+    1851/70 In Charleston it was generally supposed
+  he was not only deprived of you
+    1811ff he was not only deprived of me
+  except that you had gone in search of me. Vincent conjectured that you
+  had gone to New London
+    1811ff except that you had gone to New London
+  He then confidentially unfolded to your father
+    1870 He then confidently ...
+  from whence you then came, to where you went
+    1851/70 from whence you then came, or where you went
+  she had undoubtedly given him his lesson
+    1811ff ... given him instructions
+  he finally initiated himself so far in my aunt's favor
+    1870 he initiated himself ...
+  he had left a wife and family in Virginia in indigent circumstances
+    1870 he had a wife ...
+  yesterday morning at my uncle's house in town, which Alfred had
+  proposed for the scene of action
+    1811ff ... my uncle's house, which ...
+  I trust that difficulty will soon be removed
+    1851/70 I trust that that difficulty ...
+  if he had ever known Doctor Franklin
+    1811ff if he ever knew Dr. Franklin
+  I have inflicted a wound still deeper on my own bosom
+    1811ff ... in my own bosom
+  your daughter was the subject of my earliest affection
+    1851/70 ... the object of ...
+  I shall in some measure realize former happy anticipations
+    1811ff ... former anticipations
+  bowed his gratitude and after appointing that day week, departed
+    1851/70 bowed his head in gratitude; and after appointing ...
+  when a person rapped to the door below
+    1811ff ... at the door below
+  to intervene their happiness, no determined rival, no obdurate father
+    1851/70 to intervene their happiness, no obdurate father
+  The sun blended its mild lustre with the landscape's lovely green
+    1811 ... the landscapes' ...
+  encircled by a wreath of flowers
+    1811ff ... a wreath of artificial flowers
+  Edgar then rising, motioned to the intended bride and bridegroom
+    1870 ... mentioned to ...
+  "Where tides of heavy sorrows swell'd,"
+    1811ff ... sorrow ...
+  "And do I receive thee from the dead!" he said. "I am anxious to hear
+  the mystery unfolded
+    1811ff And I receive thee as from ... the mighty mystery unfolded
+  But wearied with the bustles of life
+    1870 ... business of life
+  who all soon left it under the foolish pretence or impression of
+  hearing strange noises and seeing frightful objects, and such is the
+  superstition of people
+    1811ff who all left
+    1870 under foolish pretence
+    1811ff of hearing noises
+    1851/70 of the people
+  which might lead to the elucidation
+    1811ff which might tend to the elucidation
+  they struck a fire and lit candles, which they had brought with them
+    1811ff lighted candles
+    1870 which they brought
+  where no objects presented, they lay flat on the ground, with orders
+  not to stir, or to discover themselves
+    1811ff where no object presented, lay flat on the ground, with
+    orders not to stir, or discover themselves
+  so that nothing should be discovered from without. Things thus
+  arranged, they observed almost an implicit silence
+    1811ff so that nothing could ...
+    1870 ... almost implicit silence
+  For a long time no sounds were heard
+    1811ff ... no sound was heard
+  to prevent discovery took off their shoes
+    1811ff to prevent discovery they took off their shoes
+  "Those rascally cow-boys detained us too long."----"Well, well,
+  never mind it
+    1811ff "Rascally cow-boys
+    1851/70 "Well, never mind it
+  a noise as if several doors shut to
+    1870 ... shut too  [this spelling is used several times]
+  gave the signal to the men without
+    1811ff gave the alarm ...
+  the chairs on which these now invisible beings had sat, had all
+  disappeared
+    1811ff ... had disappeared
+  That they were part of a gang
+    1811ff That they were a part of a gang
+  sold at a very extortionate price
+    1851/70 sold at very extortionate prices
+  struck immense sums of it
+    1811/51 immense quantities  1870 immense quanties [sic]
+  which had heretofore been only in the open woods
+    1851 which had therefore ...
+  we recrossed from the mansion. To get over the wall we used ladders
+  of ropes, placing a flat piece of thick board
+    1811ff the old mansion ... a flat of thick board
+  on touching a spring, it would suddenly fly open
+    1811ff ... it would fly open
+  so that on emergency we could traverse every apartment
+    1811ff so that on an emergency ...
+  a beautiful young lady asleep in the only bed in the room
+    1811ff ... on the only bed in the room
+  to dispossess the fair tenant of premises to which
+    1851/70 ... of the premises to which
+  As soon as we were prepared, we returned to the mansion
+    1870 As soon as they were ...
+  exhibiting the person before her in all his horrific appearances
+    1870 exhibited ...
+  some of the same material being placed in its mouth
+    1811ff some material being placed in its mouth
+  not having yet stripped off his ghostly habiliments
+    1870 not having stripped off ...
+  which in the night appears like coals of fire
+    1851/70 ... looks like ...
+  the generous midshipman, John Brown
+    1811ff ... Jack Brown
+  as there were several other British prisoners in the jail
+    1811ff ... in jail
+  put under the hands of a barber, cleaned, furnished with a change of
+  clothes
+    1870 ... cleansed ...
+  his ship was ordered for America
+    1870 ... to America
+  went before the magistrates of the town
+    1870 ... the magistrate of the town
+  planned the structure of their family edifice.
+  [NOTE] See Barometer 109-110.
+    1811 [FOOTNOTE] See pages 34 and 38.
+    1851/70 NO FOOTNOTE
+  This intimation according with the ardent wishes of Alonzo, the site
+    1851/70 This intimation accorded with the ardent wishes of Alonzo.
+    The site
+  Spring, with its verdured fields
+    1864 verdurous  [this difference is on the last page: see above]
+  commencing sprightly, but ending plaintive and melancholy
+    1870 ... plaintively and melancholy
+
+           *       *       *       *
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Errors and Inconsistencies:
+
+_All corrections were checked against other versions of the text._ If an
+apparent error is the same in all available versions, or if the correct
+form was not deducible from the 1851 text alone, it was left unchanged.
+
+Non-Errors
+
+Many spellings were carried over unchanged from the 1804 original, even
+if they were archaic by 1851, such as "doat", "choak", "staid" (for
+"stayed") and others.
+
+  "gale": in pre-Beaufort usage, a synonym for "breeze"
+  "ensign": starting rank in the British infantry until 1870
+  "prim hedge": probably the same as privet hedge, _Ligustrum vulgare_
+  "Dr. Franklin": Benjamin Franklin received an honorary doctorate from
+    Oxford in 1762
+
+Misprints
+
+  the old gentleman thus addressed them  [gentlemen]
+  hastily walked the room in much visible agony of mind,  [vissible]
+  From them you will be enabled to obtain information  [enable]
+  In them we can place the utmost confidence.  [In // In at page break]
+  I will call at your father's  [you]
+  He arose after a sleepless night  [nights]
+  "Your perverseness, Melissa
+    [previous paragraph ends at line-end; paragraph indent missing]
+  ascended in pyramidical columns to the zenith  [columns the zenith]
+  which widening, more rapidly advanced  [nore]
+  he betook himself to the forest for shelter  [be betook]
+  he set out to return  [he sat out]
+  he slowly recovered, but  [recov-/ed at line break]
+  Omnipotent Controller of vicissitudes!  [Controler]
+  Omniscient dispenser of destinies!  [dipenser]
+  where every object would be shrouded in crape  [he shrouded]
+  Neither did he enquire into Alonzo's prospects  [Oeither]
+  now smooth as polished glass  [snooth]
+  the woe-worn head of fortune's fugitive  [woe-worm]
+  One day she had been with my sister at my father's
+    [" one" (lower case) with letter-width space at page-top]
+  frequently would he burst into tears  [frequntly]
+  for mercy and forgiveness  [forgivness]
+  he had made an opening large enough  [on]
+  no person was therein except the gentleman and servant  [therin]
+  he either suspected, or really discovered  [on really]
+  All the tender powers of Alonzo's soul  [Alonzon's]
+  informed Edgar of all that had happened  [hapened]
+  Melissa's sudden and unaccountable removal  [Melissa]
+  Vain and presumptuous assurance  [presumptous]
+  perhaps you will consider it enthusiasm  [peahaps]
+  How ready you gentlemen are, replied Melissa  [gentleman]
+  one brother and two sisters, of which my uncle  [or which]
+  My aunt knew you  [know]
+  Alonzo found by this narrative that  [narative]
+  Alonzo then gave Melissa a minute account  [Mellissa]
+  they were not prepared to undeceive her father  [undecieve]
+  his crops had yielded but a scanty supply  [crobs had yeilded]
+  The sun blended its mild lustre  [blendid]
+  the spring birds carolled in varying strains  [carroled]
+  they put off among the Americans for live stock  [American's]
+  thinnest scarlet tiffany  [thinest]
+
+Invisible Letters
+
+Here and below, "invisible" means that the letter or punctuation mark is
+not present, but there is an appropriately sized blank space.
+
+  A considerable pause ensued.  [s in "ensued" invisible]
+  the thousand various birds  [final s invisible]
+  Here all was solemn and silent  [s in "was" invisible]
+  Its appearance was tall and robust, wrapped in a tattered white robe
+    [a in "and", r in "robe" invisible]
+  By the fate of war, he replied  [r in "war" invisible]
+  he was worn to a skeleton
+    [spacing in this line is ambiguous; the word "a" may be either
+    missing or invisible]
+  I find by your father's letters that  [final t invisible]
+  they projected scenes of connubial bliss  [t in "they" invisible]
+  reflected in the glassy lake  [l in "lake" invisible]
+
+Punctuation
+
+  "For far beyond the pride and pomp of power,  [" invisible]
+  A soft and silent shower had descended;  [; invisible]
+  Melissa was silent.  [. missing or invisible]
+  the same enquiry respecting you.  [. missing or invisible]
+  you are melancholy.  [. invisible]
+  It would, he said, be a delicate point  [first , invisible]
+  "In our present dilemma, said Alonzo, what is proper to be done?"
+    [said Alonzo what]
+  "It is difficult to determine, replied Melissa  [" missing]
+  "The world is before you, answered Vincent  [" missing]
+  alternately humming a tune, and impudently staring at Alonzo
+    [, invisible]
+  My mother and Edgar ardently strove  [and Edgar, ardently]
+  "I would advise you, said he  [" missing or invisible]
+  Melissa seated herself at the window.  [at the window."]
+  "Unfeeling and impertinent intruder, retorted Alonzo,  [intruder?]
+  "Well, thou hast wonderful courage, child  [Well, thou hast]
+  perhaps they were still open.  [. invisible]
+  "If you will allow me to name the place, said he  [" missing]
+  but that she must still be there.  [be there..]
+  alternately in the house and the enclosure  [alternately, in]
+  at the seat of her uncle, Col. W. D--  [her uncle. Col.]
+  "Blue trembling billows, topp'd with foam,"
+    [" missing or invisible]
+  grave of my Melissa?"  [" missing or invisible]
+  when we were seated she thus addressed me:
+    [_no punctuation at end of paragraph_]
+  "Henry, you know that to promote your peace  [" invisible]
+  though made in the presence of heaven."  [" missing]
+  Candour and correct reason must have answered yes.  [. invisible]
+  "Hallo, messmate! what, scudding under bare poles  [" missing]
+  "Thy case, said he, is a little critical  [Thy case said he]
+  when we will see what can be done."  [be done.']
+  by which you may return to your own country."  [. invisible]
+  it is possible I have been undesignedly accessory  [have been,]
+  "A person with whom I am acquainted  [" missing or invisible]
+  if Col. D----, (Melissa's uncle)  [. missing]
+  "On my return from the inn  [" missing]
+  though slowly, yet surely, disperse  [yet surely.]
+  their eyes spoke sympathy, and they parted.
+    [. missing or invisible]
+  intrinsically _good for nothing_."  [" missing or invisible]
+  keep our cousin Melissa in countenance."  [" missing or invisible]
+  a few months after the melancholy tidings arrived [, invisible]
+  leaving Alfred, their only child, then an infant,
+    [_second comma invisible, but word-spacing suggests
+    "Alfred, their only child then, an infant"_]
+  "Melissa, said he, I find  [Melissa said he]
+  your father's, at Vincent's, and at Mr. Simpson's  [Mr Simpson's]
+  as I have before informed you.  [informed you."]
+  proceeded immediately to his father's.  [. missing or invisible]
+  they welcomed Alonzo, whom they had given up as lost  [Alonzo. whom]
+  "We were school-mates, he replied, and  [he replied and]
+  which my bosom must ever retain; but being separated  [; invisible]
+  they were generally informed of Alonzo's reasons  [reason,s]
+  the celebration at her father's.  [. missing or invisible]
+  The others, though they pursued them, got off.  [, invisible]
+  and for such measures we were amply prepared."  [amply prepared.]
+  The man enquired to what town they were to go, which  [, invisible]
+  They immediately set out for the aforesaid town  ["They]
+  "Ere fate and fortune frown'd severe,"
+    [closing " missing or invisible]
+
+           *       *       *       *
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The statistically minded reader may like to know that the word "bosom"
+occurs fifty-nine times in the text, and the word "mansion" sixty-two.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Alonzo and Melissa, by 
+Daniel Jackson, Jr. and Isaac Mitchell
+
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