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+<pre>
+
+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: UTF-8
+
+*** 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)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class = "mynote">
+<p><a name = "start" id = "start">This text</a> uses UTF-8 (Unicode)
+file encoding. If the apostrophes and quotation marks in this paragraph
+appear as garbage, you may have an incompatible browser or unavailable
+fonts. First, make sure that your browser’s “character set” or “file
+encoding” is set to Unicode (UTF-8). You may also need to change the
+default font.</p>
+
+<p>This e-text is based on the 1851 Boston edition of <i>Alonzo and
+Melissa</i>. The story originally appeared in 1804 as a serial in the
+weekly <i>Political Barometer</i> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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. Footnotes are from the original (1851) text. They are shown
+here as inset sidenotes except where paragraph breaks make this
+positioning impractical.</p>
+
+<p>Note that the standard punctuation for dialogue is</p>
+
+<p class = "inset">
+“To this place, said Melissa, have I taken many a solitary walk....”</p>
+
+<p>Typographical errors are shown with <ins class = "correction" title =
+"like this">mouse-hover popups</ins>. <i>All corrections were checked
+against other versions of the text.</i> 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. The word “invisible” means
+that the letter or punctuation mark is not present, but there is an
+appropriately sized blank space. Other types of additions and deletions
+are explained at the <a href = "#endnote">end of the text</a>.</p>
+
+<p class = "center"><a href = "#chron">Chronology</a><br>
+<a href = "#quote">Quotations</a><br>
+<a href = "#others">Other Editions</a></p>
+</div>
+
+<div class = "titlepage">
+
+<h1>ALONZO AND MELISSA,</h1>
+
+<h6>OR</h6>
+
+<h3>THE UNFEELING FATHER.</h3>
+
+<h6>AN</h6>
+
+<h5>AMERICAN TALE.</h5>
+
+<hr class = "mid">
+
+<div class = "verse smaller">
+<p>In every varied posture, place, and hour,</p>
+<p>How widowed every thought of every joy!</p>
+
+<p class = "right smallcaps">Young.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class = "mid">
+
+<h5 class = "smallcaps">BY DANIEL JACKSON, Jr.</h5>
+
+<p>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h4><span class = "topline">BOSTON:</span></h4>
+
+<h5>PRINTED FOR THE PUBLISHERS.</h5>
+
+<h5>1851.</h5>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class = "picture">
+<p class = "illustration">
+<img src = "images/frontis1864.png" width = "495" height = "327"
+alt = "picture of house">
+</p>
+
+<p class = "mynote center">
+Frontispiece from 1864 Philadelphia edition of <i>Alonzo and
+Melissa</i>.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class = "maintext">
+
+<!-- page 2 -->
+<span class = "pagenum">3</span>
+<h3>PREFACE</h3>
+
+<p><span class = "smallcaps">Whether</span> 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.&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<p>It is also believed that the story contains no indecorous stimulants;
+nor is it filled with unmeaning and inexplicated incidents sounding upon
+the <ins class = "change" title = "1804/11 ‘senses’">sense</ins>, but
+imperceptible to the understanding. When anxieties have been excited by
+involved and doubtful events, they are afterwards elucidated by the
+consequences.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">4</span>
+<p>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&mdash;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;”<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>when Melissa, sinking on
+her knees before her father, was received to his bosom as a beloved
+daughter risen from the dead.</p>
+
+<p>If these scenes are not imperfectly drawn, they will not fail to
+interest the refined sensibilities of the reader.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+<span class = "pagenum">5</span>
+<h3>ALONZO AND MELISSA.</h3>
+
+<h5><b>A TALE.</b></h5>
+
+<p class = "illustration">
+<img src = "images/decline.png" width = "70" height = "14"
+alt = "----">
+</p>
+
+<p>In the time of the late <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">American</ins> 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘the’">this</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">6</span>
+his intended journey: he therefore invited Alonzo to supply his place;
+which invitation he readily accepted, and <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804 ‘at’">on</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘tempered’">attempered</ins> 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&nbsp;to</p>
+
+<div class = "verse">
+<p>“Call round her laughing eyes, in playful turns,</p>
+<p>The glance that lightens, and the smile that burns.”</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘a’">the</ins> romantic cast;</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">7</span>
+
+<div class = "verse">
+<p><ins class = "correction" title = "open quote invisible">“For</ins>
+far beyond the pride <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘or’">and</ins>
+pomp of power,</p>
+<p>He lov’d the realms of nature to explore;</p>
+<p>With lingering gaze Edinian spring survey’d;</p>
+<p>Morn’s fairy splendours; night’s gay <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804/11/70 ‘curtain’d’">curtained</ins> shade,</p>
+<p>The high hoar cliff, the grove’s benighting gloom,</p>
+<p>The wild rose, <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11/70 ‘widow’d’">widowed</ins> o’er the mouldering tomb;</p>
+<p>The heaven embosom’d sun; the rainbow’s <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804/11/70 ‘die’">dye</ins>,</p>
+<p>Where lucid forms disport to fancy’s eye;</p>
+<p>The vernal flower, mild autumn’s purpling glow,</p>
+<p>The summer’s thunder and the winter’s snow.”</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>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&nbsp;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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>Edgar’s cousin proposed to detain Alonzo and Melissa a few days, <del
+class = "other" title = "1870 omits">during</del> which time
+<span class = "pagenum">8</span>
+they passed in <ins class = "other" title = "1870 only">was</ins>
+visiting select friends and social parties. Beauman was an assiduous
+attendant upon Melissa. He came one afternoon to invite her to ride
+out;&mdash;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.&mdash;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 <ins
+class = "other" title = "1804 only">various</ins> 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
+<span class = "pagenum">9</span>
+rock whose base was washed by every tide. On this rock they seated
+themselves, and enjoyed a while the splendours of the scene&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page9" id = "page9"> </a>
+
+<p>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.&mdash;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
+<span class = "pagenum">10</span>
+mortgages on lands and houses for <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘security’">securities</ins>; 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.&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘thither’">hither</ins>. If he had admired the manly virtues of the
+brother, could he fail to adore the <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘sublime’">sublimer</ins> graces of the sister? If all the sympathies of
+the most ardent friendship had been drawn forth towards the former, must
+not the most
+<span class = "pagenum">11</span>
+tender passions of the soul be attracted by the milder and more refined
+excellencies of the <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘latter’">other</ins>?</p>
+
+<p>Beauman had become the suitor of Melissa; but the distance of <ins
+class = "other" title = "1804 only">his</ins> residence rendered it
+inconvenient to visit her often. He came regularly<ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">, about</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>His manners, his independent situation, his family, entitled him to
+respect. “It is not probable therefore that he will be objectionable to
+Melissa’s <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘friends--Nor’">friends
+or</ins> to Melissa herself,” said Alonzo, with an involuntary sigh.</p>
+
+<p>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.&mdash;How
+different would be the scene when
+<span class = "pagenum">12</span>
+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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘highly probable then’">then highly probable</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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&nbsp;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&nbsp;will order tea immediately, while you rest
+from the fatigues of your journey.”</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">13</span>
+<p>When tea was served up, a servant entered the room with a letter
+which he had found in the yard. Melissa received it.&mdash;“’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&nbsp;forgot to tell
+you that your friend Beauman has been with us a few days; he left us
+this morning.”</p>
+
+<p>“My friend!” replied Alonzo, hastily.</p>
+
+<p>“Is he not your friend?” enquired Melissa.</p>
+
+<p>“I beg pardon, madam,” answered he, “my mind was absent.”</p>
+
+<p>“He requested us to present his respects to his friend Alonzo,” said
+she. Alonzo bowed and turned the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>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, <del class = "other"
+title = "1804 omits">and</del> the sound between that and the main land, and the
+opening <ins class = "change" title = "1811 ‘there off’">thereof</ins>
+to the distant ocean.</p>
+
+<p>A soft and silent shower had <ins class = "correction"
+title = "; invisible">descended;</ins> a&nbsp;thousand transitory gems trembled
+upon the foliage glittering <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘to the’ 1870 ‘in the’">the</ins> western ray.&mdash;A bright rainbow sat
+upon <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘the’">a</ins> southern cloud;
+the light gales whispered among the branches, agitated the young harvest
+to billowy motion, or waved the tops of the distant
+<span class = "pagenum">14</span>
+deep green forest with majestic grandeur. Flocks, herds, and cottages
+were scattered over the variegated landscape.</p>
+
+<p>Hills piled on hills, receding, faded from the pursuing eye, mingling
+with the blue mist which hovered around the <ins class = "change" title
+= "1804 ‘extremest’">extreme</ins> verge of the horizon. “This is a most
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804/11 ‘delightful’">beautiful</ins>
+scene,” said Melissa.</p>
+
+<p>“It is indeed, replied Alonzo; can New-London boast so charming a
+prospect?”</p>
+
+<p>Melissa. No&mdash;yes; indeed I can hardly say. You know, Alonzo, how
+I am charmed with the rock at the point of the beach.</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo. You told me <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">of</del> the happy hours you had passed at that place. Perhaps
+the company which attended you there, gave the scenery its highest
+embellishment.</p>
+
+<p>Melissa. I know not how it happened; but you are the only person who
+ever attended me there.</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo. That is a little surprising.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. Why surprising?</p>
+
+<p>Al. Where was Beauman?</p>
+
+<p>Mel. Perhaps he was not fond of solitude. Besides he was not always
+my <ins class = "change" title = "1804/11 ‘beau-man’">Beauman</ins>.</p>
+
+<p>Al. Sometimes.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. Yes, sometimes.</p>
+
+<p>Al. And now always.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. Not this evening.</p>
+
+<p>Al. He <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11/70 ‘formally addresses you’">formerly</ins>.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">15</span>
+<p>Mel. Well.</p>
+
+<p>Al. And will soon claim the exclusive privilege so to do.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. That does not follow of course.</p>
+
+<p>Al. Of course, if his intentions are sincere, and the wishes of
+another should accord therewith.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. Who am I to understand by another?</p>
+
+<p>Al. Melissa. [A pause <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">ensued</del>.]</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>Al. Yes, it is almost down.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. What is almost down?</p>
+
+<p>Al. The sun. Was not you speaking of the sun, madam?</p>
+
+<p>Mel. Your mind is absent, Alonzo; I was speaking of yonder ship.</p>
+
+<p>Al. I beg <ins class = "other" title = "1870 only">your</ins> pardon,
+madam. O yes&mdash;the ship&mdash;it&mdash;it bounds with rapid motion
+over the waves.</p>
+
+<p>A pause ensued. They walked leisurely around the hill, and moved
+toward home. The sun sunk behind the western hills.&mdash;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,”
+<span class = "pagenum">16</span>
+said Melissa. “Do you remember it?” enquired Alonzo. “Certainly I do,”
+she replied, “I&nbsp;shall never forget the sweet pensive scenery of my
+favourite rock.” “Nor I neither,” said Alonzo with a deep drawn
+sigh.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘otherways’">otherwise</ins>.</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page16" id = "page16"> </a>
+
+<p>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:</p>
+
+<p>“We are soon to have a wedding here; you are acquainted with the
+parties&mdash;Melissa D<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span> and
+Beauman. Such at least is our opinion from appearances, as Beauman is
+now here more than half his time.&mdash;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.”</p>
+
+<p>“I shall never be a guest at Melissa’s wedding,” said Alonzo, as he
+hastily <ins class = "change" title = "1811 ‘passed’">paced</ins> the
+room; “but I must once again see her before that event takes place, when
+I lose
+<span class = "pagenum">17</span>
+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.”</p>
+
+<p>“Was not that a hasty conclusion <ins class = "other" title =
+"1804/11">madam</ins>?” replied Alonzo. “I&nbsp;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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "other" title = "1804/11">sir</ins>, said she, am I
+to hear your excuses?”</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo. For what, madam?</p>
+
+<p>Mel. For neglecting your friends.</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo. I hope it is not so considered, madam.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. Seriously, then, why have you
+<span class = "pagenum">18</span>
+stayed away so long? Has this place no charms in the absence of my
+brother?</p>
+
+<p>Al. Would my presence have added to your <ins class = "change" title
+= "1870 ‘felicity’">felicities</ins>, Melissa?</p>
+
+<p>Mel. You never came an unwelcome visiter here.</p>
+
+<p>Al. Perhaps I might be sometimes intrusive.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. What times?</p>
+
+<p>Al. When Beauman is your guest.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. I have supposed you were on friendly terms.</p>
+
+<p>Al. We are.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. Why then intrusive?</p>
+
+<p>Al. There are seasons when friendship must yield <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">its pretensions</del> to a superior claim.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. Perhaps I do not rightly comprehend the force of that
+remark.</p>
+
+<p>Al. <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘Were’">Was</ins> Beauman
+here, my position might be demonstrated.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. I think I understand you.</p>
+
+<p>Al. And acknowledge my observation to be just?</p>
+
+<p>Mel. (hesitating.) Yes&mdash;I believe I must.</p>
+
+<p>Al. And appropriate?</p>
+
+<p>Melissa was silent<ins class = "correction"
+title = ". missing or invisible">.&nbsp;</ins></p>
+
+<p>Al. You hesitate, Melissa.</p>
+
+<p>She was <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">still</del>
+silent.</p>
+
+<p>Al. Will you, Melissa, answer me one question?</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">19</span>
+<p>Mel. (confused.) If it be a proper <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804 ‘one. You’">one you</ins> are entitled to candour.</p>
+
+<p>Al. Are you engaged to Beauman?</p>
+
+<p>Mel. (blushing.) He has asked me the same question concerning
+you.</p>
+
+<p>Al. Do you prefer him to any other?</p>
+
+<p>Mel. (deeply blushing, her eyes cast upon the floor.) He has made the
+same enquiry respecting you<ins class = "correction"
+title = ". missing or invisible">.&nbsp;</ins></p>
+
+<p>Al. Has he asked your father’s permission to address you?</p>
+
+<p>Mel. That I have not suffered him yet to do.</p>
+
+<p>Al. Yet!</p>
+
+<p>Mel. I assure you I have not.</p>
+
+<p>Al. (taking her hand with anxiety.) Melissa, I&nbsp;beg you will deal
+candidly. I&nbsp;am entitled to no claims, but you know what my heart
+would ask. I&nbsp;will bow to your decision. Beauman or Alonzo must
+relinquish their pretensions. We cannot share the blessing. <!-- well,
+not in this type of book anyway :-) --></p>
+
+<p>Mel. (her cheeks suffused with a varying glow, her lips pale, her
+voice <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘trembles’">tremulous</ins>,
+her eyes still cast down.) My parents have informed me that it is
+improper to receive the particular <ins class = "change"
+title = "1811 ‘address’">addresses</ins> of more than one. I&nbsp;am conscious of my
+inadvertency, and that the reproof is just. One therefore must be
+dismissed. But&mdash;(she <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘blushed’">hesitated</ins>.)</p>
+
+<p>A considerable pause <ins class = "correction"
+title = "‘s’ invisible">ensued</ins>. At length
+<span class = "pagenum">20</span>
+Alonzo arose&mdash;“I will not press you farther,” said he; “I&nbsp;know
+the delicacy of your feeling, I&nbsp;know your sincerity; I&nbsp;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&nbsp;could have no just claims, or if I had, your heart must sanction
+them, or they would be unhallowed and unjustifiable. I&nbsp;shall ever
+pray for your felicity.&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<p>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&nbsp;will, said he, at any time you
+shall appoint.”&mdash;“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&nbsp;will be punctual to the day,” he replied, and bade her
+adieu.</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page20" id = "page20"> </a>
+
+<p>Alonzo’s hours now winged heavily away. His wonted cheerfulness fled;
+he wooed the silent and solitary haunts of “musing, moping
+<span class = "pagenum">21</span>
+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 <ins
+class = "change" title = "1811 ‘his’">her</ins> silvery intercepted
+ray.”</p>
+
+<p>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&nbsp;withering blight to his
+budding hopes, and a final consummation to his foreboding fears. He had
+pressed Melissa, perhaps too urgently, to a declaration.&mdash;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 <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804 ‘forestal’">direct</ins> 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?</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1811 ‘emotion’">emotions</ins> more easily <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">to be</del> conceived than expressed:</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">22</span>
+<p>“Melissa’s wedding day is appointed. I need not tell you that Beauman
+is to be the happy deity of the hymeneal sacrifice. I&nbsp;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 <ins class = "other"
+title = "1870 only">out</ins> a liberal libation <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘to’">upon</ins> 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.”</p>
+
+<p>“And why have I <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">ever</del>
+doubted this event? said Alonzo. What infatuation hath thus led me on
+<ins class = "other" title = "1870 only">to</ins> the pursuit of
+fantastic and unreal bliss? I&nbsp;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?&mdash;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&mdash;Insulting! Let Beauman
+<span class = "pagenum">23</span>
+and she make, as they have formed, this farcical decision;
+I&nbsp;absolutely will never attend it.&mdash;But stop: I&nbsp;have
+engaged to see her at an appointed time; my honour is therefore pledged
+for an interview; it must take place. I&nbsp;shall support it with
+becoming dignity, and <del class = "other" title = "1804 omits">I</del>
+will convince <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">both</ins>
+Melissa and Beauman that I am not the dupe of their caprices. But let me
+consider&mdash;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. <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">She was the
+unsuspecting object of my passion.</ins> She was unconscious of the
+flame which her charms had kindled in my bosom.&mdash;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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ’has’">had</ins> appointed a day when her refusal may come in a more
+delicate and formal manner&mdash;and I must meet&nbsp;it.”</p>
+
+<p>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&nbsp;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
+<span class = "pagenum">24</span>
+hand. Alonzo fancied she never appeared so lovely. She arose to receive
+him. “We have been expecting you some time, said Melissa; we <ins class
+= "change" title = "1870 ’are’">were</ins> 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 <ins class = "other" title =
+"1804/11">had</ins> prevented him; he esteemed him as his most <ins
+class = "change" title = "1804/11 ’valued’">valuable</ins> friend, and
+would be more particular in future.</p>
+
+<p>“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 <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ’last was’">was
+last</ins> here. It is much improved since then: I&nbsp;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,
+<span class = "pagenum">25</span>
+and towards evening they resorted to the place and seated themselves in
+the arbour.</p>
+
+<p>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; <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">the</ins> curling smoke ascended from the surrounding cottages.
+A&nbsp;thick fog crept along the vallies; a&nbsp;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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’solemn’">monotonous</ins> symphony. The autumnal insects
+in sympathetic <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’wailings’ 1811 ‘waftings’">wafting</ins>, 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 <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">rude</del> despoiling hand of winter.”</p>
+
+<p>“That will be the case, said Alonzo, before I shall have the pleasure
+of your company here again.”</p>
+
+<p>Mel. That probably may be, though it is nearly two months yet to
+winter.</p>
+
+<p>Al. Great changes may take place within that time.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. Yes, changes must take place; but
+<span class = "pagenum">26</span>
+nothing, I&nbsp;hope, to embitter present prospects.</p>
+
+<p>Al. (peevishly.) As it respects yourself, I&nbsp;trust not,
+madam.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. (tenderly.) And I sincerely hope not, as it respects you,
+Alonzo.</p>
+
+<p>Al. That wish, I believe, is vain.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. Why so ominous a prediction?</p>
+
+<p>Al. The premises, from which it is drawn, are correct.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. Your feelings accord with the season, Alonzo; you are <ins class
+= "correction" title = ". invisible">melancholy.</ins> Shall we
+return?</p>
+
+<p>Al. I ask your pardon, madam; I know I am unsociable. You speak of
+returning: You know the occasion of my being here.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. For the purpose of visiting your friends, I&nbsp;presume.</p>
+
+<p>Al. And no other?</p>
+
+<p>She made no reply.</p>
+
+<p>Al. You cannot have forgotten your own appointment, and consequent
+engagement?</p>
+
+<p>She made no answer.</p>
+
+<p>Al. I know, Melissa, that you are incapable of duplicity or <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ’evasions’">evasion</ins>. I&nbsp;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
+<span class = "pagenum">27</span>
+you have nothing to fear. I&nbsp;trust you have candidly determined, and
+will decide explicitly.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. (sighing.) I am placed in an exceedingly delicate situation.</p>
+
+<p>Al. I know you are; but your own honour, your own peace, require that
+you should extricate yourself from the perplexing embarrassment.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. I am sensible they do. It must&mdash;it shall be done.</p>
+
+<p>Al. And the sooner it is done the better.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. That I am convinced of. I now know that I have been
+inadvertently indiscreet. I&nbsp;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<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span></p>
+
+<p>Al. (interrupting her, with emotion.) Of those arrangements I am
+acquainted.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. (surprised.) By what means were you informed thereof?</p>
+
+<p>Al. I received it from a friend in your neighbourhood.</p>
+
+<p>A considerable pause ensued.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">28</span>
+<p>Al. You see, Melissa, I am prepared for the event.&mdash;She was <ins
+class = "other" title = "1804/11">still</ins> silent.</p>
+
+<p>Al. I have mentioned before, that, whatever be your decision, no
+impropriety can attach to you. I&nbsp;might not, indeed, from various
+circumstances, and from the information I possess, I&nbsp;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.</p>
+
+<p>Mel. No, Alonzo; my reputation depends on my adherence to my first
+determination; justice to yourself and to Beauman also <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804 ’demands’">demand</ins> it. After what has
+passed, I&nbsp;should be considered as acting capriciously and
+inconsistently, should I depart from it. Beauman will be here to-morrow,
+and<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span></p>
+
+<p>Al. To-morrow, madam?</p>
+
+<p>Mel. He will be here to-morrow, and you must consent to stay with us
+until that time; the matter shall then be decided.</p>
+
+<p>Al. I&mdash;yes&mdash;it shall be as you say, madam. Make your
+arrangements as you please.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">29</span>
+<p>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 “<ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ’stilly’ 1870 ‘distant’">slitty</ins> 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
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804 ’paly’ 1870 ’pale’">palely</ins>
+lustre thro’ the gloom. The solitary whippoorwills stationed themselves
+along the woody glens, the groves and rocky pastures, and <ins class =
+"change" title = "1870 ’sang’">sung</ins> a requiem to departed summer.
+A&nbsp;dark cloud was rising in the west, across whose gloomy front the
+vivid lightning bent its forky spires.</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo and Melissa moved slowly to the village; she appeared
+enraptured with the melancholy splendours of the evening, but <ins class
+= "change" title = "1804 ’other subjects’">the other subject</ins>
+engaged the mental attention of Alonzo.</p>
+
+<p>Beauman arrived the next day. He gave his hand to Alonzo with <ins
+class = "other" title = "1804 only">the</ins> 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
+<span class = "pagenum">30</span>
+and Beauman to withdraw with him to a private room. After they were
+seated, the old <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘gentlemen’">gentleman</ins> thus addressed them:</p>
+
+<p>“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&nbsp;shall not attempt to influence her choice. That choice, however,
+can rest only on one: she has engaged to decide between you. I&nbsp;am
+come to make, in her name, this decision. The following are my
+terms:&mdash;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.”&mdash;Alonzo and Beauman pledged their honour to
+abide <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ’explicitly’">implicitly</ins> <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’to’">by</ins> these injunctions. Her father then observed&mdash;“This,
+gentlemen, is all I require. I&nbsp;have observed that I considered
+<span class = "pagenum">31</span>
+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 <ins class = "other" title = "1804/11">now</ins> arrived, and I
+now inform you that she has decided in favour of&mdash;Alonzo.”</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page30" id = "page30"> </a>
+
+<p>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
+<ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘sullen’">solemn</ins> silence of
+night. Unaccustomed to disappointment, he had calculated on success. His
+addresses to the ladies had ever been honourably received.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’minutiae’">minutia</ins> of female volatility. He considered himself
+skilled in the language of the heart; and he trusted <del class =
+"other" title = "1870 omits">that</del> 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,
+<span class = "pagenum">32</span>
+and finally appointed a day to give <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">both</ins> him and Alonzo a determinate answer, though neither
+knew the arrangements made with the other.</p>
+
+<p>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&nbsp;it.</p>
+
+<p>When Beauman had urged his suit to Melissa, he supposed that her <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ’hesitation’">hesitations</ins>, 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 <ins class =
+"other" title = "1804 only">that</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>He had listened therefore attentively to the <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’word’">words</ins> of Melissa’s father, momentarily
+expecting to hear himself declared the favourite choice of the fair.</p>
+
+<p>What then must have been his disappointment when the name of Alonzo
+was pronounced instead of his own! The highly finished
+<span class = "pagenum">33</span>
+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&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<p>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&mdash;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
+<span class = "pagenum">34</span>
+the bright morning of joy broke in upon his soul.</p>
+
+<p>Thus were the expectations of Alonzo and Beauman
+disappointed&mdash;how differently, the sequel has shown.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804 ’into a different’">to a distant</ins> 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&nbsp;rising shower
+blackened the western hemisphere; <!-- all of it?! --> 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’hasted’">hastened</ins> 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,
+<span class = "pagenum">35</span>
+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&nbsp;hurried succession
+of confused ideas for a moment crossed his recollection. In a moment<ins
+class = "other" title = "1870 only">, however,</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>The rain continued most part of the afternoon. Alonzo was invited,
+and consented to stay all night. A&nbsp;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
+<span class = "pagenum">36</span>
+remaining beauties of <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ’Summer’">the
+summer</ins>.” Alonzo felt <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">all</del> 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.</p>
+
+<p>“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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">37</span>
+battle <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ’of’">at</ins> Lexington,
+followed soon after by the battle <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘at Bunker’s’ 1870 ’of Bunker’">at Bunker</ins> 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 <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">upon the
+subject</ins>, and they agreed to form the mystic union previous to any
+wide separation.</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">38</span>
+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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’cultured’">cultivated</ins> 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
+class = "tag" name = "tagA" id = "tagA" href = "#noteA">*</a>
+<span class = "footnote">
+<a name = "noteA" id = "noteA" href = "#tagA">*</a>
+Some who read this description will readily recognize the village here
+described.</span>
+A&nbsp;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
+<span class = "pagenum">39</span>
+were spread around the valley, and <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">on</del> 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ’Avernum’">Auvernum</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the place <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">chosen</ins> for the <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">future</ins> residence of Alonzo and Melissa. They had visited the
+spot, and were enraptured with its pensive, romantic beauties.
+A&nbsp;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 <ins class = "correction"
+title = "‘s’ invisible">birds</ins> which frequent the surrounding groves. We will
+gather the bending fruits of autumn, and we will listen to the hoarse
+voice of
+<span class = "pagenum">40</span>
+winter, its whistling winds, its driving snow, and rattling hail, with
+delight.”</p>
+
+<p>The bright gems of joy glistened in the eyes of Melissa. With Alonzo
+she anticipated approaching happiness, and her bosom beat in rapturous
+unison. <!-- not her heart, just her bosom --></p>
+
+<p>Winter came on; it rapidly passed away. Spring advanced, and the
+marriage day was appointed.</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page40" id = "page40"> </a>
+
+<p>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&nbsp;large army of reinforcements was soon expected from
+England to land on our shores, and “the confused noise of the <ins class
+= "change" title = "1804 ’warrior’">warriors</ins>, and garments rolled
+in blood,” were already anticipated.</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">41</span>
+and clerks under him, but began to grow unable to attend to the various
+and burthensome duties and demands of a mercantile life.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">42</span>
+place, and from thence they walked around this modern <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804/11 ’Vacluse’">Vaucluse</ins>, charmed with the
+secluded beauties of its situation. They passed a little time at the
+spot selected for <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ’the’">their</ins>
+habitation; they projected the structure of the buildings, planned the
+gardens, the artificial groves, the walks, the <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’meads’">mead</ins>, 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.</p>
+
+<p>They took tea at the inn, and prepared to return. It was <del class =
+"other" title = "1804/11 omit">at</del> 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 <ins class = "change" title =
+"1870 ’the’">their</ins> sombre shades over the valley, while the
+retiring beams of day adorned the distant eastern eminences with yellow
+lustre.</p>
+
+<p>The birds sung melodiously in the <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’grove’">groves</ins>, the air was freshened by light western breezes,
+bearing upon their wings all the entrancing odours of the season. Around
+the horizon, <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">electric</del>
+clouds raised their brazen summits, based <ins class = "change" title =
+"1870 ’on’">in</ins> the black vapour of approaching night.</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">43</span>
+prospect of all the surrounding country, the distant sound, and the
+adjacent towns and villages, <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">presented to the eye, on a single view,</del> perhaps one of the
+most picturesque draperies painted by nature. Alonzo attended Melissa to
+her father’s, and the next day returned home.</p>
+
+<p>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 <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">the</del> next day after Alonzo got home:&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <del
+class = "other" title = "1870 omits">who lived</del> near Charleston,
+<del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">in</del> South Carolina, whose
+daughter was to pass the summer with Melissa, and was expected to arrive
+before the appointed <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">marriage</ins> day. It <ins class = "correction"
+title = ", invisible">would,</ins> he said,
+<span class = "pagenum">44</span>
+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&nbsp;have reasons, which, when told”&mdash;here
+he stopped, suddenly arose, hastily walked the room in much <ins class =
+"correction" title = "1851 ‘vissible’">visible</ins> agony of mind, and
+then retired to his chamber.</p>
+
+<p>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 <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">the</del> 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.</p>
+
+<p>He scarcely spoke a word, and after the <ins class = "change" title =
+"1870 ’cloth’">table</ins> 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:</p>
+
+<p>“For more than forty years I have toiled early and late to acquire
+independence and ease for myself and <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">my</del> family. To accomplish this, I&nbsp;became connected with
+some English importing merchants in a seaport
+<span class = "pagenum">45</span>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>“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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1811 ’indies’">Indies</ins>, laden with <ins class = "change"
+title = "1811 ’Island’">island</ins> 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
+<span class = "pagenum">46</span>
+of the debts; so that, compound or not, the consequence to me is
+inevitable ruin.</p>
+
+<p>“To abscond would not secure me, as most of my remaining property is
+vested in real estate. And even if it would, I&nbsp;could not consent to
+it: I&nbsp;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&nbsp;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 <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">and meanness</del>. I&nbsp;have notified and procured a meeting
+of the creditors, and have laid the <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’matter’">matters</ins> 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&nbsp;had some hopes that your happiness, Alonzo, might <del
+class = "other" title = "1870 omits">yet</del> be secured. Hence I
+proposed your union with Melissa, before our misfortunes should be
+promulgated. Your parents are old; a&nbsp;little will serve the residue
+of their days. With your acquirements you may make your way in life.
+I&nbsp;shall have no property to give you; but I would
+<span class = "pagenum">47</span>
+still wish you to secure that which you prize far above, and without
+which, both honours and emoluments are unimportant and worthless.”</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>We <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ’would’">will</ins> not stop
+the reader to moralize on this disastrous event. The feelings of the
+family can better be conceived than detailed. <!-- yeah, you wouldn’t
+want to WRITE them out or anything --> 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
+<span class = "pagenum">48</span>
+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?&mdash;And indeed, could he himself consent to make her his
+wife, to make her miserable?</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>When Alonzo arrived at the house of his friend, he was received with
+the same disinterested ardour he <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’had ever’">ever had</ins> been in the <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804 ’days’">day</ins> of his most unbounded prosperity.&mdash;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&nbsp;know <ins class = "change" title =
+"1870 ’the’">that</ins>
+<span class = "pagenum">49</span>
+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&nbsp;will
+introduce you in; converse with her, after which I will lay my plan
+before you.”</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page49" id = "page49"> </a>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’began’">begun</ins> to assemble.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ’even’">evening</ins>.</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">50</span>
+towards her. She turned, started, and arose. With a melancholy smile,
+and tremulous voice, “I&nbsp;supposed, she said, that it was Mrs.
+Vincent who was approaching, as she has just left the room.” Her
+countenance appeared <ins class = "other" title = "1870 only">to
+be</ins> dejected, which, on <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">her</ins> seeing Alonzo, lighted up into a languid sprightliness.
+It was evident she had been weeping.</p>
+
+<p>Vincent retired, and Alonzo and Melissa seated themselves by the
+window. “I&nbsp;have broken in upon your solitude, perhaps, too
+unseasonably, said Alonzo. It is however, the fault of Vincent:&mdash;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&nbsp;hope that you did not consider any formality
+necessary in your visits, Alonzo.”</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo. I once did not think so. Now I know not what to think&mdash;I
+know not how to act. You have heard of the misfortunes of my father’s
+family, Melissa?</p>
+
+<p>Mel. Yes; I have heard the circumstances attending that
+event&mdash;an event in which no one could be more deeply interested,
+except the immediate sufferers, than myself.</p>
+
+<p>Al. Your father is also acquainted with my present situation?</p>
+
+<p>Mel. He is.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">51</span>
+<p>Al. How did he receive the intelligence?</p>
+
+<p>Mel. With deep regret.</p>
+
+<p>Al. And forbade you to admit my addresses any longer?</p>
+
+<p>Mel. No, not absolutely.</p>
+
+<p>Al. If even in an unqualified or indirect manner, it is proper <ins
+class = "other" title = "1804 only">that</ins> I should
+know&nbsp;it.</p>
+
+<p>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.&mdash;My first, my ultimate wish, is to
+see my children, when settled in life, happy and honourably respected.
+For this purpose, I&nbsp;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.&mdash;The principal
+requisite to ensure this is a proper connexion in marriage.” Here my
+father paused a considerable time, and then continued&mdash;“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.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">52</span>
+<p>“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.&mdash;At any
+rate, I&nbsp;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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’spoke’">spake</ins> my father, and immediately withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>“In our present dilemma, said <ins class = "correction"
+title = ", missing">Alonzo,</ins> what is proper to be done?”</p>
+
+<p><ins class = "correction" title = "open quote missing">“It</ins> 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&nbsp;would advise you to call at my father’s
+house tomorrow, with your usual freedom. Whatever may be the event,
+I&nbsp;shall deal sincerely with you. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent are now my
+only <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ’confidents’">confidants</ins>. From them you will be <ins class =
+"correction" title = "1851 ‘enable’">enabled</ins> to obtain
+information, should I be debarred from seeing you. I&nbsp;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.
+<span class = "pagenum">53</span>
+<ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘In // In’ at page break">In</ins> them we can place the utmost confidence. My reliance on
+Providence, I&nbsp;trust, will never be shaken; but my future prospects,
+at present, are dark and gloomy.”</p>
+
+<p>“Let us not despair, answered Alonzo; perhaps <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’these’">those</ins> 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&nbsp;will call at <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘you’">your</ins> father’s.”</p>
+
+<p>Melissa now prepared to return home; a whippoorwill tuned its nightly
+song at a little distance; but the sound, <del class = "other" title =
+"1870 omits">late</del> so cheerful and sprightly, now passed heavily
+over their hearts.</p>
+
+<p>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&nbsp;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&mdash;by every rite except those
+which are merely ceremonial. These I
+<span class = "pagenum">54</span>
+would advise you to enter into, and trust to the consequences. Mrs.
+Vincent has proposed <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’this’">the</ins> 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&nbsp;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.”</p>
+
+<p>“But you must be sensible of my inability to support her as she
+deserves, replied Alonzo, even should she consent to&nbsp;it.”</p>
+
+<p><ins class = "correction" title = "open quote missing">“The</ins>
+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.”</p>
+
+<p>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.”</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">55</span>
+head upon her hand, in a pensive posture; a&nbsp;deep dejection was
+depicted <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ’in’">upon</ins> her
+features, which enlivened into a transient glow as soon as she saw
+Alonzo. She arose, met him, and invited him into the house.</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo was received with a <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’cold’">cool</ins> 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&nbsp;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 <ins class = "correction" title = ", invisible">tune,</ins>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>This interruption was not of long continuance. Melissa’s father <ins
+class = "other" title = "1804 only">soon</ins> entered, and requested
+the two ladies to withdraw, which was instantly done. He then addressed
+Alonzo as follows:<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>“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 <ins class =
+"change" title = "1870 ’demands’">demand</ins> that I should know your
+means and prospects before I sanction
+<span class = "pagenum">56</span>
+a proceeding which may reduce my child to penury and <del class =
+"other" title = "1870 omits">to</del> want.”</p>
+
+<p>He paused for a reply, but Alonzo was silent. He continued&mdash;“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&mdash;“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? <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">I know you have
+talents and have had an education. But what are they without
+means?</ins> 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
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804 ’may well’">well may</ins> 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/70 ’expectations’">expectation</ins>
+<span class = "pagenum">57</span>
+but such as these, your own judgment will teach you the necessity of
+immediately relinquishing all pretensions to the hand <ins class =
+"change"
+title = "1804 ‘of Melissa.” Thus spake the father of Melissa, and’">of Melissa”&mdash;and</ins> immediately left the room.</p>
+
+<p>Why was Alonzo speechless through the whole of this
+discourse?&mdash;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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1811 ’come’">came</ins> 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’contain’">sustain</ins>. Disappointment seldom finds <ins
+class = "change" title = "1804 ’its’">her</ins> votaries prepared to
+receive her.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804 ’counteract’">contradict</ins> the
+<span class = "pagenum">58</span>
+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.”</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>Vincent, after Alonzo had related <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">the manner of</del> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">59</span>
+<ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘what’">their united situation
+tortured his soul.&mdash;What</ins> was to become of Melissa, what of
+himself, what of his parents!&mdash;“Alas, said Alonzo, I&nbsp;now
+perceive what it is to want the good things of this life.”</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo’s father was absent when he arrived, but returned soon after.
+A&nbsp;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&nbsp;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 <ins
+class = "other" title = "1804 only">part of</ins> this I have purchased
+a small, but well cultivated farm, with convenient tenements.
+I&nbsp;have enough left to purchase what stock and other materials I
+need; and to spare some for your present exigencies, Alonzo.”</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo thanked his father for his kindness, but told him <del class =
+"other" title = "1870 omits">that</del> 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 <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ’it’">that</ins>
+likely to terminate?” “<ins class = "change"
+title = "1811 ’Favourable’">Favourably</ins>, I&nbsp;hope, sir,” answered Alonzo. He
+could not
+<span class = "pagenum">60</span>
+consent to disturb the tranquillity of his parents by reciting his own
+wretchedness.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’illumined’">illuminated</ins> his troubled bosom.</p>
+
+<div class = "verse">
+<p>“Again the youth his wonted life regain’d,</p>
+<p>A transient sparkle in his eye obtain’d,</p>
+<p>A bright, impassion’d cheering glow, express’d</p>
+<p>The pleas’d sensation of his tender breast:</p>
+<p>But soon dark glooms the feeble smiles o’erspread;</p>
+<p>Like morn’s <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ’gray’">gay</ins>
+hues, the fading splendours fled;</p>
+<p>Returning anguish froze his feeling soul,</p>
+<p>Deep sighs burst forth, and tears began to roll.”</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>He thought <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ’on’">of</ins>
+Melissa, from whom he had heard nothing since he last saw her.&mdash;He
+thought <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ’on’">of</ins> the
+difficulties which surrounded him. He thought <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’on’">of</ins> the barriers which were opposed to his
+happiness and the felicity of Melissa, and he set out for the house of
+Vincent.</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page60" id = "page60"> </a>
+
+<p>Alonzo arrived at the residence of Vincent near the close of <del
+class = "other" title = "1804 omits">the</del> 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
+<span class = "pagenum">61</span>
+room. “You have come in good time, said he. Something must speedily be
+done, or you lose Melissa forever. The day after you <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804 ’left’">were</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>“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.&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<p>“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
+<span class = "pagenum">62</span>
+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.&mdash;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, <ins class = "change" title
+= "1811 ’come’">came</ins> this morning.&mdash;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&nbsp;should
+have written you had I not hourly expected you.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Vincent now <ins class = "change"
+title = "1811 ’come’">came</ins> to the door of the room and beckoned to her husband,
+who went out, but immediately returned, leading in Melissa after which
+he retired.
+<span class = "pagenum">63</span>
+“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.&mdash;Recovering at length, he begged her to
+moderate her grief. “Where<del class = "other"
+title = "1804/11/70 omit">, said he,</del> is your fortitude and <del class = "other" title
+= "1870 omits">your</del> firmness, <ins class = "other" title =
+"1804/11/70">said he,</ins> 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;&mdash;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; <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ’war ends’">wars
+end</ins> in peace; the splendours of the brightest morning arise on the
+wings of <ins class = "other" title = "1870 only">the</ins> blackest
+midnight.<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>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 <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804/70">a</ins> better world, where sighing and
+sorrows cease,
+<span class = "pagenum">64</span>
+and the tempestuous passions of life are known no more.”</p>
+
+<p>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;&mdash;but <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’where, alas’">alas! where</ins> were the means of alleviation?</p>
+
+<p>She informed him that her father had that evening ordered her to <ins
+class = "other" title = "1804 only">prepare to</ins> become the wife of
+Beauman. He told her that her disobedience was no longer to be
+borne.&mdash;“No longer, said he, will I tamper with your perverseness:
+you are determined to be poor, wretched and contemptible. I&nbsp;will
+compel you to be rich, happy, and respected. You suffer the <ins class =
+"change"
+title = "1870 ’Jack-with-a-lantern’"><i>Jack-a-lantern</i></ins> 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.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">65</span>
+<p>“Marry Beauman, and you <del class = "other"
+title = "1804 omits">will</del> roll in your coach, flaunt in your silks; your
+furniture and your <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ’equippage’">equipage</ins> are splendid, your associates are of the
+first character, and your father rejoices in your prosperity.</p>
+
+<p>“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.</p>
+
+<p>“I give you now two days to consider <ins class = "other" title =
+"1870 only">of</ins> the matter; at the end of that time I shall expect
+your decision, and hope you will decide <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804/11/70 ’discreetly’">discretely</ins>. But remember that you become
+the wife of Beauman, or you are no longer acknowledged as my
+daughter.”</p>
+
+<p>“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&nbsp;me.</p>
+
+<p>“My aunt added her taunts to his severities, and Beauman interfered
+with his ill-timed consolation. My mother and <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘Edgar,’ (with comma)">Edgar</ins> 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?&mdash;Accustomed
+<span class = "pagenum">66</span>
+to receive his blessings alone, how could I endure his sudden
+malediction.”</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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”&mdash;said Alonzo. “Not on that
+account, interrupted Melissa, but my father’s displeasure<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>” “Will be the same, whether you marry
+Alonzo, or refuse to marry Beauman,” replied Vincent. Her resolution
+appeared to be staggered.</p>
+
+<p>“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.</p>
+
+<p>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,
+<span class = "pagenum">67</span>
+gazing anxiously after Melissa as she walked up the long winding avenue,
+bordered with the <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’odor-flowering’">odour-flowing</ins> 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.”&mdash;With mournful forebodings he returned to the house of
+Vincent. He arose after a sleepless <ins class = "correction" title =
+"1851 ‘nights’">night</ins> and walked into an adjoining field. He stood
+leaning in deep contemplation against a tree, when he heard quick
+footsteps behind him. He turned <ins class = "other"
+title = "1870 only">round</ins>, and saw Edgar approaching: in a moment they were in
+each other’s arms, and <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’mingling’">mingled</ins> tears. They returned to Vincent’s and
+conversed largely on present affairs. “I&nbsp;have discoursed with my
+father on the subject, said Edgar. I&nbsp;have urged him with every
+possible argument to relinquish his determination: I&nbsp;fear, however,
+he is inflexible.</p>
+
+<p>“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,
+<span class = "pagenum">68</span>
+Alonzo, must <ins class = "other" title = "1870 only">ever</ins> exert
+your fortitude. The ways of Heaven are inscrutable, but they are
+right.</p>
+
+<p>“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 <ins class =
+"other" title = "1804 only">which</ins> ever find a brilliant reward in
+the regions of unsullied splendour, far beyond trouble and the
+tomb.”</p>
+
+<p>Edgar told Alonzo that circumstances compelled him that day to depart
+for the army. <ins class = "correction"
+title = "open quote missing or invisible">“I</ins>&nbsp;would advise you, said he, to remain here until
+your affair comes to some final issue. It must, I&nbsp;think, ere long,
+be <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ’determined’">terminated</ins>.
+Perhaps you and my sister may yet be happy.”</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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.<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>“Hearing you were in the neighbourhood, said
+her father, I&nbsp;have sent for you, to make a proposition, which after
+what has taken
+<span class = "pagenum">69</span>
+place, I&nbsp;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<del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">; and if you are a man of
+honour you will remove them</del>. 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&nbsp;do.”</p>
+
+<p>A considerable pause ensued. Alonzo at length replied, “I&nbsp;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.”<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span></p>
+
+<p>“There, brother,” bawled the old maid, half <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’speaking’">squeaking</ins> through her nose, which was
+well charged with rappee, “did’nt I tell you so? I&nbsp;knew the fellow
+would <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ’come to no’">not come
+to</ins> terms no more than will your refractory
+<span class = "pagenum">70</span>
+daughter. This love fairly bewitches such foolish, crack-brained
+youngsters. But say Mr. <span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>,
+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<span class
+= "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>”</p>
+
+<p>“You will not, interrupted Melissa’s father, speaking to Alonzo, it
+seems, consent to my proposition? I&nbsp;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.”</p>
+
+<p>“At the present moment I shall promise you nothing,” replied Alonzo,
+with some warmth.</p>
+
+<p>“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.<!-- too easy --> I wish I had him to deal with.
+Things wasn’t so when I was a girl; I&nbsp;kept the rogues at a
+distance, I’ll warrant you. I&nbsp;always told you, brother, what would
+come of your indulgence to your daughter. <del class = "other" title =
+"1870 omits">And</del> I should not wonder if you should soon find <ins
+class = "other" title = "1804 only">that</ins> the girl had eloped, and
+your desk robbed <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ’into’">in</ins>
+the bargain.”</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo hastily arose: “I suppose, said he, my presence can be
+dispensed with.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, young man, said Melissa’s father,
+<span class = "pagenum">71</span>
+since you will not comply with any overtures I make; since you will not
+accede to any terms I propose, remember, sir, I&nbsp;now warn you to
+break off all communication and correspondence with my daughter, and to
+relinquish all expectations concerning her. I&nbsp;shall never consent
+to marry my daughter to a beggar.”</p>
+
+<p>“Beggar!” involuntarily exclaimed Alonzo, and his eyes <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804 ’flashed’ 1870 ’flashed with’">flashed in</ins>
+resentment.&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">already</ins> <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804/11 ’apprised’">appraised</ins> 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 <del
+class = "other" title = "1804 omits">that</del> she would soon be there.
+He paced <ins class = "change" title = "1804/11 ’his’">the</ins> room.
+Still he became more impatient. He walked out on the way <del class =
+"other" title = "1804 omits">where</del> she was expected to come.
+Sometimes he
+<span class = "pagenum">72</span>
+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.”</p>
+
+<p>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&mdash;she
+had not arrived. “Something extraordinary, said Mrs. Vincent, has
+prevented her coming. Perhaps she is ill.”&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page72" id = "page72"> </a>
+
+<p>The night was exceedingly dark, and illuminated only by the feeble
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804 ’glimmer’">glimmering</ins> of the
+twinkling stars. When he came within
+<span class = "pagenum">73</span>
+sight of the house, and as he drew near no lights were visible&mdash;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, <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’Carlow’">Curlow</ins>, said Alonzo; thou hast known me in better days;
+I&nbsp;am now poor and wretched, but thy friendship is the same.”
+A&nbsp;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.&mdash;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.”</p>
+
+<p>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.&mdash;He clambered over the garden wall, and
+went around to the back side of the house. Here all <ins class =
+"correction" title = "‘s’ invisible">was</ins> solemn<ins class =
+"other" title = "1804 only">, dark</ins> and silent as in front.
+<span class = "pagenum">74</span>
+Immediately a faint light appeared through one of the chamber windows;
+it grew brighter; a&nbsp;candle entered the chamber; the sash was flung
+up, and Melissa seated herself at the window<ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 has superfluous close quote">.&nbsp;</ins></p>
+
+<p>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&nbsp;was disappointed
+in meeting you at Vincent’s this evening; my father will not suffer me
+to go out without attendants. I&nbsp;am now constantly watched and
+guarded.”</p>
+
+<p>“Watched and guarded! replied Alonzo: At the risque of my life I will
+deliver you from the tyranny with which you are oppressed.”</p>
+
+<p>“Be calm, Alonzo, said she, I think it will not <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ’long last’">last long</ins>. Beauman will soon depart,
+after which there will undoubtedly be some alteration. Desire Mrs.
+Vincent to come here to-morrow; I&nbsp;believe they will <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804 ’trust me to’">let me</ins> see her. I&nbsp;can,
+from time to time, inform you of passing events, so that you may know
+what changes take place. I&nbsp;am
+<span class = "pagenum">75</span>
+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&mdash;from whence,
+after she had fallen asleep, I&nbsp;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&nbsp;returned and raised <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804 ’my’">this</ins> window for fresh air. Hark! said she; my aunt
+calls me. She has waked and misses me. I&nbsp;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.</p>
+
+<p>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!”</p>
+
+<p>“Unfeeling and impertinent <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851/70 ‘intruder?’">intruder,</ins> 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!”</p>
+
+<p>“Quit thy hold, tarquin, said Beauman.
+<span class = "pagenum">76</span>
+Art thou determined, after storming the fortress, to murder the
+garrison?”</p>
+
+<p>“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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’on no other’">not on one</ins> account, must ever continue to <ins class =
+"change" title = "1870 ’hate and despise’">despise and hate</ins>
+you.”</p>
+
+<p>“Alonzo, replied Beauman, I perceive thou knowest me not. You and I
+were rivals in our pursuit&mdash;the hand of Melissa. Whether from freak
+or fortune, the preference was given to you, and I retired in silence.
+From <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">a</ins> coincidence of
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804 ’consequences’">circumstances</ins>,
+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&nbsp;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 <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">for</del> one year, with only distant and uncertain prospects of
+seeing
+<span class = "pagenum">77</span>
+you again, admit me as the substitute in your absence, and she accepts
+my hand as freely as she would now receive yours. I&nbsp;had no
+design&mdash;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 <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">that</del> 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’possession’">possessions</ins> of life, must fade and die. She will
+discriminate between the shreds and <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">the</del> trappings of taste. She will prefer indifference and
+splendour to love and a cottage.</p>
+
+<p>“At present I relinquish all <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’farther pursuit’ 1811/70 ‘further pursuit’">further persuit</ins>;
+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&nbsp;shall return to receive it. I&nbsp;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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’retired’">gone</ins> to rest. I&nbsp;was about to return, when I saw a
+light from <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ’a’">the</ins> chamber
+window, which soon withdrew. I&nbsp;stood a moment by the garden wall,
+when
+<span class = "pagenum">78</span>
+you approached and discovered me.” So saying, he bade Alonzo good night,
+and walked hastily away. “I&nbsp;find he knows not the character of
+Melissa,” said Alonzo, and returned to Vincent’s.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins
+class = "change" title = "1804 ’wrack’ 1811 ’wreck’">rack</ins> until
+she returned, which happened much sooner than was expected; when she
+gave him and Vincent the following information:</p>
+
+<p>“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 <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">(the old
+maid)</del> had invited her to ride out with her. A&nbsp;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 <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804 ’different’">distant</ins> 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
+<span class = "pagenum">79</span>
+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 <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">different</ins>
+relatives of the family in various parts of the state.”</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo listened to Mrs. Vincent’s relation with inexpressible
+agitation. He sat silent a few moments; then suddenly <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804/11 ’started’">starting</ins> up, “I&nbsp;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.</p>
+
+<p>Melissa had not<del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">,
+indeed,</del> the most distant suspicion of the designs of her father
+and aunt. The latter informed her that she was going to take a <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ’morning’">morning’s</ins> ride, and
+invited Melissa to accompany her, to which she consented. She did not
+even perceive the trunk <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’that’">which</ins> 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 <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804/11 ’or’">and</ins> mother to purchase articles of dress, &amp;c.
+where they alighted at a friend’s house, and lingered away the time
+until dinner; after which, they prepared,
+<span class = "pagenum">80</span>
+as Melissa supposed, to return, but found, to her surprise, after they
+had entered the carriage, that her aunt <ins class = "other" title =
+"1870 only">had</ins> 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 <ins class = "other"
+title = "1870 only">that</ins> 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.&mdash;Melissa knew it was in vain to remonstrate; she supposed her
+aunt was bent on visiting some of her acquaintance, and she remained
+silent.</p>
+
+<p>They arrived at another <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">small</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>They passed along winding and solitary paths, into a bye road which
+led through an unfrequented wood, that opened into a
+<span class = "pagenum">81</span>
+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<ins class = "change" title = "1870 ’ handed’">, handing</ins> 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&nbsp;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.</p>
+
+<p>As they entered the door, a woman who sat carding wool jumped up, “La
+me! <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ’cried she’">she cried</ins>,
+here is Miss D<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>, welcome here
+again. How does madam do?” dropping a low curtsey. She was dressed in a
+linsey woolsey short gown, a&nbsp;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
+<span class = "pagenum">82</span>
+a single bed. This appendage had been concealed from Melissa’s view, as
+it was the opposite side of the house from <ins class = "change" title =
+"1870 ’where’">whence</ins> she alighted. “Where is John?” asked
+Melissa’s aunt. “My husband is in the garden, replied the woman;
+I&nbsp;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&nbsp;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 <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">was</ins> done, while John and his wife went out, <ins class =
+"other" title = "1804 only">and</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change" title
+= "1811 ’design’">designs</ins>. She frequently looked out, hoping to
+see the <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘return of the carriage’">carriage return</ins>,
+<span class = "pagenum">83</span>
+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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’high, thick walls’">a high, thick wall</ins>, and almost
+totally concealed on all sides from the sight, by irregular rows of
+large locusts and elm trees, dry prim<a class = "tag" name = "tagB" id =
+"tagB" href = "#noteB">*</a> hedges,
+<span class = "footnote">
+<a name = "noteB" id = "noteB" href = "#tagB">*</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.</span> <!-- darn
+pacifist prim 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.</p>
+
+<p>The doors were constructed in the same
+<span class = "pagenum">84</span>
+manner as the gate at which they entered the yard. They unlocked the
+door, which <ins class = "change"
+title = "1811 ’screaked’">creaked</ins> 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 <del class
+= "other" title = "1804 omits">and</del> chairs, and other conveniences
+for house keeping. “Here we are safe, said Melissa’s aunt, as I have
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804/11 ’took’">taken</ins> care to lock
+all the doors and gates after me; and here, Melissa, you are in the
+mansion of your ancestors. Your great <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804/70 ’grandfather’">grand father</ins>, who came over from England,
+built this house in the earliest <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’settlement’">settlements</ins> 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1811 ’grand father’">grandfather</ins> came <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’into’">in</ins> 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&nbsp;had a small room built,
+adjoining that hut, where I generally
+<span class = "pagenum">85</span>
+reside for a week when I come to receive my rents. I&nbsp;have thought
+frequently of fitting up this place for my future residence, but
+circumstances have hitherto hindered <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’me from carrying my’">my carrying the</ins> scheme into effect, and
+now, perhaps, it will never take place.</p>
+
+<p><ins class = "correction"
+title = "paragraph indent missing; previous paragraph ends at line-end">“Your</ins> perverseness, Melissa, in
+refusing to comply with the wishes of your friends, has induced us to
+adopt <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ’this’">the</ins> 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.&mdash;You will not be long here; Alonzo will soon
+be gone. You will think differently; return home, marry Beauman, and
+become a lady.”</p>
+
+<p>“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
+<span class = "pagenum">86</span>
+all owing to her own obstinacy, and because she refused to be made
+happy&mdash;and went to preparing supper.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">and</ins> 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 <ins class = "change" title
+= "1804 ’throughout’">through</ins> the night: just at morning, she fell
+into a slumber, interrupted by incoherent moanings, convulsive
+startings, long <del class = "other" title = "1804 omits">drawn</del>
+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&mdash;her aunt <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ’set’">sat</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">87</span>
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page87" id = "page87"> </a>
+
+<p>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. <del
+class = "other" title = "1870 omits">She generally returned before
+sunset.</del> <!-- hmm, first she wants him, and now this... --> 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&nbsp;few <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804/11 ’medical’ 1870 ’medicinal’">medinical</ins>
+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 <ins class = "change" title =
+"1870 ’outbuildings’">out buildings</ins> were generally in a ruinous
+<ins class = "change" title = "1870 ’condition’">situation</ins>. 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’she’">they</ins> inhabited, yet there was from thence a direct passage
+to the hall.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">88</span>
+<p>The prospect was not disagreeable. West, all was wilderness, <ins
+class = "change" title = "1804 ’from a brook which’">from which a
+brook</ins> wound along a little distance from the garden wall. North,
+were the uneven grounds <ins class = "other"
+title = "1870 only">which</ins> she had crossed when she came there, bounded by
+distant groves and hills. East, beautiful meadows and fields, arrayed in
+flowery green, sloped to <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">the</ins> 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 <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ’and’">of</ins> Long Island.
+<!-- well, thank god it wasn’t disagreeable; heaven forbid she be held
+captive in a barren desert somewhere --></p>
+
+<p>Melissa passed much <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">of
+her</del> 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 <ins
+class = "other" title = "1804 only">all</ins> 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 <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">of
+reflection</ins> 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1811 ’become’">became</ins> more solicitous and <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804 ’importunate’">impertinent</ins>. A&nbsp;subject so hateful to
+Melissa sometimes provoked her to tears; at <ins class = "change" title
+= "1804/11/70 ’others’">other</ins> her keen resentment. She therefore,
+when the
+<span class = "pagenum">89</span>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘hour’ 1811 ‘hour in the night’">hour of the night</ins>, expecting her; she <ins class =
+"other" title = "1804 only">then</ins> 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&nbsp;have at least, she said, escaped the disgusting
+curtain-lecture about marrying Beauman.”</p>
+
+<p>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&nbsp;had forgotten, said her aunt, that my rents
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804/11 ’became’">become</ins> due this
+week. I&nbsp;was detained until late by some of my tenants; John was
+out, and I dare not return in the night alone. I&nbsp;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.”<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>“You need not give
+yourself that trouble, replied Melissa; I&nbsp;am under no apprehension
+of staying here alone; nothing can get
+<span class = "pagenum">90</span>
+into or out of these premises.”<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span><ins class = "correction"
+title = "open quote missing">“Well</ins>, 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&nbsp;shall be absent no more.” So saying, she
+bade Melissa good morning, and set off for her residence at the dwelling
+of John.</p>
+
+<p>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 <del
+class = "other" title = "1870 omits">as</del> of several people
+trampling in the yard below. She arose, cautiously raised the window,
+and looked out. It was extremely dark; <ins class = "other" title =
+"1804 only">she could discern nothing. All was still and</ins> she
+thought she might have been <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’deceived’">discovered</ins>.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins
+class = "other" title = "1870 only">some</ins> 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&nbsp;shall leave with you. The gate I shall lock,
+and leave <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ’the’">that</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>Melissa amused herself in evenings by reading in the few books her
+aunt had brought there, and in the day <ins class = "other" title =
+"1804 only">time</ins>, in walking around the yard and garden, or in
+traversing
+<span class = "pagenum">91</span>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>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. <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">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.</ins> She listened and gazed with anxious solicitude, but
+discovered nothing more. All was <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’still’">silent</ins>; she shut the window, and in a short time went to
+bed.</p>
+
+<p>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 <del class =
+"other" title = "1870 omits">loud</del> 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&nbsp;cold chilly sweat <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’ran’">run</ins> 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
+<span class = "pagenum">92</span>
+towards her chamber door. All was darkness&mdash;no new object was
+visible&mdash;no sound was heard, and she again lay down.</p>
+
+<p>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&nbsp;thought darted into her
+mind,&mdash;was it not a plan which her aunt had contrived in order to
+frighten her <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ’into’">to</ins> 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;&mdash;they
+were possibilities, at least, however improbable.</p>
+
+<p>As she lay thus musing, a hand, cold as the icy fingers of death,
+grasped her arm,
+<span class = "pagenum">93</span>
+which lay <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">on the</del> outside
+of the bed clothes. She screamed convulsively, and sprang up in the bed.
+Nothing was to be seen&mdash;no noise was heard. She had not time to
+reflect. She flew out of <del class = "other"
+title = "1804 omits">the</del> 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<ins
+class = "change"
+title = "1870 ’; how then could she account for these events?’">. She sat down, pondering on these strange events.</ins> Was
+it not <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ’possible’">probable</ins>
+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? <del class =
+"other" title = "1870 omits">Or if false keys had been made use of to
+enter the rooms below, might they not also be used to enter her
+chamber?</del> But could her room be unlocked, <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ’a person’">persons</ins> enter, approach her bed, depart
+and re-lock the door, while she was awake, without her hearing them?</p>
+
+<p>She knew she could not <del class = "other" title = "1804 omits">go
+to</del> 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
+<span class = "pagenum">94</span>
+scenes to permit her to read. She looked out of the window. The moon had
+arisen and cast a pale<ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">,
+imperfect</ins> lustre over the landscape. She recollected the opening
+and shutting of the door&mdash;perhaps they were still <ins class =
+"correction" title = ". invisible">open.</ins> The thought was
+alarming&mdash;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.&mdash;She advanced
+to the door; it was locked. She examined the others; they were <ins
+class = "other" title = "1870 only">all</ins> in the same situation. She
+turned to go up stairs, when a loud whisper echoed through the hall
+expressing “<i>away! away!</i>” She flew like lightning to her chamber,
+relocked the door and flung herself, almost breathless, into a
+chair.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as her scattered senses <ins class = "other"
+title = "1870 only">were</ins> collected, she concluded that <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘whoever’">whatever</ins> had been in the house <ins class
+= "change" title = "1804 ‘were’">was</ins> 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘pyramidal’ 1811 ‘pyramidial’">pyramidical</ins> columns <ins class = "correction" title
+= "1851 omits ‘to’">to the</ins> zenith; these fading slowly away, the
+eastern horizon became fringed with the golden spangles of early morn.
+A&nbsp;<ins class = "other" title = "1804/11">small</ins> spot of
+ineffable brightness succeeded, and immediately the sun burst over the
+verge
+<span class = "pagenum">95</span>
+of creation, deluging the world in a flood of unbounded light and
+glory.</p>
+
+<p>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, &amp;c. above and below. She
+then took a light and descended into the cellar&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <del class = "other"
+title = "1804 omits">as</del> smooth as glass. On the top, long spikes
+were thickly driven in, sharpened at both ends. <!-- pointy sticks!
+hurrah! -->
+<span class = "pagenum">96</span>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>The events of the <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘last’">past</ins> night, therefore, remained inscrutable. It must be
+that her aunt was the agent who had managed this extraordinary
+machinery.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘keys’">key</ins> 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?”&mdash;“No, madam, said he, not a single person.” Melissa
+knew not what to think; she could not give up the idea of false
+keys&mdash;perhaps her aunt had returned to her father’s.&mdash;Perhaps
+the draw-bridge had been let down, the gate opened, and the house
+entered <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘by the means of false keys’ 1870 ‘by false keys’">by means of false keys</ins>. Her father would as
+<span class = "pagenum">97</span>
+soon do this as <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">to</del>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>A thought impressed her mind which gave her some consolation. It was
+possible to secure the premises so that no <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804 ‘one’">person</ins> 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘keys’">key</ins> of the gate and <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">the</del> draw-bridge with her. “Perhaps I may as
+well,” said he; “for if you bar the gate and let down the bridge,
+I&nbsp;cannot get in myself until you let me in.” John handed her the
+keys. “When I come,” said he, “I&nbsp;will halloo, and you must let me
+in.” This she promised to do, and John departed.<a class = "tag" name =
+"tagC" id = "tagC" href = "#noteC">*</a></p>
+
+<p class = "footnote">
+<a name = "noteC" id = "noteC" href = "#tagC">*</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.</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page97" id = "page97"> </a>
+
+<p>That night Melissa let down the bridge,
+<span class = "pagenum">98</span>
+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
+extra&shy;ordinary. She then retired to her chamber, seated herself at
+<ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘the’">a</ins> 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. <ins class = "change" title
+= "1804 ‘Innumerous’">Innumerable</ins> stars glittered in the
+firmament, intermingling their quivering lustre with the pale splendours
+of the <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘milkyway’ 1811 ‘milk way’">milky way</ins>.</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">99</span>
+asleep. But why should she fear? <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">She knew of no one she had injured.</ins> She knew of none she had
+displeased except her father, her aunt and Beauman. If by any of <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘these’">those</ins> 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 <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">the</del> 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&nbsp;repetition of which had only been prevented by the precautions
+she had taken.</p>
+
+<p>When she awoke, the horizon was overclouded, and it <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804 ‘had begun’">began</ins> 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 <ins
+class = "correction"
+title = "missing lines supplied from other editions">to her chamber.</ins></p>
+
+<p><ins class = "correction"
+title = "missing lines supplied from other editions">She sat up until a late hour, when grow</ins>ing very drowsy,
+and convinced that she was safe and secure, she <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘concluded to go’">went</ins> to bed; leaving,
+<span class = "pagenum">100</span>
+however, <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">two</del> candles
+burning in the room. As she, for two nights, had been deprived of her
+<del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">usual</del> rest, she soon
+fell into a slumber.</p>
+
+<p>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?<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>What the sulphureous stench which had
+pervaded the room?<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>While she
+was thus musing in perplexity, a&nbsp;broad flash like <ins class =
+"other" title = "1804 only">that of</ins> lightning, transiently
+illuminated <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘her’">the</ins>
+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 <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘sound’">sounds</ins> seemed to be in the
+<ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘room’">rooms</ins> directly over
+her head. Perhaps, however, it was thunder.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps a preceding clap had struck near the building, broken the
+windows, put out the lights, and filled the house with <del class =
+"other" title = "1870 omits">the</del> electric effluvium. She listened
+for a repetition
+<span class = "pagenum">101</span>
+of the thunder&mdash;but a very different sound <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">soon</del> grated on her ear. A&nbsp;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 <del class = "other" title
+= "1870 omits">the</del> bed; a&nbsp;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,
+<ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘flapping’ [see end of text]">slapping</ins> 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
+<ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘tones’">tone</ins> of
+expostulation.&mdash;A momentary silence ensued, when the cry of
+“<i>Murder! murder! murder!!</i>” 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&nbsp;dead silence prevailed
+for a few minutes, to which a loud hoarse peal of ghastly laughter
+succeeded&mdash;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
+<span class = "pagenum">102</span>
+alarmed beyond any former example.<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>“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 <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘pass’">surpass</ins> the wall of the
+enclosure; it was impossible for any human being to enter the house, and
+still more impossible to enter <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘the’">her</ins> chamber.</p>
+
+<p>While she lay thus ruminating in extreme agitation, momentarily
+expecting to have her ears assailed with some terrific sound,
+a&nbsp;pale light dimly illuminated her chamber. It grew brighter. She
+raised herself up to look towards the door;&mdash;the first object which
+met her eye, was a most horrible form, standing at a little distance
+<span class = "pagenum">103</span>
+from her bedside. Its appearance was tall <ins class = "correction"
+title = "‘a’ invisible">and</ins> robust, wrapped in a tattered white
+<ins class = "correction" title = "‘r’ invisible">robe</ins>, spotted
+with blood. The hair of its head was matted with clotted gore.
+A&nbsp;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;&mdash;its lips open, its teeth set, and
+in its hand was a bloody dagger.</p>
+
+<p>Melissa, uttering a shriek of terror, shrunk into the bed, and in an
+instant the room was involved in pitchy darkness. A&nbsp;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, “<i>Begone! begone from this house!</i>” The bed on which she
+lay then seemed to be agitated, and directly she perceived some person
+crawling on <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">to</ins> its foot.
+Every consideration, except present safety, was relinquished; <ins class
+= "change" title = "1870 ‘instantly’">instantaneously</ins> she sprang
+from the bed to the floor&mdash;with <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘convulsive’">convulsed</ins> grasp, seized the candle, flew to the fire
+and lighted it. She gazed wildly around the room&mdash;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&nbsp;thought darted into her mind to leave the house immediately and
+<span class = "pagenum">104</span>
+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 <del class = "other" title =
+"1804/70 omit">the</del> 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘heard’">was alarmed by</ins> 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘at’">by</ins> her bedside. The same haggard countenance, the same awful
+appearance of murderous death. A&nbsp;faintness came upon her; she
+turned to flee to her chamber&mdash;the candle dropped from her
+trembling hand, and she was shrouded in impenetrable darkness. She
+groped to find the stairs: as she came near <ins class = "change" title
+= "1870 ‘the’">their</ins> foot, a&nbsp;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,
+<span class = "pagenum">105</span>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">last</del> returned to her chamber: she therefore expected to
+discover no traits which might tend to a disclosure of <ins class =
+"change" title = "1870 ‘these’">those</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">106</span>
+<p>She took some <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘refreshments’">refreshment</ins> 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 <ins class =
+"change" title = "1870 ‘formerly had’">had formerly</ins>
+been.&mdash;She then went to the gate; it was locked as usual, and the
+draw-bridge <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">was</del> 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 <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘out-buildings’">outer
+buildings</ins>, 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.</p>
+
+<p>Towards evening Melissa took <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘a’">her usual</ins> walk around the enclosure. It was that season of
+the year when weary summer is lapsing into the arms of fallow
+autumn.&mdash;The day had been warm, and the light gales bore <ins class
+= "change" title = "1870 ‘invigorating’">revigorating</ins> coolness on
+their wings as they tremulously agitated the foliage of the western
+forest, or fluttered among the
+<span class = "pagenum">107</span>
+branches of <del class = "other" title = "1804/11 omit">the</del> trees
+surrounding the mansion. The green splendours of spring had <ins class =
+"change" title = "1870 ‘began’">begun</ins> to fade into a yellow
+lustre, the flowery verdure of the <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘field’">fields</ins> <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘were changing’">was changed</ins> to a russet hue. A&nbsp;robin chirped on a
+neighbouring oak, a&nbsp;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;<!-- he would know from artless --> while deep
+in the adjacent wilderness the woodcock, hammering on <ins class =
+"change"
+title = "1804 ‘the hollow trunk of some dry and blasted tree’">some dry and blasted trees</ins>, filled the woods with <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘reverberating’">reverberant</ins>
+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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">108</span>
+<p>Melissa walked around the yard, contemplating the varying beauties of
+the scene: the images of <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘departing’">departed</ins> joys&mdash;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 <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">the</del> 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:&mdash;“Here, said she, in this house of
+gloom <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘rests’">rest</ins>, in
+undisturbed silence, my honourable ancestors, once the active tenants of
+yonder mansion. Then, throughout these <ins class = "other" title =
+"1804/11">now</ins> 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 <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘with’">in</ins> brilliant
+illumination. Now all is sad, solitary and dreary, the haunt of <ins
+class = "change" title = "1804 ‘sprites’">spirits</ins> and spectres of
+nameless terror. All
+<span class = "pagenum">109</span>
+that now remains of the head that formed, <ins class = "other" title =
+"1870 only">and</ins> the hand that executed, and the bosom that
+relished this once happy scenery, is now, alas, only a heap of
+dust.”</p>
+
+<p>She seated herself on a little hillock, under a weeping willow, which
+stood near the cemetery, and watched the rising shower, which <ins class
+= "other" title = "1804/11">slowly</ins> 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 class = "tag" name = "tagD" id = "tagD" href =
+"#noteD">*</a>
+<span class = "footnote">
+<a name = "noteD" id = "noteD" href = "#tagD">*</a>
+Supposed to be the male whippoorwill; well known in the New-England
+states, and answering to the above peculiarity.</span>
+soared high into the air, mingling with the lurid van of <del class =
+"other" title = "1811 omits">the</del> approaching storm, which
+widening, <ins class = "correction" title = "1851 ‘nore’">more</ins>
+rapidly advanced, until “the heavens were arrayed in blackness.”</p>
+
+<p>The lightning <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">more</ins>
+broader and brighter <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘flashed’">flashes</ins>, hurling down its forky streaming bolts <!--
+forky streaming bolts? excellent --> 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘pouring’">poured</ins> smoky volumes through the expansion;
+a&nbsp;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
+<span class = "pagenum">110</span>
+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. <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘Slantways’">Slant-wise</ins>, 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&nbsp;thunder bolt had entered a large elm tree within the
+enclosure, and with <del class = "other" title = "1804/11 omit">a</del>
+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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘valleys’">vallies</ins>. It seemed nothing less than the <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804/11 ‘crush’">crash</ins> of worlds sounding
+through the universe.</p>
+
+<p>Melissa walked her room, listening to the wild commotion of the
+elements. She feared that if the storm continued, she should
+<span class = "pagenum">111</span>
+be compelled to pass another night in the <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804/11 ‘lonely’">lone</ins> 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&nbsp;voice <del class =
+"other" title = "1870 omits">behind her</del> 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.”</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page111" id = "page111"> </a>
+
+<p>Alonzo and Melissa were equally surprised at so unexpected a meeting.
+They could scarcely credit their own senses.&mdash;How he had discovered
+her solitude&mdash;what led him to that lonely place&mdash;how he had
+got over the wall&mdash;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
+<span class = "pagenum">112</span>
+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&nbsp;have a fire
+there, where you can dry your clothes.”&mdash;“Your chamber; replied
+Alonzo; who then inhabits this house?” “No one except myself<ins class =
+"other" title = "1804 only">, Alonzo</ins>, she answered; I&nbsp;am here
+alone, Alonzo.” “Alone! he exclaimed&mdash;here alone, Melissa! Good
+God! tell me how&mdash;why&mdash;by what means are you here alone?” “Let
+us go up to my chamber, she replied, and I will tell you all.”</p>
+
+<p>He followed her <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">up</ins> to
+her apartment and seated himself by the fire. “You want refreshment,”
+said Melissa&mdash;which was indeed the case, as he had been long
+without any, and was wet, hungry and weary.</p>
+
+<p>She immediately set about preparing tea and soon had it ready, and a
+comfortable repast was spread for his entertainment.&mdash;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&nbsp;table prepared by her own hand, in a lonely
+mansion, separated from society, and no one <ins class = "other" title =
+"1804 only">present</ins> to interrupt them. After innumerable
+difficulties, troubles and perplexities; after vexing embarrassments,
+and a cruel separation,
+<span class = "pagenum">113</span>
+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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘little’ 1870 ‘but little’">a little</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">and
+she</ins> 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<ins class = "other" title = "1811 only">*</ins>.
+<span class = "footnote lost">
+<ins class = "other" title = "1811 only [pg26 = 1851 pg35]">* See page
+26.</ins>
+</span>
+Here he was admitted
+<span class = "pagenum">114</span>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>“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&nbsp;will go and see him.” He then ordered his
+horse, desiring Alonzo to remain <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">at his house</del> until he returned.</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo was treated with the most friendly politeness by the family;
+he found that they were deeply interested in his <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘affairs’">favour</ins> and <ins class = "other" title =
+"1870 only">in</ins> 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.&mdash;I will dispatch my son William among our connections,
+to see if he can find her out.”</p>
+
+<p>The next morning William departed, and
+<span class = "pagenum">115</span>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>“There is some mystery in this affair, said Mr. Simpson. I&nbsp;am
+very little acquainted with Melissa’s aunt. I&nbsp;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&nbsp;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 <ins class = "change" title
+= "1804 ‘possible’">not possible but</ins> that Melissa is yet concealed
+at some place of her aunt’s residence, and that the family are in the
+secret. I&nbsp;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.”</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo thanked him for his friendship and fatherly kindness.
+“I&nbsp;must continue, said he, my researches for Melissa; the result
+you shall know.”</p>
+
+<p>He then departed, and travelled through the neighbouring villages and
+adjoining
+<span class = "pagenum">116</span>
+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 <del
+class = "other" title = "1811 omits">was</del> returning eastward, when
+he was overtaken by the shower. No house being within sight, <ins class
+= "correction" title = "1851 ‘be’">he</ins> 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.&mdash;The tempest soon becoming severe, he
+thought he would endeavour to reach the house.</p>
+
+<p>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,
+<del class = "other" title = "1804/11 omit">and</del> some splintered by
+the fiery bolts of heaven.
+<span class = "pagenum">117</span>
+At length a large<ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">, tall</ins>
+tree, which stood near him, on the verge of the moat, or rather in that
+place<ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">, river</ins>, 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 <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">to</ins> 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 <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">so</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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&mdash;she knew not when her
+sorrows were to close.</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo was shocked at the alteration which appeared in the features
+of Melissa.
+<span class = "pagenum">118</span>
+The rose had faded from her cheek, except when it was transiently
+suffused with a hectic flush. A&nbsp;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.</p>
+
+<p>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;&mdash;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 <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">an</ins>
+immediate separation. And yet immediately separated they must be. It
+would not be safe for Alonzo to stay <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">there</ins> even until the rising sun, unless he was concealed;
+and of what use could it be for him to remain there in concealment?</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">119</span>
+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&nbsp;would not <ins class
+= "other" title = "1804 only">wish unjustly to</ins> 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.&mdash;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.”</p>
+
+<p>Melissa sighed, <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘wiped’">wiping</ins> a tear which fell from her eye. “Unqualified
+obedience to my parents, said she, I&nbsp;have ever considered <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘one of the first’">the first of</ins>
+duties, and have religiously practised thereon<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>but where, Alonzo, would you remove me?” “To
+any place you shall appoint,” he answered. “I&nbsp;have no where to go,”
+she replied.</p>
+
+<p><ins class = "correction" title = "open quote missing">“If</ins> you
+will allow me to name the place, said he, I&nbsp;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
+<span class = "pagenum">120</span>
+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&nbsp;will then submit to the future events of
+fate; but I cannot Melissa&mdash;I cannot leave you in this doleful
+place.”</p>
+
+<p>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. <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">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.</del> To continue there, under existing
+circumstances, would be impossible, <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804/11">and</ins> long to exist. She therefore came to a
+determination&mdash;“I will go, she said, to Mr. Simpson’s.”</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘leave’">have</ins> 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
+<span class = "pagenum">121</span>
+would render the execution of the scheme more hazardous and difficult.
+A&nbsp;signal was therefore agreed <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘upon’">on</ins>; if her aunt should be there, a&nbsp;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, <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘on’">under</ins> 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.<!-- “Yes, we’ve come up with an elaborate, brilliant plan. What?
+Leave now? You can’t be serious!” --></p>
+
+<p>Daylight began to break from the east,<!-- that’s something of a
+surprise; I’d assumed a mirror universe --> and Alonzo prepared to
+depart. Melissa accompanied him to the gate and the bridge, which was
+let down: <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘he passed over and slowly withdrew’">he passed over, and she slowly withdrew</ins>, both
+frequently turning to look back. When she came to the gate, she
+stopped;&mdash;Alonzo stopped also. She waved a white handkerchief she
+had in her hand, and Alonzo bowed in answer to the sign. She then
+leisurely
+<span class = "pagenum">122</span>
+entered and slowly shut the gate.&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<p>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 class = "tag"
+name = "tagE" id = "tagE" href = "#noteE">*</a>
+<span class = "footnote">
+<a name = "noteE" id = "noteE" href = "#tagE">*</a>
+<del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">The American lampyris,
+vulgarly called the lightning-bug.</del></span>
+sunk, feebly twinkling, <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘amongst’">amidst</ins> 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&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<p>As Alonzo came out of the fields near the road, he saw two persons
+<ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘pass’">passing</ins> in an open
+chair. They suddenly stopped, earnestly
+<span class = "pagenum">123</span>
+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.&mdash;Rejoiced to find that he had
+discovered Melissa, they applauded the plan of her removal, and assisted
+him <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘to obtain’">in obtaining</ins>
+a carriage. A&nbsp;sedan was procured, and he <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘sat’">set</ins> 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&nbsp;joyful tremor seized his frame; Melissa was soon to be under his
+care, for a short time at least.&mdash;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&mdash;Melissa was not there! A&nbsp;small fire was blazing on
+the hearth, <ins class = "other" title = "1870 only">and</ins> a candle
+was burning on the table. He stood petrified with amazement, then gazed
+around in anxious solicitude. What could have
+<span class = "pagenum">124</span>
+become of her? It was impossible, he <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804/11/70 ‘thought’">tho’t</ins>, but that she must still be there<ins
+class = "correction" title = "1851 ‘..’">.&nbsp;</ins></p>
+
+<p>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, <del class =
+"other" title = "1804/11 omit">and</del> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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, <ins class = "correction" title =
+"1851 ‘alternately,’ (with comma)">alternately</ins> in the house and
+the enclosure, until day&mdash;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
+<span class = "pagenum">125</span>
+same condition as when he was there the night before;&mdash;the candle,
+as had been agreed upon, was at the window, and another <del class =
+"other" title = "1804 omits">was</del> burning on the table:&mdash;it
+was therefore evident that she could not have been long gone when he
+arrived. By what means <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘had she’">she had</ins> thus suddenly disappeared, was a most deep and
+inscrutable mystery.</p>
+
+<p>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&nbsp;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 <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘the’">his</ins> carriage rolled over the
+bridge.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page125" id = "page125"> </a>
+
+<p>Alonzo had understood from Melissa, that John’s hut was <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804/11 ‘situate’">situated</ins> about one mile north
+from the mansion where she had been confined. When he came <del class =
+"other" title = "1870 omits">out</del> near the road, he left his horse
+and carriage, after securing them, and went in search of it.&mdash;He
+<span class = "pagenum">126</span>
+soon discovered it, and knew it from the description given thereof by
+Melissa.&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<p>John <ins class = "change" title = "1804/11 ‘stared’">started</ins>
+in amazement. “Understanding, said Alonzo, that you have the charge of
+the old mansion in yonder field, I&nbsp;have come to know if you can
+inform me what has become of the young lady who has been confined
+there.”</p>
+
+<p>“Confined! answered John, I did not know she was confined.”</p>
+
+<p>Recollecting himself, “I mean the young lady who has lately resided
+there with her aunt,” replied Alonzo.</p>
+
+<p>“She was there last night, answered John; her aunt <ins class =
+"change" title = "1870 ‘has’">is</ins> gone into the country and has not
+returned.”</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo then told him the situation of the mansion, and that she was
+not there. John informed him that <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘he’">she</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>He returned in <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">about</del>
+half an hour. “She is gone, sure enough, said John; but how, or where,
+it is impossible for me to guess.”&mdash;Convinced that he knew nothing
+of the
+<span class = "pagenum">127</span>
+matter, Alonzo left him and returned to Vincent’s.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change" title =
+"1870 ‘with’">of</ins> 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.&mdash;Alonzo left Vincent’s and went
+to Mr. Simpson’s. He told <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘him’">them</ins> all that had happened since he was there, of which,
+before, they had heard nothing. At the <ins class = "change" title =
+"1870 ‘house’">houses</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo then travelled into <ins class = "other"
+title = "1870 only">the</ins> various parts of the country, making such enquiries as
+caution dictated of all whom he thought likely to give him
+information;&mdash;but he found none who could give him the least
+intelligence of his lost Melissa.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">128</span>
+<p>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, <ins class =
+"change" title = "1870 ‘who’">whom</ins> 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
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804/11 ‘was’">were</ins> 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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘wished’">wishes</ins> 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,
+<span class = "pagenum">129</span>
+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.&mdash;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?</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo asked John where Melissa’s aunt now was.</p>
+
+<p>“She left here yesterday morning, he answered, with the strange
+gentleman I mentioned, on a visit to some of her friends.”</p>
+
+<p>“Was the strange gentleman you speak of her brother?” asked
+Alonzo.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe not, replied John, smiling and winking to his
+wife;&mdash;I know not who he was; somebody that madam seems to like
+pretty well.”</p>
+
+<p>“Have you the care of the old mansion?” said Alonzo.</p>
+
+<p>“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&nbsp;it.”</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo told him he had no <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘thoghts’ 1811 thought">thoughts</ins> of
+<span class = "pagenum">130</span>
+purchasing, thanked him for his information, and departed.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘hesitate long’">long hesitate</ins> what
+course to pursue&mdash;he determined to repair to New London
+immediately.</p>
+
+<p>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 <del class = "other"
+title = "1804/11 omit">own</del> bosom, yet it tended temporarily to assuage the anguish
+of the wound.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">131</span>
+<p>“You have been long gone, my son, said his father; I&nbsp;scarcely
+knew what had become of you. Since I have become a farmer I know <ins
+class = "other" title = "1870 only">but</ins> 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&nbsp;have got considerable money at <ins class = "other"
+title = "1870 only">my</ins> command: <!-- clearly this author has never
+been to a farm; or possibly visited earth at all --> 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&nbsp;suppose, is not <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘as’">so</ins> 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.”</p>
+
+<p>Unwilling to disturb the serenity of his parents, Alonzo did not tell
+them his troubles. He answered, that perhaps all might yet come <ins
+class = "other" title = "1870 only">to</ins> 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 <ins class = "other" title =
+"1804/11">yet</ins> failed him.</p>
+
+<p>He then sold off his books, his horses,
+<span class = "pagenum">132</span>
+his carriages, &amp;c. the <i>insignia</i> of his better days, but now
+useless appendages, from which he raised no inconsiderable sum.&mdash;He
+then took a tender and affectionate leave of his parents, and set out
+for New London.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘the’">that</ins>
+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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘Killingworth’">Killings&shy;worth</ins>, where he halted, as he felt
+unable to go farther: he called for a bed, and through the night was
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804/11 ‘wrecked’">racked</ins> with
+severe pain, and scorched with a burning fever.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning he requested that the physician of the town might be
+sent for;&mdash;he came and ordered a prescription which
+<span class = "pagenum">133</span>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘was’">were</ins> there, and could answer no valuable purpose if she
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘was’">were</ins> not.&mdash;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
+<span class = "pagenum">134</span>
+to the window; of course he <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘did’">could</ins> not distinguish her features so as to identify
+them.</p>
+
+<p>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;&mdash;she took a seat at a little distance
+within the room; she reclined with her head upon her hand, <del class =
+"other" title = "1804/11 omit">and</del> her arm appeared to be
+supported by a stand or table. Alonzo’s heart beat violently; he <del
+class = "other" title = "1870 omits">now</del> had a side view of her
+face, <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">and</del> was more than
+ever convinced that it was Melissa. Her delicate features, though more
+pale and dejected than when last he saw her;&mdash;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 <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804/11 ‘his’">this</ins> disappointment, yet pleased
+at the discovery he had made.</p>
+
+<p>The family with whom Alonzo had taken lodgings were fashionable and
+respectable.
+<span class = "pagenum">135</span>
+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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘was’">to be</ins> 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.&mdash;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.”</p>
+
+<p>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;&mdash;her father lives in Newport, and she has come here for her
+health.” “Do you not think, said Mrs. Wyllis, that she resembles <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘her’">their</ins> cousin Melissa, who
+resided there some time ago?” “Very much indeed, replied <ins class =
+"change" title = "1870 ‘the’">her</ins> husband, only she is not quite
+so handsome.”</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">136</span>
+hopeless decline, was worse than that she should remain
+undiscovered.</p>
+
+<p>“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 class = "tag" name = "tagF" id = "tagF" href =
+"#noteF">*</a></p>
+
+<p class = "footnote">
+<a name = "noteF" id = "noteF" href = "#tagF">*</a>
+New-York was then in possession of the British troops.</p>
+
+<p>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
+<ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">upon</ins>.</p>
+
+<p>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 <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">strong</del>
+curiosity farther to examine her features, but passing on, returned to
+his lodgings.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">137</span>
+<p>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 <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘he had’">had
+he</ins> travelled and searched every place where he thought it probable
+Melissa might be found, <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">both</del> among her relatives and elsewhere. He <del class =
+"other" title = "1870 omits">had</del> 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.</p>
+
+<p>An incident tended to confirm <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘his’">this</ins> 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,
+<span class = "pagenum">138</span>
+smiling languidly upon him;&mdash;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.&mdash;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&mdash;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 <ins class = "change" title = "1804/11 ‘were’">had</ins>
+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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘shook’">shocked</ins> the trembling frame of Alonzo, broke the delusive
+charm: he awoke, rejoiced to find
+<span class = "pagenum">139</span>
+it but a dream, though it impressed his mind with doleful and portentous
+forebodings.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>“Who knows, he said, but that this may finally be the case; but that
+the sun of peace may yet dispel <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">the glooms of</del> 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.<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>The family had not yet arisen. He took up
+the
+<span class = "pagenum">140</span>
+paper, <ins class = "other" title = "1870 only">and</ins> 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 <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘attracted’">arrested</ins> his
+attention, by a display of broad black lines. The first article he read
+therein was as follows:</p>
+
+<p>“<a name = "maindeath" id = "maindeath">Died, of a consumption</a>,
+on the 26th ult. at the seat of her uncle<ins class = "correction" title
+= "1851 . for ,">, </ins>Col. W. D&mdash;, near Charleston, South
+Carolina, whither she had repaired for her health,<!-- oh, the irony -->
+Miss Melissa D<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>, the amiable
+daughter of J<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span> D<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>, Esq. of *******, Connecticut, in the
+eighteenth year of her age.”<!-- Hooray! --></p>
+
+<p>The paper fell from <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘his’">the</ins> palsied hand&mdash;a sudden faintness came upon
+him&mdash;the room grew dark&mdash;he staggered, and fell senseless upon
+the floor.</p>
+
+<p class = "mynote">
+For variations on the <a href = "#death">death notice</a>, see end of
+e-text.</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page140" id = "page140"> </a>
+
+<p>The incidents of our story will here produce a pause.<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>The fanciful part of our readers may <ins
+class = "other" title = "1804 only">be ready to</ins> cast it aside in
+chagrin and disappointment. “Such an event,” may they say, “we were not
+prepared to expect.&mdash;After so many, and such various trials of
+heart; after innumerable difficulties surmounted; almost invincible
+objects overcome, and insuperable barriers removed&mdash;after attending
+the hero and heroine of your tale through the diversified scenes of
+anxiety, suspense, hope, disappointment, expectation, joy, sorrow,
+anticipated bliss, sudden
+<span class = "pagenum">141</span>
+and disastrous woe<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>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.&mdash;Your story will hereafter
+become languid and spiritless; the subject will be uninteresting, the
+theme unengaging, since the <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘geni’"><i>genius</i></ins> <!-- ha! --> which animated and enlivened it
+is gone for ever.”</p>
+
+<p>Reader of sensibility, stop. <!-- Oh, I’m sure they all have, long
+before they got to this point. --> 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;&mdash;seriously contemplate nature in her
+operations; minutely examine the entrance, the action, and the exit of
+characters on the stage of existence&mdash;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<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>the lot of <i>Nature’s
+children</i> covetable&mdash;whether to such, through life, the
+sprinklings of comfort are sufficient
+<span class = "pagenum">142</span>
+to give a zest to the bitter banquets of adversity&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<p>But what says the moralist?&mdash;“Portray life as it is. Delude not
+the senses by deceptive appearances. Arouse your <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘hero. Call’ 1811 ‘hero: call’">hero? call</ins> 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&mdash;to <i>another and a better world</i>; and pour the balm of
+consolation and serenity over his wounded soul.”</p>
+
+<p>Shall we indeed arouse Alonzo? Alas! to what <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘pathos’">paths</ins> of grief and wretchedness shall we
+arouse him! To a world to him void and cheerless&mdash;a world desolate,
+sad and dreary.</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo revived. “Why am I, he exclaimed, recalled to this dungeon of
+torment? <!-- I&nbsp;wonder that every time I hit "save and next page"
+--> Why was not my spirit permitted to take its flight to regions where
+my guardian <ins class = "other" title = "1804/11">angel</ins> is
+<span class = "pagenum">143</span>
+gone? <!-- Because if the reader has to suffer, so do you, Al. --> Why
+am I cursed with memory? O&nbsp;that I might be blessed with
+forgetfulness! But why do I talk of blessings?&mdash;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&mdash;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?&mdash;Fair, lovely, holy and virtuous. Her
+tender solicitudes, her enrapturing endearments, her soul-inspiring
+blandishments,&mdash;gone, gone for ever? That heavenly form, that
+discriminate mind&mdash;all lovely as light, all pure as a
+seraph’s&mdash;a prey to worms&mdash;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!</p>
+
+<p>“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?&mdash;Why is Melissa hurried to the tomb?”</p>
+
+<p>Thus raved Alonzo. It was evident that delirium had partially seized
+his brain. He arose and flung himself on the bed in
+<span class = "pagenum">144</span>
+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&mdash;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.”</p>
+
+<p>Exhausted by excess of grief, he now lay in <del class = "other"
+title = "1804 omits">a</del> 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
+<span class = "pagenum">145</span>
+days he lay in a very dangerous and doubtful state. A&nbsp;physician was
+called, contrary to his choice or knowledge, as for <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">the</ins> 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘his’">the</ins> physician. The fever abated; nature triumphed over
+disease of <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘body, he’ 1811 ‘body--he’">body, and he</ins> slowly <ins class = "correction" title =
+"1851 ‘recov-/ed’ at line break">recovered</ins>, but the malady of his
+mind was not removed.</p>
+
+<p>He contemplated on the past. “I fear, said he, I&nbsp;have murmured
+against the wisdom of Providence. Forgive, O&nbsp;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<ins class = "other" title = "1804/11">*</ins>;
+<span class = "footnote lost">
+<ins class = "other" title = "1804">
+<i>See <span class = "smallcaps">Barometer</span> No. 110.</i></ins><br>
+<ins class = "other" title = "1811 [pg 39 = 1851 pg 43]">
+<i>See page 39.</i></ins></span>
+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&mdash;a victim to excessive grief, and cruel parental
+persecution.”</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he was able to leave his room,
+<span class = "pagenum">146</span>
+he walked out one evening, and in deep contemplation roved, he knew not
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘whether’ [sic]">where</ins>. The
+moon shone brilliantly from her lofty throne; the chill, heavy dews of
+autumn glittered on the decaying verdure. The <i>cadeat</i><a class =
+"tag" name = "tagG" id = "tagG" href = "#noteG">*</a> croaked hoarsely
+among the trees; the <i>dircle</i><a class = "tag" href = "#noteG">*</a>
+<span class = "footnote">
+<a name = "noteG" id = "noteG" href = "#tagG">*</a>
+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.</span>
+sung mournfully <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘in’">on</ins> the
+grass.&mdash;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.<a class = "tag" name = "tagH" id =
+"tagH" href = "#noteH">†</a>
+<span class = "footnote lost">
+<ins class = "other" title = "1804">
+<i>See <span class = "smallcaps">Barometer</span> No. 105. See
+also...</i></ins><br>
+<ins class = "other" title = "1811">
+See page 7. See also...</ins><br>
+<a name = "noteH" id = "noteH" href = "#tagH">†</a>
+<del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">See page 8. See also allusions
+to this scene in several subsequent parts of the story.</del></span>
+Had the whole artillery of Heaven burst, in sheeted flame, from the
+skies&mdash;had raging winds mingled the roaring waves with the
+mountains&mdash;had an instantaneous earthquake burst beneath his feet,
+his frame would not have been so shocked, his soul so
+agitated!&mdash;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
+<span class = "pagenum">147</span>
+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
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804/11 ‘recalled’">called</ins> to his
+mind. His fancy saw her&mdash;<ins class = "other"
+title = "1870 only">he</ins> felt her gently leaning on his arm, while he tremblingly
+pressed her hand.&mdash;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 <ins class
+= "change" title = "1804 ‘was he’">he was</ins> enraptured by the melody
+of her voice.&mdash;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
+<ins class = "change" title = "1811 ‘its’">his</ins> anguished
+bosom.</p>
+
+<p>“Infinite Ruler of all events! Great Sovereign of this ever changing
+world! Omnipotent <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851/70 ‘Controler’">Controller</ins> of vicissitudes! Omniscient <ins class =
+"correction" title = "1851 ‘dipenser’">dispenser</ins> of destinies! The
+beginning, the progression, the end is thine.
+<span class = "pagenum">148</span>
+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<span
+class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>fain would he say, <span class =
+"smallroman">THY WILL BE DONE</span>! And Oh, that it might be
+consistent with that <span class = "smallroman">HIGH WILL</span> to call
+<i>this atom</i> from a dungeon of wretchedness, to worlds of light and
+glory, where his only <span class = "smallroman">CONSOLATION</span> is
+gone.”<!-- God: “Shut up, Alonzo.” --></p>
+
+<p>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 <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘lodging’">lodgings</ins>. One
+determination only he had now fallen upon&mdash;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, <del class =
+"other" title = "1870 omits">where every countenance would tend to renew
+his mourning;</del> where every door would be inscribed with a
+<i>memento mori</i>, and where every object would <ins class =
+"correction" title = "1851 ‘he’">be</ins> shrouded in crape? <!-- must
+... resist ... temptation ... to remove “e” --> 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.</p>
+
+<p>There were at that time preparations
+<span class = "pagenum">149</span>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>As he was one day passing through the town, a&nbsp;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
+<span class = "pagenum">150</span>
+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.”<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>“Well may it
+wring his bosom, thought Alonzo;<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>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. <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘Oeither’">Neither</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>The day at length arrived when the ship was to sail, and Alonzo to
+leave the shores of America. They spread their <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘canvas’">canvass</ins> to propitious gales; the
+breezes <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘rustled’">rushed</ins> from
+their woody coverts, and majestically wafted them from the harbour.</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">151</span>
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘the willderness [sic] of its’">its
+wilderness of</ins> 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 <ins class = "change" title
+= "1804/11/70 ‘semicircular’">simicircular</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page151" id = "page151"> </a>
+
+<p>A new scene <del class = "other" title = "1804 omits">was</del> 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
+<ins class = "correction" title = "1851 ‘snooth’">smooth</ins> as
+polished glass, now urged into irregular rolling hillocks, then
+swelled&nbsp;to</p>
+
+<p class = "verse">
+<ins class = "correction"
+title = "open quote missing or invisible">&nbsp;“</ins>Blue <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘tumbling’">trembling</ins> billows, topp’d with foam,”</p>
+
+<p>or gradually arising into mountainous waves. Often would he traverse
+the deck amid the still hours of midnight, when the moon silvered
+<span class = "pagenum">152</span>
+over the liquid surface: “Bright luminary of the lonely hour, he would
+say, that now sheddest thy mild and placid ray on the <ins class =
+"correction" title = "1851 ‘woe-worm’">woe-worn</ins> head of fortune’s
+fugitive, dost thou not also pensively shine on the sacred and silent
+grave of my Melissa?<ins class = "correction"
+title = "close quote missing or invisible">”&nbsp;</ins></p>
+
+<p>Favourable breezes wafted them for many days over the bosom of the
+Atlantic.&mdash;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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘dingy’">dirgy</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning they discovered a sail which they fondly hoped might
+prove to be
+<span class = "pagenum">153</span>
+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 <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">about</ins> 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 class =
+"tag" name = "tagI" id = "tagI" href = "#noteI">*</a>
+<span class = "footnote">
+<a name = "noteI" id = "noteI" href = "#tagI">*</a>
+The particulars of this action, in the early stage of the American war,
+are yet remembered by many.</span>
+The British had lost their captain, and one half their crew, most of the
+remainder being wounded.<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>The
+Americans had lost their second officer, and their loss in men, both
+killed and wounded, was nearly equal to that of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>While they lay in this condition, unable either to annoy each other
+more, or to get away, a&nbsp;large sail appeared, bearing down upon
+them, which soon came up and proved to be an English frigate, and which
+immediately
+<span class = "pagenum">154</span>
+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
+<del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">for ever</del> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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&nbsp;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.</p>
+
+<p>One evening, when the prisoners were retired to rest, the stranger,
+upon Alonzo’s request, rehearsed the following incidents of his
+life.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">155</span>
+<p>“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.</p>
+
+<p>“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&nbsp;received a classical education, and then entered the
+military school, <!-- no such place? --> 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 <!-- in the army? --> was
+procured for me in one of the regiments destined for the West Indies.
+Previous to its departure for those islands, I&nbsp;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
+<ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">on</ins> 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&nbsp;sought her hand. Our souls soon became united by the
+indissoluble bonds of sincerest love, <!-- AFTER he asked for her hand
+--><!-- I&nbsp;think that’s in The Rules. --> and as there <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804 ‘existed’">were</ins> no parental or other
+impediments to our union, it was agreed that as soon as I returned from
+the Indies, where
+<span class = "pagenum">156</span>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>“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&nbsp;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. <!-- nuh uh, not without
+banns --> How did my heart bound at the prospect of making Miss Vernon
+my own!&mdash;of possessing in her all that could render life agreeable;
+I&nbsp;hastened home to my family and informed them of my approaching
+bliss, who all sympathized in the anticipated joy which swelled my
+bosom.<!-- they have a cream to make those go down --></p>
+
+<p>“I had a sister some years older than myself, who had been the friend
+and <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘intimate’">inmate</ins> of my
+angel in my absence. They were now almost every day together, so that I
+had <ins class = "change" title = "1804/11 ‘frequently’">frequent</ins>
+opportunities of her company.
+<span class = "pagenum">157</span>
+<ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘ one’ (with letter-width space) at page top">One</ins> 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 <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 me [no punctuation] 1804/70 me.">me:&nbsp;</ins></p>
+
+<p><ins class = "correction"
+title = "open quote invisible">“Henry</ins>, 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&nbsp;cannot tacitly see you thus imposed upon;
+I&nbsp;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.”</p>
+
+<p>“Here she hesitated&mdash;while I, with insufferable anguish of mind,
+begged her to proceed.</p>
+
+<p>“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&nbsp;deep
+<span class = "pagenum">158</span>
+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&nbsp;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.”</p>
+
+<p>“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&nbsp;left my sister’s
+apartment, after having thanked her for her information, and <ins class
+= "change" title = "1804 ‘promised’">proceeded</ins> to obey her <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘injunction’">injunctions</ins>.
+I&nbsp;retired to my own room, and there poured out my execrations.</p>
+
+<p>“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
+<span class = "pagenum">159</span>
+constant adoration? And did not yours portray the same sincerity of
+affection? No, it was not <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘this that’">that which</ins> caused you to perjure your plighted vows. It was
+that damnable passion for novelty, which more or less holds a <ins class
+= "change" title = "1811 ‘predominacy’">predominancy</ins> over your
+whole sex. To a new coat, a&nbsp;new face, a&nbsp;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<ins class =
+"correction" title = "close quote missing">.”</ins>&mdash;Thus did I
+rave through a sleepless night.</p>
+
+<p>“The next day I walked into the fields, and before the time my sister
+appointed had arrived, I&nbsp;<del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">had</del> worked up my feelings almost to the frenzy of
+distraction. I&nbsp;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&nbsp;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 <ins class =
+"change" title = "1870 ‘hands’">hand</ins> of the stranger. As soon as
+they had passed the place of my concealment, they turned aside and
+seated themselves in a little arbour, <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">at</ins> a few yards distant from where I <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘was’">sat</ins>. The stranger clasped Miss Vernon
+<span class = "pagenum">160</span>
+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&nbsp;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&nbsp;could contain myself no longer&mdash;my brain was on fire. Quick
+as lightning I sprang from my covert, and presenting a pistol which I
+had concealed under my robe,&mdash;“Die! said I, thou false and perjured
+wretch, by the hand thou hast dishonoured, a&nbsp;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&mdash;go!
+attend thy companion in iniquity to the black regions of everlasting
+torment!” So saying, I&nbsp;plunged <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘the’">my</ins> sword into his bosom. A&nbsp;screech of agony, attended
+by the exclamation, ”<i>Henry, your wife! your sister!</i>” 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.<!--
+I&nbsp;know that when I read the next page, I’m going to be disappointed
+as to what the explanation for this is. --> The one lay dead before me,
+the other weltering in her blood! With a feeble
+<span class = "pagenum">161</span>
+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. <!-- Yup, disappointed. Also, this is why the fidelity test
+in stories tends to be done with women; they don’t usually have any
+weapons. --> “I&nbsp;forgive you, Henry, she said, <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804/11/70">I&nbsp;</ins>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&nbsp;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&nbsp;submitted to be
+bound and conveyed to prison. My trial came on at the last assizes.
+I&nbsp;made no defence; <del class = "other"
+title = "1804/11 omit">and</del> was condemned to death. My execution will take place in
+eight weeks from to-morrow. I&nbsp;shall cheerfully meet my fate; for
+who would endure life when rendered so peculiarly miserable!”</p>
+
+<p>The wretched Malcomb here ended his tale of woe. <!-- and none too
+soon --> No tear moistened his eye&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">162</span>
+<p>Alonzo seriously contemplated on the incidents and events of <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘the’">this</ins> tragical story.
+Conscience whispered him, are not Malcomb’s miseries superior to thine?
+Candour and correct reason must have answered yes<ins class =
+"correction" title = ". invisible">.&nbsp;</ins>“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.”</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">163</span>
+by their advice and counsel;&mdash;<ins class = "correction" title =
+"1851 ‘frequntly’">frequently</ins> would he burst into
+tears;&mdash;often in the solitary hours of night was he heard
+addressing the throne of grace for mercy and <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘forgivness’">forgiveness</ins>. But the grief that preyed
+at his heart had wasted him to a <del class = "other"
+title = "1804/11 omit">mere</del> skeleton; a&nbsp;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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘merits’">sufferings</ins> of a Redeemer.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘easily be’">be easily</ins> removed. One night when the prisoners were
+asleep, he stripped off his clothes, every article of which he cut into
+narrow <ins class = "change" title = "1811 ‘slips’">strips</ins>, tied
+them together, fastened one end to one of the strongest gratings,
+removed the others until he had made <ins class = "correction" title =
+"1851 ‘on’">an</ins> 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
+<span class = "pagenum">164</span>
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘piece of long’">long piece of</ins>
+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
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘useless encumbrances’">a useless
+encumbrance</ins> 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:&mdash;“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&mdash;may I silently bow to its dispensations!” <!-- God,
+he’s an idiot. I hope he gets hypothermia. --></p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page164" id = "page164"> </a>
+
+<p>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,<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span><ins class = "correction"
+title = "open quote missing">“</ins>Hallo, messmate! what, scudding under bare poles?
+You <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">must</del> have
+experienced a severe gale indeed thus to have carried away every rag of
+sail!”</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo turned, and saw the person who spoke. He was a decent looking
+man, of
+<span class = "pagenum">165</span>
+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 <ins class = "other"
+title = "1870 only">for</ins> a few minutes. “Thy case<ins class = "correction" title
+= ", missing">,&nbsp;</ins>said he, is a little critical, but do not
+despair. Had I met thee as an enemy, I&nbsp;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<ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 single for double quote">.”</ins></p>
+
+<p>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<ins class = "correction" title = ". invisible">.”</ins>
+<span class = "pagenum">166</span>
+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&nbsp;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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">American</ins> prisoners were treated.</p>
+
+<p>He found that they received as much attention as could reasonably be
+expected.<a class = "tag" name = "tagK" id = "tagK" href =
+"#noteK">*</a>
+<span class = "footnote">
+<a name = "noteK" id = "noteK" href = "#tagK">*</a>
+The Americans who were imprisoned in England, in the time of <ins class
+= "change" title = "1804/11">the</ins> war, were treated with much more
+humanity than those who were imprisoned <ins class = "other" title =
+"1870 only">at Halifax and other places</ins> in America.</span>
+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&nbsp;person who appeared
+on the point of expiring. His
+<span class = "pagenum">167</span>
+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&nbsp;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 <ins class = "correction" title
+= "‘r’ invisible">war</ins>, he replied; I&nbsp;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&nbsp;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 <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804 ‘a’">some</ins> time remained silent. Alonzo had not before
+discovered that he had lost his leg: he now <ins class = "change" title
+= "1870 ‘discovered’">found</ins> that it had been taken off close to
+his body, and that he was worn to <ins class = "correction" title =
+"1851 ‘a’ missing or invisible">a&nbsp;</ins>skeleton. When Beauman
+revived, he enquired into Alonzo’s affairs.
+<span class = "pagenum">168</span>
+Alonzo related all that had happened to him after leaving New
+London.</p>
+
+<p>“You are unhappy, Alonzo, said Beauman, in the death of your Melissa,
+to which it is possible I have <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘been,’ with comma">been</ins> <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘undesigningly’">undesignedly</ins> accessory. I&nbsp;could say much on
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘this’">the</ins> 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.”</p>
+
+<p>Here Beauman ceased. Alonzo found he wanted rest: he enquired whether
+he was in want of any thing to <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘make’">render</ins> him more comfortable. Beauman replied <del class =
+"other" title = "1811 omits">that</del> he was not: “For the comforts of
+<del class = "other" title = "1804 omits">this</del> life, said he,
+I&nbsp;have no relish; medical aid is applied, but without effect.”
+Alonzo then left him, promising to call again in the morning.</p>
+
+<p>When Alonzo called the next morning, he perceived an alarming
+alteration in Beauman. His extremities were cold, a&nbsp;chilling,
+clammy sweat stood upon his face, his respiration was short and
+interrupted, his
+<span class = "pagenum">169</span>
+pulse weak and intermitting. He took the hand of Alonzo, and feebly
+pressing it,&mdash;“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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘mutterings’">muttering</ins>, 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&nbsp;natural stone was placed at <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘his’">its</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>A few days after this event, Jack Brown informed Alonzo that he had
+procured the means of his escape. <ins class = "correction" title =
+"open quote missing or invisible">“A</ins>&nbsp;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
+<span class = "pagenum">170</span>
+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.”</p>
+
+<p>At the time appointed, Jack set out bearing a large trunk on his
+shoulder, and <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘directing’">directed</ins> 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘to’">of</ins> returning to America; he had <del class =
+"other" title = "1870 omits">yet</del> no relish for revisiting the land
+of his sorrows, the scenes where at every step his
+<span class = "pagenum">171</span>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>He therefore presented himself before the doctor, whom he found in
+his study.<!-- This is like when a good actor guest-stars on a bad show
+and ends up looking uncomfortable and out-of-place. -->&mdash;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, <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">and</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor enquired of Alonzo the particular circumstances and time
+of his father’s failure. Of this Alonzo gave <del class = "other" title
+= "1804 omits">him</del> a minute account. Franklin then sat in deep
+<span class = "pagenum">172</span>
+contemplation for the space of fifteen minutes, without speaking a
+word.<!-- Maybe he’s hoping he’ll leave? --> 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.”</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘man’">name</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning Mr. Grafton took Alonzo into his bookstore, and gave
+him his instructions. His business was to sell the
+<span class = "pagenum">173</span>
+books to customers, and a list of <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">the</ins> 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.”</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo gave his employer no <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘reason’">room</ins> 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 <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">himself</del> in deep mourning. He sought no company; he found
+consolation only in solitude, if consolation it could be called.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change" title =
+"1870 ‘curious’">curiously</ins> 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
+<span class = "pagenum">174</span>
+miniature found in the streets of Paris, after she had some time been
+dead! He viewed it, he clasped it to his bosom.&mdash;“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 <del class = "other" title =
+"1804/11 omit">to</del> me this inestimable prize?”</p>
+
+<p>But though he had thus become possessed of what he esteemed most <ins
+class = "change" title = "1804 ‘invaluable’">valuable</ins>, 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.</p>
+
+<p>Passing into another street, he saw several hand-bills stuck up on
+the walls of houses; stepping up to one, he read as follows:</p>
+
+<p>“Lost, between the hours of <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘9 and 10’">nine and ten</ins> last evening, in the <i>Rue de <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804 ‘Loire’">Loir</ins></i>, a&nbsp;small silk purse,
+containing a few pieces of money, and a lady’s miniature. One hundred
+<span class = "pagenum">175</span>
+crowns will be given to the person who may have found it, and will
+restore it to the owner at the <i>American Hotel</i>, near the
+<i>Louvre</i>, Room No.&nbsp;4.”</p>
+
+<p>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&nbsp;servant appeared, of whom
+Alonzo enquired for the lodger. The servant answered him in French,
+which Alonzo did not understand: <!-- I&nbsp;guess they only get
+English-speaking customers at the bookstore. In France. --> he replied
+in his own language, but found it was unintelligible to the servant.
+A&nbsp;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 <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘therin’">therein</ins> except the gentleman and servant before
+mentioned, and a person who sat writing in a corner of the room, with
+his back towards them.</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">176</span>
+writing had hitherto taken no notice of what <del class = "other" title
+= "1870 omits">had</del> passed; but at the sound of Alonzo’s voice,
+after he had entered the room, he started and turned about, and at <ins
+class = "other" title = "1870 only">the</ins> 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!”&mdash;“Alonzo!” they alternately exclaimed. It was indeed
+Edgar, the early friend and fellow student of Alonzo&mdash;the brother
+of Melissa! In an instant they were in each <ins class = "change" title
+= "1870 ‘other’s’">others</ins> arms.</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page176" id = "page176"> </a>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘he was at’ 1811 ‘at’">with</ins> the army; that he immediately procured a furlough, and
+visited his father, whom, with his mother, he found <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">in</del> inconsolable distress.&mdash;“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&mdash;she is an angel!”&mdash;Swelling grief here choaked
+the utterance of Edgar; for some
+<span class = "pagenum">177</span>
+time he could proceed no farther, and Alonzo, with bursting bosom,
+mingled his tears.</p>
+
+<p>“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, <ins class = "correction" title = "1851 ‘on’">or</ins>
+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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘her’">the</ins> 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,</p>
+
+<div class = "verse">
+<p><span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>“She never told her
+love,</p>
+<p>But sat like Patience on a monument</p>
+<p>Smiling at grief; while sad concealment,</p>
+<p>Like a worm in the bud,</p>
+<p>Fed on her damask cheek.</p>
+</div>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">178</span>
+<p>“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&nbsp;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&nbsp;much fear,
+precipitate him, and perhaps my mother also, to a speedy grave.</p>
+
+<p>“As soon as my feelings would permit, I repaired to your father’s,
+and made enquiry concerning you. I&nbsp;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.</p>
+
+<p>“Sick of the world, I returned to the army. An American consul was
+soon to sail for Holland:&mdash;I solicited and obtained the appointment
+of secretary. I&nbsp;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&nbsp;me.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">179</span>
+<p>“Last evening I lost the miniature which I suppose you <ins class =
+"other" title = "1870 only">to</ins> have found: the chain to which it
+was suspended around my neck, had broken while I was walking the street.
+I&nbsp;carefully wrapped it in paper and deposited it in my purse, which
+I probably dropped on replacing <del class = "other"
+title = "1804 omits">it</del> in my pocket, and did not discover the loss until this
+morning. I&nbsp;immediately made diligent search, but not finding it,
+I&nbsp;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘invaluable’">valuable</ins> relique.”</p>
+
+<p>All the tender powers of <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘Alonzon’s’">Alonzo’s</ins> soul were called into action by Edgar’s
+recital. The “days of other years”&mdash;the ghosts of <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804/11/70 ‘sepulchred’">sepulchered</ins> 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
+<span class = "pagenum">180</span>
+and misery. He however informed Edgar of all that had <ins class =
+"correction" title = "1851 ‘hapened’">happened</ins> since they parted
+at Vincent’s&mdash;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, <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘Melissa’">Melissa’s</ins> sudden and unaccountable removal from the
+mansion was mysterious and inexplicable.</p>
+
+<p>As Edgar was to depart early the next morning, they neither slept nor
+separated that night.</p>
+
+<p>“If it were not for your reluctance to revisit your native country,
+said Edgar, I&nbsp;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.”</p>
+
+<p>“Suffer me, answered Alonzo, to bury myself in this city for the
+present: should I ever again awake to real life, I&nbsp;will seek you
+out if you are on the earth;&mdash;but now, I&nbsp;can only be a
+companion to my miseries.”</p>
+
+<p>The next morning as they were about to <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804/11 ‘part’">depart</ins>, Alonzo took Melissa’s miniature from his
+bosom, <ins class = "other" title = "1804/11">he</ins> contemplated the
+picture a few moments with ardent emotion, and
+<span class = "pagenum">181</span>
+presented it to Edgar. “Keep it, said Edgar, it is thine. I&nbsp;bestow
+it upon thee as I would the original, had not death become the rival of
+thy love, and my affection.&mdash;Suffer not the sacred symbol too
+tenderly to renew your sorrows. How swiftly, Alonzo, does this restless
+life fleet away!&mdash;How soon shall we pass the barriers of
+terrestrial existence! Let us live worthy of ourselves, of our holy
+religion, of Melissa&mdash;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.”<!-- that doesn’t sound like a very
+happy place. --></p>
+
+<p>With what unspeakable sensibilities was it returned to Alonzo’s
+bosom! Edgar offered Alonzo pecuniary assistance, which the latter
+refused: “I&nbsp;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.</p>
+
+<p>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:</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">182</span>
+<p>“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?&mdash;Your whole soul was fixed upon the enchanting
+bauble; but when obtained, you soon cast it away, and sighed as <ins
+class = "change" title = "1804 ‘ardently’">earnestly</ins> 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.<!-- Oh snap, Benjamin Franklin smackdown! --></p>
+
+<p>“Was it the splendours of beauty which enraptured you? Sickness may,
+and age must destroy the symmetry of the most finished form&mdash;the
+brilliancy of the finest features. Was it the graces of the mind?
+I&nbsp;tell you, that by familiarity, these allurements are lost, and
+the mind, left vacant, turns to some other source to supply <ins class =
+"other" title = "1804 only">the</ins> <i>vacuum</i>. <!-- doesn’t make
+sense to me --> <!-- what, the whole book? --></p>
+
+<p>“Stripped of all <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">but</ins>
+their intrinsic value, how poor, how vain, and how worthless, are those
+things we name pleasures, and enjoyments.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">183</span>
+<p>“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;&mdash;your soul must shudder at the idea of conjugal
+infidelity!</p>
+
+<p>“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.</p>
+
+<p>“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&nbsp;have always found that those
+connections
+<span class = "pagenum">184</span>
+which were formed from inordinate passion, or what <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘you’">some</ins> 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 <i>supposed</i> 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
+<span class = "smallcaps">Supreme</span>, and the triumph of fortitude
+and resignation will be yours.”</p>
+
+<p>Franklin paused. His reasonings, however they convinced the
+understanding, could not heal the wounds of Alonzo’s bosom.&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<p>“You have, resumed the philosopher, deserted an indulgent father,
+a&nbsp;fond and tender mother, who must want your aid; now,
+<span class = "pagenum">185</span>
+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.”<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>All the parental feelings of Alonzo were now
+called into poignant action.<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>“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&mdash;she demands&mdash;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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘hopeless’">hapless</ins> object, which, by all your lamentations, you
+can never bring back to the regions of mortality.”</p>
+
+<p>This aroused the patriotic flame in the bosom of Alonzo; and he
+voluntarily exclaimed, “I&nbsp;will go to the relief of my
+parents&mdash;I will fly to the defence of my country!”</p>
+
+<p>“In former days, continued Franklin, I was well acquainted with your
+father. As soon as you informed me of his failure, I&nbsp;wrote to my
+correspondent in England, and found, as I expected, that he had been
+overreached by swindlers and sharpers.<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>The pretended failure of the merchants with
+whom he was in company, was all a sham, <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804 ‘as was’">as,</ins> also the reported loss of the ships in their
+employ. The merchants fled to England:
+<span class = "pagenum">186</span>
+I have had them arrested, and they have given up their effects to much
+more than the amount of their debts. I&nbsp;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. <!-- Oh Franklin, you turned out
+to be a deus ex machina. I’m so disappointed. --> A ship sails in a few
+days from Havre, for Savannah in Georgia: <!-- Wasn’t Georgia heavily
+controlled by the British during the war? Guy’s gonna get captured again
+as soon as he lands. --> 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘in’">for</ins> 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.” <!-- I think Franklin’s hoping Alonzo will get killed in
+battle and his father will leave all his money to Franklin. Not a bad
+plan. --></p>
+
+<p>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 <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">have</del> 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
+<span class = "pagenum">187</span>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>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<ins class
+= "correction" title = ". invisible">.&nbsp;</ins>D<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>, (Melissa’s uncle) did not live near the
+city. She informed him that he resided about a mile from <del class =
+"other" title = "1804 omits">the</del> town, where he had an elegant
+seat, and that he was very rich.</p>
+
+<p>“Was there not a young lady, asked Alonzo, who died there about
+eighteen months ago?”</p>
+
+<p>“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.&mdash;Poor, dear distressed girl, she pined
+away
+<span class = "pagenum">188</span>
+to skin and <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘bone’">bones</ins>
+before she died. She was not Col. D<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>’s daughter, only somehow related: she came
+here in hopes that a change of air might do her good. She came
+from&mdash;la me! I&nbsp;cannot think of the name of the place;&mdash;it
+is a crabbed name though.”</p>
+
+<p>“Connecticut, was it not?” said Alonzo.</p>
+
+<p>“O yes, that was it, replied she. Dear me! then you knew her, did
+you, sir?&mdash;Well, we have not her like left in Charleston; that we
+han’t;&mdash;and then there was such ado at her funeral; five hundred
+people, I&nbsp;dare say, with eight young ladies for pall-bearers, all
+dressed in white, with black ribbons, and all the bells tolling.”</p>
+
+<p>“Where was she buried?” enquired Alonzo.</p>
+
+<p>“In the church-yard right before our door, she answered. My husband
+is the sexton; he put up her large white marble tomb-stones;<span class
+= "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>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.”</p>
+
+<span class = "footnote">
+<a name = "noteL" id = "noteL" href = "#tagL">*</a>
+This bird, though not an inhabitant of the northern states, is
+frequently to be met with in Georgia and the Carolinas.</span>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">189</span>
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘consecrated’">sacred</ins> piles,
+and <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘funereal’">funeral</ins>
+monuments of the sacred dead; the wind murmured mournfully among the
+weeping willows; a&nbsp;solitary nightingale<a class = "tag" name =
+"tagL" id = "tagL" href = "#noteL">*</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:</p>
+
+<div class = "center">
+<p>SACRED</p>
+<p>To the Memory of inestimable departed</p>
+<p><span class = "smallcaps">Worth</span>;</p>
+<p>To unrivalled Excellence and Virtue.</p>
+<p>Miss <span class = "smallcaps">Melissa</span> D<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>,</p>
+<p>Whose remains are deposited here, and</p>
+<p>whose ethereal part became a seraph,</p>
+<p><ins class = "change" title = "1811 ‘Oct.’">October</ins> 26, 1776,
+<!-- this cannot be right --></p>
+<p>In the 18th year of her age.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Alonzo bent, <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">he</ins>
+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
+<span class = "pagenum">190</span>
+of wretchedness, by thy grief dispersing smile! On the ray of yon
+evening star descend. One moment leave the celestial regions of
+glory&mdash;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&nbsp;curtain, impenetrable, is drawn betwixt me and thee, only to be
+disclosed by the dissolution of nature.”</p>
+
+<p>He arose and walked away: suddenly he stopped. “Yet, said he, if
+spirits departed lose not the power of recollection;&mdash;if they have
+knowledge of present events on earth, Melissa cannot have forgotten
+me&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<p>“Ah, Franklin! he exclaimed, how tenderly <ins class = "other" title
+= "1804 only">pensive</ins> 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!
+[<i>returning the miniature to his bosom.</i>] Vain and <ins class =
+"correction" title = "1851 ‘presumptous’">presumptuous</ins> assurance.
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘There’">Then</ins> [<i>pointing to
+the grave</i>] there behold how my dearest wishes, my fondest
+expectations are
+<span class = "pagenum">191</span>
+realized!<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>Hallowed turf! lie
+lightly on her bosom!&mdash;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!&mdash;And when the final trump shall renovate
+and arouse the sleeping saint;&mdash;when on “buoyant step” she soars to
+glory, may our meeting spirits join in beatifick transport! May my
+enraptured ear catch the first holy <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘whispers’">whisper</ins> of her consecrated lips.”</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page190" id = "page190"> </a>
+
+<p>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&nbsp;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 <ins class =
+"other" title = "1804 only">a</ins> 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.&mdash;Alonzo was, in some degree, aroused from his
+abstractedness;&mdash;the manners of the
+<span class = "pagenum">192</span>
+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 <ins
+class = "other" title = "1804 only">on</ins> early <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘the next’">in the</ins> morning.</p>
+
+<p>He arose about daylight; the horizon was overcast, and it had begun
+to rain, which before sunrise <del class = "other"
+title = "1804/11 omit">had</del> 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 <ins class = "other" title =
+"1804/11">for</ins> that night only, with the tragedy of
+<i>Gustavus</i>, 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.</p>
+
+<p>As he was proceeding to take his seat, he passed <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804 ‘a’">the</ins> 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
+<span class = "pagenum">193</span>
+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&nbsp;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
+<ins class = "other" title = "1804/11">of</ins>, “<i>what’s the
+matter?</i>” it was answered, that “a&nbsp;lady had fainted.” She was
+led out, and the tumult subsided.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘laid’">lay</ins> 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&mdash;forbade that he
+<ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">should</ins> re-pierce the ten
+thousand wounds of his bosom, by the acute revival of unavailing
+sorrows. He hurried to his chamber.</p>
+
+<p>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 <i>Young’s Night
+Thoughts</i>, a&nbsp;book which, in happier days, had been the solace of
+many a gloomy, many a lucid hour. He took it up and the
+<span class = "pagenum">194</span>
+first lines he cast his eyes upon were the following:</p>
+
+<div class = "verse">
+<p>“Song, beauty, <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">youth,</del>
+love, virtue, joy: this group</p>
+<p>Of bright ideas&mdash;flowers of Paradise,</p>
+<p>As yet <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘a forfeit’">unforfeit</ins>! in one blaze we bind.</p>
+<p>Kneel, and present it to the skies; as all</p>
+<p>We guess of Heaven! And <i>these</i> were all her own</p>
+<p>And she was mine, and I was&mdash;was most blest&mdash;</p>
+<p>Like blossom’d trees o’erturn’d by vernal storm,</p>
+<p>Lovely in death the beauteous ruin lay&mdash;</p>
+<p>Ye that e’er lost an angel, pity me.”</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>When he awoke, the morning was considerably advanced. He arose. One
+consolation was yet left&mdash;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, <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘where’">when</ins>
+the stranger thus addressed Alonzo:</p>
+
+<p>“From our short acquaintance, you may, sir, consider it singular that
+I should attempt to scrutinize your private concerns, <del class =
+"other" title = "1804/11 omit">and</del> more extraordinary <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804/11 ‘may you’">you may</ins> esteem it, when I
+inform you of my reasons for so doing. Judging, however, from
+appearances, I&nbsp;have no doubt of your candour. If my
+<span class = "pagenum">195</span>
+questions should be deemed improper, you will tell me&nbsp;so.”</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo assured him <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">that</ins> he would treat him candidly. “This I believe, said the
+young officer; I&nbsp;take the liberty therefore to ask if you are an
+American?”<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>“I am,” answered
+Alonzo. “I&nbsp;presume, said the stranger&mdash;the question is a
+delicate one&mdash;I presume your family is respectable?” “Sacredly so,”
+replied Alonzo. “Are you <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘unmarried’">married</ins>, sir?” “I&nbsp;am <ins class = "change" title
+= "1804/11 ‘now’">not</ins>, and have ever been single.” “Have you any
+prospects of connecting in marriage?” “I&nbsp;have not, sir.”
+“I&nbsp;may then safely proceed, said the stranger; I&nbsp;trust you
+will hear me attentively; you will judge maturely; you will decide
+correctly, <del class = "other" title = "1804/11 omit">and</del> I am
+confident that you will answer me sincerely.</p>
+
+<p>“A young lady of this city, with whom I am well acquainted, and to
+whom, indeed, I&nbsp;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.&mdash;Early introduced
+into the higher walks of life, she has passed the rounds of fashionable
+company; numberless suitors <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">have</ins> sighed for her hand, whom she complaisantly dismissed
+without disobliging, as her heart had not yet been
+<span class = "pagenum">196</span>
+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 <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘with’">to</ins> him, all
+difficulties would at once be removed. At length he approached her, and
+just as he was about to address her, she awoke.</p>
+
+<p>“This extraordinary dream she <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘has’">had</ins> communicated to several of her
+acquaintance.&mdash;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<ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘ besides herself’ 1811 ‘, one besides herself’">, one beside herself</ins>, being <ins class =
+"change" title = "1811 ‘doting’">dotingly</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p><ins class = "correction" title = "open quote missing">“On</ins> my
+return from the inn the evening I first saw you, I&nbsp;told my
+sister&mdash;I beg pardon, sir&mdash;I was wandering from my
+subject&mdash;after
+<span class = "pagenum">197</span>
+I first met you at the inn, I&nbsp;fell in company with the lady, and in
+a <ins class = "change" title = "1811 ‘railing’">rallying</ins> way told
+her <del class = "other" title = "1804/11 omit">that</del> I had seen
+her <i>invisible beau</i>, as we used to call the gentleman of the
+dream. I&nbsp;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 <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">but</ins> little of it. At the play last night, I&nbsp;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 <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">of my</ins> not returning. We conveyed her home, when she informed
+me that you was the person she had seen in her dream!</p>
+
+<p>“To me only, she preferred disclosing the circumstance at present,
+for reasons which must be obvious to your understanding.&mdash;Even her
+father and mother are not informed of it, and should my mission prove
+unsuccessful, none except you, sir, she and myself, I&nbsp;hope and
+trust, will ever know any thing of the matter.</p>
+
+<p>“Now, sir, it is necessary <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">for me</del> farther to explain. As singular as the circumstances
+which I have related may appear to you, to me they must appear as
+strange.&mdash;One valuable purpose is, however, answered
+<span class = "pagenum">198</span>
+thereby; it will exclude the imputation of capriciousness<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>the freakish whim of <i>love at first
+sight</i>, 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:&mdash;If she obtains the object of her choice, on
+him, as I have told you, will her father bestow affluence.<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>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.</p>
+
+<p>“I will not extend my remarks; you perfectly understand me&mdash;what
+answer shall I return?”</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo sighed: for a few moments he was silent.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps, said the stranger, you may consider the <i>mode</i> of this
+message as bearing the appearance of indecorum. If so, I&nbsp;presume,
+on reviewing the incidents which <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">led</ins> to&mdash;which <i>enforced it</i>, as the most safe, the
+<i>only</i> 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.”</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">199</span>
+<p>“No, sir, said Alonzo, so far from considering the message
+indecorous, I&nbsp;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.</p>
+
+<p>“Your frankness to me, demands, on my part, equal candour.
+I&nbsp;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&mdash;my first, my earliest affections were
+engaged, unalienably engaged, to an object which is now no more. Perhaps
+you may esteem it singular; <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘peahaps’">perhaps</ins> you will consider it enthusiasm; but, sir, it
+is impossible that my heart should admit a second and similar
+impression.”</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">200</span>
+surely<ins class = "correction" title = "1851 . for ,">, </ins>disperse
+the clouds of anguish, and the rays of comfort and consolation will beam
+upon the soul. I&nbsp;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?”</p>
+
+<p>“That day will never arrive, sir answered Alonzo: I&nbsp;have had
+time for deliberate reflection since the melancholy event took place.
+I&nbsp;have experienced a sufficient change of objects and <ins class =
+"other" title = "1804/11">of</ins> 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.”</p>
+
+<p>The young officer sat for some time silent. “Well, sir, he said,
+since it is thus, seeing that these things are so, I&nbsp;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.”</p>
+
+<p>“To you and your fair friend, said Alonzo, I&nbsp;consider myself
+under the highest obligations. The gratitude I feel I can but
+<span class = "pagenum">201</span>
+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.”</p>
+
+<p>The stranger held out his hand, which Alonzo ardently grasped. They
+were silent, but their eyes spoke sympathy, and they parted<ins class =
+"correction" title = ". missing or invisible">.&nbsp;</ins></p>
+
+<p>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&nbsp;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 <i>acquainted</i> 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&nbsp;chose to tell
+you the
+<span class = "pagenum">202</span>
+truth. She resides near by, and it will not hinder you long.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is capriciousness in the extreme,” thought Alonzo; but he told
+the stranger he would accompany him&mdash;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;will soon again be with you.”</p>
+
+<p>They then ascended a flight of stairs: the stranger opened the door
+of a chamber&mdash;“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&nbsp;gemmed <i>tiara</i> gathered her hair, from which
+was suspended a green veil, according to the mode of those times;
+a&nbsp;<ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘silk’">silken</ins> girdle,
+with diamond clasps, surrounded her waist, and
+<span class = "pagenum">203</span>
+a brilliant sparkled upon her bosom. “The stranger’s description was not
+exaggerated, thought Alonzo; for, except one, I&nbsp;have never seen a
+more elegant figure:” and he almost wished the veil removed, that he
+might behold her features.</p>
+
+<p>“You will please to be seated, sir, she said. I&nbsp;know not
+how&mdash;I feel an inconceivable diffidence in making an excuse for the
+inconveniences my silly caprices have given you.”</p>
+
+<p>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!</p>
+
+<p>She advanced towards him and turned aside her veil. Her eyes were
+suffused, and tears streamed down her cheeks.&mdash;Alonzo
+started&mdash;his whole frame shook&mdash;he gasped for breath!<span
+class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>“Melissa! he convulsively
+exclaimed,&mdash;God of infinite wonders, it is Melissa!”</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page203" id = "page203"> </a>
+
+<p>Again will the incidents of our history produce a pause. Our
+sentimental readers will experience a recurrence of sympathetic
+sensibilities, and will attend more
+<span class = "pagenum">204</span>
+eagerly to the final scene of our drama.<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>“Melissa alive!” may they
+say&mdash;“impossible! Did not Alonzo see her death <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804/11">announced</ins> 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 <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">of</ins> 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 <ins class =
+"other" title = "1804 only">all</ins> 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 <del class = "other"
+title = "1804 omits">his</del> description, in painting reanimated nature, he is no
+magician, or if he is, he cannot raise the dead.</p>
+
+<p>“Melissa has long since mouldered into dust,<!-- uh, it’s been six
+months, I&nbsp;think --> and he has raised up some female Martin Guerre,
+or Thomas Hoag&mdash;some person, from whose near resemblance to the
+deceased, he thinks to impose upon us and upon Alonzo also, for Melissa.
+But it
+<span class = "pagenum">205</span>
+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 <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘of’">on</ins> 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!<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>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, <!-- truer words... --> 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<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>and so his history is intrinsically <i>good
+for nothing</i><ins class = "correction"
+title = "close quote missing or invisible">.”</ins> <!-- the Imagined Reader apparently has a thin grasp
+on the concept of fiction --></p>
+
+<p>Be not quite so hasty, my zealous censor. <!-- Don’t tell me what to
+do, Jackson. --> Did we not tell you that we were detailing
+<span class = "pagenum">206</span>
+facts? Shall we disguise or discolour truth to please <i>your</i> taste?
+Have we not told you that disappointments are the lot of life? Have we
+not, according to the advice of the moralist<ins class =
+"other">*</ins>,
+<span class = "footnote lost">
+<ins class = "other" title = "1804">
+* <i>See <span class = "smallcaps">Barometer</span>, No.
+118</i></ins></span>
+led Alonzo to the temple of philosophy, the shrine of reason, and the
+sanctuary of religion? If all these fail&mdash;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&mdash;will
+pour the balm of consolation over his anguished soul, cynical critic,
+can the author help&nbsp;it?</p>
+
+<p>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!”<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>“Alonzo!”<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>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.</p>
+
+<p>Sneer not, ye callous hearted insensibles, ye fastidious prudes, if
+we inform you that their tears fell in one <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804 ‘immingling’">intermingling</ins> shower, that their sighs wafted
+in one blended breeze.</p>
+
+<p>The sudden opening of the door aroused them to a sense of their
+improper situation; for who but must consider it <i>improper</i>
+<span class = "pagenum">207</span>
+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 <i>position</i>; not so hastily, however, but
+that the young officer who then entered the room had a glimpse of their
+situation.<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>“Aha! said he, have
+I caught you? Is my philosophic Plato so soon metamorphosed to a <i>bon
+ton</i> enamarato? But a few hours ago, sir, and you were proof against
+the whole <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘arena’">arcana</ins> of
+beauty, and all the artillery of the graces; but no sooner are you for
+one moment <i>tete a tete</i> 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: <i>Amor vincit omnia</i> is my
+motto; to thee all conquering beauty, our firmest determinations must
+bow. I&nbsp;cannot censure you for discovering, though late, that one
+living object is really of more intrinsic value than two dead ones.
+Indeed, sir, I&nbsp;cannot but applaud your <ins class = "change" title
+= "1804 ‘discrimination’">determination</ins>.”</p>
+
+<p>“The laws of honour, said Alonzo, smiling, compel me to submit to
+become the subject of your raillery and deception; I&nbsp;am in your
+power.”</p>
+
+<p>“I acknowledge, said the officer, that I
+<span class = "pagenum">208</span>
+have a little deceived you, my story was fiction founded on
+truth&mdash;the <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">true</ins>
+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.”</p>
+
+<p>“How ready you <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘gentleman’">gentlemen</ins> 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&nbsp;have the advantage of you.”</p>
+
+<p>“<ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘There’">Then</ins> I confess,
+said he, looking at Alonzo, you will be too hard for me, and so I will
+say no more about&nbsp;it.”</p>
+
+<p>Melissa then introduced the young officer to Alonzo, by the
+appellation of Capt. Wilmot. “He is the son of <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘a’">my</ins> deceased uncle, said she, a&nbsp;cousin to
+whom I am much indebted, as you shall hereafter know.”</p>
+
+<p>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<ins class = "correction" title
+= "close quote missing or invisible">.”</ins></p>
+
+<p>Alonzo did not hesitate to accept the invitation: They immediately
+therefore entered the coach, a&nbsp;servant took <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘charge’">care</ins> of Alonzo’s
+<span class = "pagenum">209</span>
+carriage, and they drove to the seat of Col. D<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>, 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.</p>
+
+<p>Col. D<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span> 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<ins
+class = "other" title = "1804">, a</ins> son, about ten years of age,
+and two daughters, one seven, the other four years old. Harmony and
+cheerfulness reigned in <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘this’">his</ins> family, which diffused tranquillity and ease to its
+members and its guests.</p>
+
+<p class = "right">
+<a name = "mainpara" id = "mainpara" href = "#addpara">
+1804 paragraph: See end of text</a></p>
+
+<p>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 <del class =
+"other" title = "1804 omits">had</del> parted at the old mansion.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">210</span>
+<p>“The morning after you left me, she said, John came to the bridge and
+called to be let in:&mdash;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;told her that <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804 ‘as I had been placed there by my father, I’">I
+had been placed there by my father, and</ins> should not consent to a
+removal unless by his express orders. She then left me, intimating that
+she would soon let me know
+<span class = "pagenum">211</span>
+that her authority was not to be thus trampled upon with impunity.</p>
+
+<p>“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&nbsp;went, opened the gate, and cautiously let
+down the bridge. I&nbsp;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.&mdash;My heart
+fluttered; I&nbsp;wished&mdash;I hardly <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804 ‘know’">knew</ins> 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&nbsp;footstep ascended the stairs. Judge of my surprise and agitation,
+when my father entered the chamber! A&nbsp;maid and two men servants
+followed him. He directed me to make immediate preparations for leaving
+the mansion&mdash;which command, with the assistance of the servants,
+I&nbsp;obeyed with a heart too full for utterance.</p>
+
+<p>“As soon as I was ready, we entered the carriage, which drove rapidly
+away. As we passed out of the gate, I&nbsp;looked back <ins class =
+"change" title = "1870 ‘to’">at</ins> the mansion, and saw the light of
+the candle,
+<span class = "pagenum">212</span>
+which I had forgotten to remove, streaming from the window, and it was
+by an extraordinary effort that I prevented myself from fainting.</p>
+
+<p>“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&nbsp;asked her whether she could explain these
+mysterious proceedings.</p>
+
+<p>“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 <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804/11 ‘fluster’">flutter</ins>:&mdash;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 <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">that</del> I must go with you. And to tell you the
+truth, Miss, I&nbsp;was not displeased with it; for your father has
+grown so sour of late, that we have <ins class = "other"
+title = "1870 only">but</ins> little peace in the house.</p>
+
+<p>“By this I found that my fate was fixed, and I gave myself up for
+some time to unavailing
+<span class = "pagenum">213</span>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>“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&nbsp;was
+put on board a packet for Charleston, at which place we arrived in due
+time.</p>
+
+<p>“My uncle and his family received me with much tenderness: the
+servant delivered a <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘packet’">package</ins> of letters to my uncle from my father. The
+carriage with one servant (the driver) had returned from the Chesapeak
+to Connecticut.</p>
+
+<p>“My father had but one brother and two sisters, <ins class =
+"correction" title = "1851 ‘or’">of</ins> which my uncle here is the
+youngest. One of my aunts, the old maid, who was my <i>protectress</i>
+at the old mansion, you have seen at my father’s. The other was the
+mother of Alfred:&mdash;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;&mdash;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 <ins class = "correction"
+title = ", invisible">arrived,</ins> leaving Alfred,
+<span class = "pagenum">214</span>
+their only child<ins class = "correction"
+title = "comma uncertain: word spacing looks like ‘child then, an infant’">,&nbsp;then</ins> an infant,
+to the protection of his relations, who as soon as he arrived at a
+suitable age, placed him at school.</p>
+
+<p>“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
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘stern’">firm</ins> injunctions;
+a&nbsp;clandestine marriage ensued, and my grandfather’s <ins class =
+"change" title = "1870 ‘malediction’">maledictions</ins> 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 <ins
+class = "change" title = "1804 ‘their’">the</ins> first child, which was
+a daughter. Inconsolable and comfortless, my uncle put the child <del
+class = "other" title = "1870 omits">out</del> 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 <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">and
+respectable</del> woman, whose tenderness,
+<span class = "pagenum">215</span>
+though it did not entirely remove, yet <ins class = "other" title =
+"1804/11">soon</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>“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.</p>
+
+<p>“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.</p>
+
+<p>“Soon after I arrived here; my uncle came into my chamber one day.
+<ins class = "correction" title = ", invisible">“Melissa,</ins> said he,
+I&nbsp;find by your father’s letters <ins class = "correction" title =
+"final ‘t’ invisible">that</ins> he considers you <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">to</del> have formed an improper connection.
+I&nbsp;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&nbsp;have seen some troubles in <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘that’">this</ins> way myself, in my early days; perhaps
+my <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘council’">counsel</ins> may be
+of some service.”</p>
+
+<p>“I immediately gave <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">him</ins> a correct account of every particular circumstance, from
+the time of my first acquaintance with you until my arrival at <ins
+class = "change" title = "1804 ‘his’">this</ins> house. He sat some time
+silent, and then told me that my
+<span class = "pagenum">216</span>
+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 <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘refuse’">refused</ins> 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&nbsp;well know my brother’s temper, continued my uncle; the
+case is difficult, but something must be done. I&nbsp;will immediately
+write to your father, <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘advising’">desiring</ins> 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&nbsp;had found a friend in my new
+protector.</p>
+
+<p>“Alfred was made acquainted with <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘my’">the</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>“My uncle’s daughter, by his first wife, was of a very delicate and
+sickly constitution, and her health evidently <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘decreasing after’">decreasing. After</ins> she came to
+this place, she was sent to a village on one of the high hills of Pedee,
+<span class = "pagenum">217</span>
+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&nbsp;confirmed hectic carried her off in
+the bloom of youth.</p>
+
+<p>“I was but a few months older than she; her name was Melissa,
+a&nbsp;name which a pious grandmother had borne, and was <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804 ‘thereafter’">therefore</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>“My uncle was too deeply overwhelmed in grief to be particularly
+consulted on this
+<span class = "pagenum">218</span>
+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 <ins class
+= "other" title = "1804/11">also</ins> generally supposed that it was
+the niece, and not the daughter of Col. D<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>, who had died.&mdash;This imposition was
+likewise practised <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘on’">upon</ins>
+the sexton, who keeps the register of deaths.<a class = "tag" name =
+"tagM" id = "tagM" href = "#noteM">*</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&nbsp;me.</p>
+
+<p class = "footnote">
+<a name = "noteM" id = "noteM" href = "#tagM">*</a>
+This was formerly the case.</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page218" id = "page218"> </a>
+
+<p>“To undeceive you, Alonzo, continued Melissa, was the next object.
+I&nbsp;consulted with Alfred how this should be done.<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>“My sister, he said, (in our private circles
+he always called me by the tender name of sister,) I&nbsp;am determined
+to see you happy before I relinquish the business I have undertaken:
+letters are a precarious mode of communication; I&nbsp;will make a
+journey to Connecticut, find out Alonzo, visit your friends, and see how
+the plan operates. I&nbsp;<span class = "pagenum">219</span>
+am known to your father, who has ever treated me as a relative. <!-- but
+... he is... --> I will return as speedily as possible, and we shall
+then know what measures are best next to pursue.”</p>
+
+<p>“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.</p>
+
+<p>“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 <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">to</ins> 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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘you’">me</ins>, but Edgar also, who had gone to Holland in an official
+capacity, soon after receiving the tidings of my death. “I&nbsp;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.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">220</span>
+<p>“On enquiring at your father’s, at Vincent’s, and at <ins class =
+"correction" title = ". missing">Mr.</ins> Simpson’s, he could learn
+nothing of you, except that you had gone <ins class = "other" title =
+"1804 only">in search of me. Vincent conjectured that you had gone</ins>
+to New London, judging possibly that you would find me there. Alfred
+therefore determined to proceed to that place immediately. He then <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘confidently’">confidentially</ins>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>“Alfred proceeded immediately to New London: from my cousin there he
+was informed of your interview with him; but from whence you then came,
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804/11 ‘to’">or</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>“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 <ins class = "correction" title = "1851 ‘know’">knew</ins> you.
+They immediately drove
+<span class = "pagenum">221</span>
+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 <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘returned, ’">returned and</ins>
+dispatched a message to my father, <ins class = "change" title =
+"1804/11 ‘informed’">informing</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>“Alarmed at this information, my father immediately ordered his
+carriage, drove to the mansion, and removed me, as I have before
+informed you<ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 superfluous close quote">.&nbsp;</ins></p>
+
+<p>“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.”</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo found by this <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1804/1851/70 ‘narative’">narrative</ins> 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;&mdash;she had undoubtedly given him <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804 ‘his lesson’">instructions</ins> how to act.</p>
+
+<p>“But who was the strange gentleman
+<span class = "pagenum">222</span>
+with your aunt?” enquired Alonzo. “This I will also tell you, answered
+Melissa, <ins class = "change" title = "1804/11 ‘though’">tho’</ins> it
+unfolds a tale which reflects no great honour to my family.</p>
+
+<p>“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 <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">finally</del>
+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
+<span class = "pagenum">223</span>
+price) than he found means to realize the money, and absconded.</p>
+
+<p>“It was afterwards found <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">out</ins> that his real name was Brenton; that he had <del class =
+"other" title = "1870 omits">left</del> 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.</p>
+
+<p>“All these troubles bore so heavily upon my aunt, that she went into
+a decline, and died about six months ago.</p>
+
+<p>“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 <!-- =D --> until, at the instance of Alfred, I&nbsp;put it off
+yesterday morning at my uncle’s house <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">in town</ins>, which Alfred had proposed for the scene of action,
+after he had discovered the cause of my fainting at the theatre.
+I&nbsp;did not readily
+<span class = "pagenum">224</span>
+come into Alfred’s plan to deceive you: “Suffer me, he said, to try the
+constancy of your <i>Leander</i>;<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>I doubt whether he would swim the Hellespont
+for you.“<!-- maybe because he found out what happened to Leander -->
+This aroused my pride and confidence, and I permitted him to
+proceed.”</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo then gave <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘Mellissa’">Melissa</ins> a minute account of all that <ins class =
+"other" title = "1804 only">had</ins> 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!”</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>Philadelphia was now in possession of the British troops. Alonzo
+found <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘Doctor’">Dr.</ins> Franklin’s
+agent at Chester, transacted his business,
+<span class = "pagenum">225</span>
+went on, arrived at Vincent’s where he left Melissa, and proceeded
+immediately to his father’s<ins class = "correction"
+title = ". missing or invisible">.&nbsp;</ins></p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class =
+"correction" title = "1851 ‘undecieve’">undeceive</ins> her father.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins
+class = "correction" title = "1851 ‘crobs’">crops</ins> had <ins class =
+"correction" title = "1851 ‘yeilded’">yielded</ins> 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<ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 . for ,">, </ins>whom they had given up as lost. “You
+still find your father poor, Alonzo, said the old gentleman, but you
+find him still honest.&mdash;From my inability to labour, we have
+latterly been a little more pressed than usual; but having now recovered
+my health, I&nbsp;trust <del class = "other"
+title = "1804/11 omit">that</del> that difficulty will soon be removed.”</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo asked his father if he <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘had ever known’">ever knew</ins> <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘Doctor’">Dr.</ins> Franklin.</p>
+
+<p>“We were school-mates, he replied<ins class = "correction"
+title = ", missing">, </ins>and were intimately acquainted after we became young
+men in business for ourselves.
+<span class = "pagenum">226</span>
+We have done each other favours; I&nbsp;once divided my money with
+Franklin on an urgent occasion to him; he afterwards repaid me with
+ample interest&mdash;he will never forget&nbsp;it.”</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo then visited Melissa’s father, who received him with much
+complacency. “I&nbsp;have injured, said he, my young friend, deeply
+injured you; but in doing this, I&nbsp;have inflicted a wound still
+deeper <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘on’">in</ins> my own
+bosom.”</p>
+
+<p>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.&mdash;True it is, that your daughter was the <ins
+class = "change" title = "1804/11 ‘subject’">object</ins> of my earliest
+affection&mdash;an affection which my bosom must ever retain<ins class =
+"correction" title = "; invisible">;&nbsp;</ins>but being separated by
+the will of Providence&mdash;for I view Providence as overruling all
+events for wise purposes&mdash;I betook myself to travel. Time, you know
+it is said, sir, will blunt the sharpest thorns of sorrow.&mdash;[The
+<span class = "pagenum">227</span>
+old man sighed.]<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>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&nbsp;shall in some measure realize former <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">happy</ins> anticipations; I&nbsp;shall receive her
+in the character of Melissa.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ah! said Melissa’s father, were it in my power&mdash;could I <del
+class = "other" title = "1870 omits">but</del> give you the original;
+But how vain that wish! Yes, my young friend, your request shall be
+punctually complied with: I&nbsp;will take upon myself the preparations.
+Name your day, and if the lady is portionless, in that she shall be to
+me a Melissa.”</p>
+
+<p>Alonzo bowed his <del class = "other" title = "1804/11 omit">head
+in</del> gratitude; and after appointing that day week, <del class =
+"other" title = "1804/11 omit">he</del> departed.</p>
+
+<p>Invitations were once more sent abroad for the wedding of Alonzo and
+Melissa.&mdash;Few indeed knew it to be the real Melissa, but they were
+generally informed of Alonzo’s <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘reason,s’ 1870 ‘reason,’ [with comma]">reasons</ins> for preferring the
+celebration at her father’s<ins class = "correction"
+title = ". missing or invisible">.&nbsp;</ins></p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">228</span>
+<p>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 <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘to’">at</ins> the
+door below. Vincent went down, and immediately returned, introducing, to
+the joy and surprise of the company, Edgar!</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning ushered in the day in which the hero and heroine of
+our story were to consummate their felicity. No <i>cross purposes</i>
+stood ready to intervene their happiness, <ins class = "other" title =
+"1804/11">no determined rival,</ins> no obdurate father, no watchful,
+scowling aunt, to interrupt their transports. It was the latter end of
+May; nature was
+<span class = "pagenum">229</span>
+arrayed in her richest ornaments, and adorned with her sweetest
+perfumes. The sun <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘blendid’">blended</ins> its mild lustre with the <ins class = "change"
+title = "1811 ‘landscapes’’">landscape’s</ins> lovely green; silk-winged
+breezes frolicked amidst the flowers; the spring birds <ins class =
+"correction" title = "1851 ‘carroled’">carolled</ins> in varying
+strains:</p>
+
+<p class = "verse">
+“The air was fragrance, and the world was love.”</p>
+
+<p>Evening was appointed for the ceremony, and Edgar was to be the
+officiating clergyman.</p>
+
+<p class = "verse">
+“To tie those bands which nought but death can sever.”</p>
+
+<p>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 <del class =
+"other" title = "1804 omits">artificial</del> flowers. She had regained
+all her former loveliness; the rose and the lily again blended their
+tinges in her cheek; again <i>pensive sprightliness</i> sparkled in her
+eye.</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">230</span>
+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, <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘mentioned’">motioned</ins> 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&nbsp;solemn silence prevailed in the room. Melissa
+was extremely agitated, as her father slowly rising, and with down-cast
+eyes,</p>
+
+<p class = "verse">
+“Where tides of heavy <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘sorrows’">sorrow</ins> swell’d,”</p>
+
+<p>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<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>”</p>
+
+<p>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&mdash;your own
+Melissa!”</p>
+
+<p>Her father started&mdash;he gazed at her with scrutinizing attention,
+and sunk back in his
+<span class = "pagenum">231</span>
+chair.&mdash;“My daughter! he cried&mdash;God of mysterious mercy! it is
+my daughter!”</p>
+
+<p>The guests caught the contagious sympathy; convulsive sobs arose from
+all parts of the room. Melissa’s father clasped her in his
+arms&mdash;“And <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">do</ins> I
+receive thee <del class = "other" title = "1804 omits">as</del> from the
+dead! he said. I&nbsp;am anxious to hear the <del class = "other" title
+= "1804 omits">mighty</del> 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.”</p>
+
+<p>“But you are apprised, sir, said Alonzo, of my inability to support
+your daughter according to her deserts.”</p>
+
+<p>“Leave that to me, my young friend, replied her father. I&nbsp;have
+enough: my children are restored, and I am happy.”</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class = "pagenum">232</span>
+poured forth in honour of the immortal Franklin.</p>
+
+<p>And now, reader of sensibility, indulge the pleasing sensations of
+thy bosom&mdash;for Alonzo and Melissa are <span class =
+"smallroman">MARRIED</span>.</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page232" id = "page232"> </a>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘afflictions’">affliction</ins>, like him his latter days were better
+than his beginning. But wearied with the <ins class = "change" title =
+"1870 ‘business’">bustles</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>“Not by human beings, he replied.<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>Since it has fallen into my hands I have
+leased it to three or four different families, who all <ins class =
+"other" title = "1804 only">soon</ins> left it under <del class =
+"other" title = "1870 omits">the</del> foolish pretence or impression of
+hearing noises and seeing frightful objects, and such is the
+superstition of <del class = "other" title = "1804/11 omit">the</del>
+people that no one now, will
+<span class = "pagenum">233</span>
+venture to try it again, though I suppose its inhabitants to consist
+only of rats and mice.”</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804 ‘lead’">tend</ins> to the elucidation of so
+mysterious an affair.</p>
+
+<p>For this purpose they chose twenty men, armed them with muskets and
+swords,<!-- uh, are they going to stab the ghosts? --> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804 ‘lit’">lighted</ins> candles, which they <del
+class = "other" title = "1870 omits">had</del> brought with them. It was
+then agreed to plant fifteen of the men at suitable distances around the
+mansion, and
+<span class = "pagenum">234</span>
+retain five in the chamber with Alonzo and Edgar.</p>
+
+<p>The men, who were placed around the house, were stationed behind
+trees, stumps or rocks, and where no <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘objects’">object</ins> presented, <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">they</ins> lay flat on the ground, with orders not to stir, or
+<ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">to</ins> discover themselves,
+let what would ensue, unless some alarm should be given from the
+house.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class
+= "change" title = "1804 ‘should’">could</ins> be discovered from
+without. Things thus arranged, they observed almost <del class = "other"
+title = "1870 omits">an</del> implicit silence, no one being allowed to
+speak, except in a low whisper.</p>
+
+<p>For a long time no <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘sounds were’">sound was</ins> heard except the hollow roar of <ins class =
+"other" title = "1870 only">the</ins> winds in the neighbouring forest,
+their whistling around the angles of the mansion, or the hoarse <ins
+class = "change" title = "1804/11/70 ‘murmurs’">murmers</ins> of the
+distant surge. The night was dark, and only illuminated by the feeble
+twinkling of half clouded stars.</p>
+
+<p>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,
+<span class = "pagenum">235</span>
+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
+<del class = "other" title = "1804 omits">they</del> 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&nbsp;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 <i>ghostly</i>
+gentry.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, boys, we have made a fine haul this trip.”<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>“Yes, but poor Bob, though, was plump’d over
+by the d<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>d skulkers!”<span
+class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>“Aye, and had we not tugged bravely
+at the oars, they would have hook’d us.”<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>“<ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘Those rascally’">Rascally</ins> cow-boys detained us too long.”<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>“Well, <ins class = "other" title =
+"1804/11">well,</ins> never mind it; let us knock around the wine, and
+then divide the spoil.”</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, Alonzo and Edgar, followed by the five men, rushed
+into the room, crying. “<i>Surrender, or you are all dead men!</i>” In
+an instant the room was involved in pitchy darkness; a&nbsp;loud crash
+was heard, then a scampering about the floor, and a noise as if several
+doors shut
+<span class = "pagenum">236</span>
+<ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘too’">to</ins>, with violence. They
+however gave the <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘signal’">alarm</ins> to the men without, by loudly shouting “<i>Look
+out</i>;” 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 <ins class = "other" title =
+"1804 only">all</ins> disappeared, not a single trace of them being
+left.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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
+<ins class = "correction" title = ", invisible">them,</ins> got off.</p>
+
+<span class = "pagenum">237</span>
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>“First promise me, on your honour, said the stranger, that you will
+use your influence to prevent my being punished or imprisoned.”</p>
+
+<p>This they readily agreed to, on condition that he would conceal
+nothing from them&mdash;and he gave them the following relation:</p>
+
+<p>That they were <del class = "other" title = "1804 omits">a</del> part
+of a gang of <i>illicit traders</i>; 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 <ins
+class = "change" title = "1804/11 ‘a very extortionate price’">very
+extortionate prices</ins>. But this was not all; they also brought over
+large quantities of counterfeit continental money, which they put off
+among the <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 ‘American’s’">Americans</ins> for live stock, poultry, produce, &amp;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
+<span class = "pagenum">238</span>
+immense <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘sums’ 1870 ‘quanties’">quantities</ins> of it in New-York, and insidiously sent it
+out into the country, in order to sink our currency.</p>
+
+<p>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 <i>thief-partners</i> received them,
+and conveyed them to the British.</p>
+
+<p>“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:&mdash;we therefore selected it as a
+suitable place for our future rendezvous, which had <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804/11/70 ‘heretofore’">therefore</ins> 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 <del class = "other" title = "1804 omits">old</del> mansion. To get
+over the wall we used ladders of ropes, placing a flat <ins class =
+"other" title = "1804 only">piece</ins> of thick board on the top of the
+spikes driven into the wall. We found more difficulty in getting into
+the house:&mdash;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
+<span class = "pagenum">239</span>
+constructed, that on touching a spring, it would <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">suddenly</ins> fly open, and when unrestrained,
+would shut <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘too’">to</ins> 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 <del class = "other" title = "1804 omits">an</del>
+emergency we could traverse every apartment without access to the known
+doors. Trap-doors on a similar construction, communicated with the
+cellar:&mdash;the table, which you saw us sitting around, stood on one
+of <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘these’">those</ins>, 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.</p>
+
+<p>“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.&mdash;Late one night, as we were proceeding to the mansion, and
+had arrived near it, suddenly one of the chamber windows was
+<span class = "pagenum">240</span>
+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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804 ‘in’">on</ins> the only bed in the room. We cautiously
+retired, and reconnoitering all parts of the mansion, found <del class =
+"other" title = "1804/11 omit">that</del> 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 <del class =
+"other" title = "1804/11 omit">the</del> premises to which we considered
+ourselves more properly entitled, as possessing a prior incumbency.</p>
+
+<p>“We did not effect the completion of our apparatus under three or
+four days. As soon as <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘they’">we</ins> 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.&mdash;After we had got into
+the house we were still until we
+<span class = "pagenum">241</span>
+supposed her to be asleep, which we found to be the case on going to her
+chamber.</p>
+
+<p>“We then stationed one near her bed, who, by a loud rap <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804 ‘upon’">on</ins> 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&mdash;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&mdash;she screamed and
+sprang up in the bed; the man then left the room.</p>
+
+<p>“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 ”<i>away! away</i>;” she darted up
+stairs, and we left the house.</p>
+
+<p>“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,
+<span class = "pagenum">242</span>
+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<ins class = "correction" title
+= "close quote missing">.”&nbsp;</ins></p>
+
+<p>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<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>the mask was painted to suit their purposes.
+The bloody dagger was of wood, and painted.</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘awaked’">awakened</ins> her, a&nbsp;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
+<span class = "pagenum">243</span>
+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, <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘exhibited’">exhibiting</ins> 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 <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘onto’">upon</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <i>fox-fire</i>,<a class = "tag" name = "tagN"
+id = "tagN" href = "#noteN">*</a>
+<span class = "footnote">
+<a name = "noteN" id = "noteN" href = "#tagN">*</a>
+A sort of decayed or rotten wood, which in the night <ins class =
+"change" title = "1804/11 ‘appears’">looks</ins> like coals of fire, of
+a bright whitish colour. It emits a faint light.</span>
+made into the
+<span class = "pagenum">244</span>
+likeness of human eyes, some <ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">of
+the same</ins> material being placed in its mouth, around which was a
+piece of the <ins class = "correction"
+title = "1804/51/70 ‘thinest’">thinnest</ins> 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;&mdash;<ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">&amp;
+</ins>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 <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘alighted’">lighted</ins> candles, the plan was defeated.</p>
+
+<p>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 <del class = "other" title = "1870 omits">yet</del> 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
+<span class = "pagenum">245</span>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>“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.”</p>
+
+<p>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 <ins class =
+"change" title = "1870 ‘gimlet’">gimblet</ins> 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 <ins class = "change" title
+= "1870 ‘too’">to</ins>. 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&mdash;here the company kept their furniture, and
+to this place would they have removed it, had they not been so
+<span class = "pagenum">246</span>
+suddenly frightened away. The canoe they found secreted in the bushes
+beyond the canal.</p>
+
+<hr class = "wide">
+<a name = "page246" id = "page246"> </a>
+
+<p>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 <ins class =
+"correction" title = ", invisible">go,</ins> 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.”</p>
+
+<p>He then informed them, that while he, with the gang, was prosecuting
+the illicit trade, a&nbsp;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&nbsp;party of Americans fired
+upon us, and
+<span class = "pagenum">247</span>
+wounded the officer in the thigh, who fell: “I&nbsp;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:&mdash;alarm the boat’s crew, and shift for yourselves.” The boat was
+alarmed, returned to the ship, and we saved ourselves by flight.</p>
+
+<p>“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&nbsp;can therefore restore him his purse.”</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p><ins class = "correction"
+title = "1851 superfluous open quote">They</ins> 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,
+<span class = "pagenum">248</span>
+<ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘John’">Jack</ins> Brown, who had so
+disinterestedly relieved him, when he escaped from the prison in
+London!</p>
+
+<p>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!”</p>
+
+<p>“The fortune of war, boy! said Jack&mdash;it might have been worse.
+But my lad, I&nbsp;am heartily glad to see you; how has it fared with
+you since you left Old England?”&mdash;“We will talk of that by and by,”
+said Alonzo.</p>
+
+<p>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;<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>and as there were
+several other British prisoners in <ins class = "other"
+title = "1804 only">the</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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.”</p>
+
+<p>They then repaired to an inn. Jack, whose wound was healed, was put
+under
+<span class = "pagenum">249</span>
+the hands of a barber, <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘cleansed’">cleaned</ins>, furnished with a change of clothes, and soon
+appeared in a new attitude.</p>
+
+<p>He informed Alonzo, that soon after he left England, his ship was
+ordered <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ‘to’">for</ins> 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.&mdash;“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&nbsp;shall gain the applause
+of the Commander.”</p>
+
+<p>When the cartel was ready to depart, Alonzo, taking Jack apart from
+the company, presented him with a draught <ins class = "change" title =
+"1870 ‘for’">of</ins> 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&nbsp;can now
+conveniently spare this sum, and it may assist you in buffeting the
+billows of life.”&mdash;The generous tar shed tears of gratitude, and
+Alonzo enjoyed the pleasure of seeing
+<span class = "pagenum">250</span>
+him depart, calling down blessings on the head of his reciprocal
+benefactor.</p>
+
+<p>The man who came with Alonzo and Edgar from the mansion, then went
+before the <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘magistrate’">magistrates</ins> 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&mdash;but most of them
+absconded, so that the company and their plans were broken&nbsp;up.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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</p>
+
+<p class = "verse">
+“Ere fate and fortune frown’d severe<ins class = "correction" title =
+"close quote missing or invisible">,”</ins></p>
+
+<p><ins class = "correction" title = "‘t’ invisible">they</ins>
+projected scenes of connubial bliss, and
+<span class = "pagenum">251</span>
+planned the structure of their family edifice<ins class = "other" title
+= "1804/11">*</ins>.
+<span class = "footnote lost">
+<ins class = "other" title = "1804"><i>See <span class =
+"smallcaps">Barometer</span> No. 109-110.</i></ins><br>
+<ins class = "other" title = "1811 [pg 34, 38 = 1851 pg 37, 41]">See
+pages 34 and 36.</ins>
+</span>
+This intimation <ins class = "change"
+title = "1804/11 ‘according with the ardent wishes of Alonzo, the’">accorded Alonzo. The</ins> site
+formerly marked out, with an adjoining farm, was immediately purchased,
+and suitable buildings erected, to which Alonzo and Melissa removed the
+ensuing summer.</p>
+
+<p>The clergyman of the village having recently died in a <i>good old
+age</i>, 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. <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 ‘Their’">The</ins> 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.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after the close of the war, Alonzo received a letter from his
+friend, Jack Brown, dated at an interior parish in England,&mdash;in
+which, after pouring forth abundance of gratitude, he informed, that on
+<span class = "pagenum">252</span>
+returning to England he procured his discharge from the navy, sold his
+house, and <ins class = "change" title = "1804 ‘moved’">removed</ins>
+into the country, where he had set up an inn with the sign of <i>The
+Grateful American</i>. “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.”</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>To our hero and heroine, the rural charms of their secluded village
+were a source of ever pleasing variety. Spring, with its <ins class =
+"change" title = "1864 ‘verdurous’">verdured</ins> fields, flowery
+meads, and vocal groves: its vernal gales, purling rills, and its
+evening whippoorwill: summer, with its embowering shades, reflected in
+the glassy <ins class = "correction" title = "‘l’ invisible">lake</ins>,
+and the long, pensive, yet sprightly notes of the
+<span class = "pagenum">253</span>
+solitary strawberry-bird;<a class = "tag" name = "tagO" id = "tagO" href
+= "#noteO">*</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 <i>Alonzo and
+Melissa</i>.</p>
+
+<p class = "footnote">
+<a name = "noteO" id = "noteO" href = "#tagO">*</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 <ins
+class = "change" title = "1870 ‘plaintively’">plaintive</ins> and
+melancholy.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<!-- end div maintext -->
+
+<div class = "picture">
+<p class = "illustration">
+<img src = "images/frontis1870.png" width = "491" height = "309"
+alt = "Alonzo, Melissa and her father"></p>
+
+<p class = "center">
+Interview between Alonzo and Melissa’s Father.</p>
+
+<p class = "mynote center">
+Frontispiece from 1870? New York edition of <i>Alonzo and
+Melissa</i>.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class = "endnote">
+
+<h3><a name = "endnote" id = "endnote">
+Transcriber’s Notes:</a><br>
+<a href = "#chron">Chronology</a>,
+<a href = "#quote">Quotations</a>,
+<a href = "#others">Other Editions</a>,<br>
+<a href = "#parallel">Table of Parallel Passages</a></h3>
+
+<h4><a name = "chron" id = "chron">Chronology</a></h4>
+
+<p>Based on references to datable external events (shown here in
+<b>boldface</b>), 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.</p>
+
+<div class = "inset">
+<p>two young gentlemen of Connecticut ... graduated at Yale College</p>
+<p>Beauman ... came regularly once in two or three months</p>
+<p>Beauman’s visits to Melissa became more frequent</p>
+<p>[Beauman’s] visits became more and more frequent.</p>
+<p>It was summer, and towards evening when [Alonzo] arrived.</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+To accommodate Beauman’s repeated visits, a full year would have to
+pass.</p>
+
+<p>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 <b>the battle of Lexington, followed soon after
+by the battle of Bunker Hill</b>.</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+The battles were in April and June of 1775; “the ensuing spring” would
+mean that the year is 1774.</p>
+
+<p>Winter came on; it rapidly passed away. Spring advanced ...</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+1774 changes to 1775.</p>
+
+<p>The spring opened ... the colonies, which had now been dissevered
+from the British empire, by the <b>declaration of independence</b></p>
+<p class = "inset">
+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.</p>
+
+<p>It was at the latter end of the month of May ...</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+May 1775 or 1777, depending on one’s chosen chronology.</p>
+
+<p>The particulars of <b>this action</b>, in the early stage of the
+American war, are yet remembered by many.</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+The “action” may be a conflation of two different episodes involving the
+<i>Trumbull</i>, neither of them early in the war: the first was in June
+1780, the second in late August 1781. The <i>Trumbull</i> was towed to
+New York, not to London.</p>
+
+<p>... who died there about eighteen months ago ...</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+Alonzo took sail shortly after learning of Melissa’s death, so we are
+now in early 1783.</p>
+
+<p>[Melissa’s gravestone] October 26, 1776<br>
+In the 18th year of her age.</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+Depending on the chronology chosen, Melissa’s reported death could have
+been in 1775, 1777 or 1781. Her 18th year is properly the year
+<i>leading up to</i> her 18th birthday, but may mean that she was 18
+years old.</p>
+
+<p>... to be opened that night only, with <b>the tragedy of
+<i>Gustavus</i></b>.</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+<i>Gustavus</i> was written by Henry Brooke in 1739 and immediately
+banned. Its American premiere was in Baltimore on 14 June 1782.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class = "right">
+<a href = "#start">Beginning of Text</a><br>
+<a href = "#endnote">Beginning of Endnotes</a></p>
+
+
+<h4><a name = "quote" id = "quote">Quotations</a></h4>
+
+<p>In the 1851 text, quotations are shown either as inset verse or in
+quotation marks. In the 1804 original, some were printed in italics; in
+some of these, the italics were lost in later editions. Only a few
+quotations have been identified. Some of the others may be
+paraphrases.</p>
+
+<div class = "inset">
+<div class = "verse">
+<p>Call round her laughing eyes, in playful turns,</p>
+<p>The glance that lightens, and the smile that burns.</p>
+</div>
+<p class = "inset">
+Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles), 1731-1802, “The Temple of
+Nature, or, The Origin of Society”.</p>
+
+<div class = "verse">
+<p>But far beyond the pride of pomp, and power,</p>
+<p>He lov’d the realms of nature to explore;</p>
+<p>...</p>
+</div>
+<p class = "inset">
+Timothy Dwight (president of Yale), 1752-1817, <i>The Conquest of
+Canaan</i>. The <i>Cambridge History of English and American
+Literature</i> 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.”</p>
+
+<p>musing, moping melancholy.</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+Arthur Murphy, <i>The Upholsterer or What News</i> (1758), I:i “musing,
+moping, melancholy lover”</p>
+
+<p>The breeze’s rustling wing was in the tree</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+This unidentified line is also quoted in Mitchell’s <i>Albert and
+Eliza</i>.</p>
+
+<p>the “stilly sound” of the low murmuring brook</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+Misprinted in 1851 as “slitty sound”. Probably John Home, <i>Douglas</i>
+(1756) IV:i.</p>
+
+<p>“the confused noise of the warriors, and garments rolled in
+blood,”</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+The 1804 text has “warrior”. Isaiah 9:5 (King James): “For every battle
+of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in
+blood.”</p>
+
+<p>until “the heavens were arrayed in blackness.”</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+Isaiah 50:3: “I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth
+their covering.”</p>
+
+<p>he cast a “longing, lingering look”</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+Thomas Gray (1716-71) <i>Elegy</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Blue trembling billows, topp’d with foam,”</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+The 1804 and 1811 texts have the correct form “tumbling billows”.
+<i>Anarchiad, a New England Poem</i> (1786-87) with joint authors Joel
+Barlow (1754-1812), David Humphreys (1752-1818), John Trumbull
+(1750-1831) and Lemuel Hopkins (1750-1801).</p>
+
+<p>“dingy scud”</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+Printed “dirgy scud” in all but the 1804 original. Possibly from Charles
+Dibdin (b. 1745), “Ev’ry Inch a Sailor”:</p>
+<div class = "inset">
+<p class = "inset">
+The wind blew hard, the sea ran high,<br>
+The dingy scud drove ’cross the sky ...</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>... like Patience on a monument ...</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+<i>Twelfth Night</i> II:iv.</p>
+
+<p>The “days of other years”</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+Possibly from “Ossian” (James MacPherson); the phrase is used often.</p>
+
+<p>Here may the “widowed wild rose love to bloom!”</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+May be a paraphrase of another line in <i>The Conquest of
+Canaan</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Song, beauty, youth, love, virtue, joy ....”</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+Identified in the text as Edward Young, <i>Night Thoughts</i>, 1745. The
+couplet on the title page is from the same source.</p>
+
+<p>“To tie those bands which nought but death can sever.”</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+May be “bonds” as in 1804 text. The phrase “that naught but death can
+sever” occurs in Spenser, <i>Amoretti</i> VI (1595).</p>
+
+<p>“white as the southern clouds”</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+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.</p>
+
+<p>“a good old age”</p>
+<p class = "inset">
+The phrase occurs at least four times in the King James Bible.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class = "right">
+<a href = "#start">Beginning of Text</a><br>
+<a href = "#endnote">Beginning of Endnotes</a></p>
+
+
+<h4><a name = "others" id = "others">Other Editions</a></h4>
+
+<p>Within the text, differences between the 1851 and other editions are
+marked typographically:</p>
+
+<div class = "inset">
+<p>Changed words and phrases are <ins class =
+"change">underlined</ins>.</p>
+<p>Missing words and longer passages are shown in <ins class =
+"other">lighter type</ins>. Most of these represent text lost after 1804
+(newspaper serial) or 1811 (first book publication).</p>
+<p>Words and phrases missing from other editions&mdash;generally
+1870&mdash;are shown on a <del class = "other">grey
+background</del>.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>The editions used for comparison were:</p>
+
+<p class = "hanging">
+1804<br>
+Weekly installments in <i>The Political Barometer</i>, Poughkeepsie,
+N.Y.<br>
+This version was only available in an online transcription.
+A&nbsp;number of questioned words were checked with the transcriber,
+Hugh MacDougall of the Cooper Society.</p>
+<p class = "hanging">
+1811<br>
+Plattsburgh, N.Y. “Printed For The Proprietor.”<br>
+The first of the pirated editions. Some copies have no author
+credit.</p>
+<p class = "hanging">
+1851<br>
+Boston. “Printed for the Publishers.”<br>
+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).</p>
+<p class = "hanging">
+1864<br>
+Philadelphia, Lippincott.<br>
+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.</p>
+<p class = "hanging">
+1870?<br>
+New York, Leavitt &amp; Allen.<br>
+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.</p>
+
+
+<h5>General Differences</h5>
+
+<p>In the 1804 and 1811 texts, dialogue is usually punctuated as</p>
+
+<p class = "inset">
+“To this place (said Melissa) have I taken....“</p>
+
+<p>with some variation between brackets [&nbsp;] and parentheses
+(&nbsp;). In the 1870 text, dialogue has “modern” punctuation using
+single quotes:</p>
+
+<p class = "inset">
+‘To this place,’ said Melissa, ‘have I taken....’</p>
+
+<p>The earlier versions are <i>more</i> 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.</p>
+
+<p>The spelling “stupify” is used consistently, and “vallies” is almost
+universal. The spellings “discreet(ly)” and “discrete(ly)” seem to have
+been used inter&shy;changeably. Names in “New” such as “New London” were
+generally hyphenated in 1804; later versions have fewer hyphens, but
+they never disappear altogether.</p>
+
+<p>The ampersand &amp; 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 “&amp;c.”</p>
+
+<p>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 inter&shy;changes or omits
+“the/this/that” and similar.</p>
+
+
+<h5>In All Editions</h5>
+
+<p class = "hanging">
+With lingering gaze Edinian spring survey’d<br>
+<i>for Edenian</i></p>
+<p class = "hanging">
+The panic and general bustle ... is yet well remembered by many<br>
+<i>“is” for “are”</i></p>
+<p class = "hanging">
+to level on the property of the former<br>
+<i>common error or variant for “levy”</i></p>
+<p class = "hanging">
+this measure, once adopted, her father must consent also<br>
+<i>sentence structure is the same in all editions</i></p>
+<p class = "hanging">
+constructed of several tier of hewed timbers<br>
+<i>“tier” used as a plural</i></p>
+<p class = "hanging">
+he should conduct in a very different manner<br>
+<i>sentence structure is the same in all editions</i></p>
+
+<p class = "right">
+<a href = "#start">Beginning of Text</a><br>
+<a href = "#endnote">Beginning of Endnotes</a></p>
+
+
+<h4><a name = "parallel" id = "parallel">Parallel Passages</a></h4>
+
+<p>This is not an exhaustive list. Like the body text, it generally
+omits typo&shy;graphical errors and non-significant variations in
+punctuation and spelling. In addition, the table omits some types of
+changes noted in the body text:</p>
+
+<ul>
+<li>parallel forms such as “though/although”</li>
+<li>abstract plurals such as “feeling/feelings”</li>
+<li>added or omitted “and”</li>
+<li>changes among “a”, “the”, “this/these”, “that/those”, “his/her” and
+similar</li>
+</ul>
+
+<p>Spelling and punctuation have been regularized in some cases.</p>
+</div>
+
+<table class = "parallel" summary = "comparison of texts">
+<tr>
+<th width = "25%">1804</th>
+<th width = "25%">1811</th>
+<th width = "25%">1851/64</th>
+<th>1870?</th>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>In the time of the late American revolution</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... the late revolution</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>at the day appointed</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+on the day appointed</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+her aspect was attempered with a pensive mildness</td>
+<td>her aspect was tempered ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+<i>For far beyond the pride and pomp of power<br>
+. . .<br>
+The heaven embosom’d sun; the rainbow’s die</i></td>
+<td><i>For far beyond the pride and pomp of power<br>
+. . .<br>
+The heaven embosom’d sun; the rainbow’s dye</i></td>
+<td><i>For far beyond the pride or pomp of power</i><br>
+. . .<br>
+<i>The heaven embosom’d sun; the rainbow’s die</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>a few days, during which time they passed in visiting select friends
+and in social parties</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... and social parties</td>
+<td>a few days, which time they passed in was visiting select friends
+and in social parties</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the sound of various instrumental music</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... of instrumental music</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>
+<span class = "pagenum">[10]</span>
+mortgages on lands and houses for security</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... securities</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+attracted him hither. If he had admired the manly virtues of the
+brother, could he fail to adore the sublimer graces</td>
+<td>attracted him thither. If he had admired the manly virtues of the
+brother, could he fail to adore the sublime graces</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the milder and more refined excellencies of the other</td>
+<td>... of the latter</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>He came regularly, about once in two or three months</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+He came regularly, once in ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>It was not probable, therefore, that he would be objectionable to
+Melissa’s friends&mdash;<i>Nor to Melissa herself</i><span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>said Alonzo, with an involuntary sigh.</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+“It is not probable therefore that he will be objectionable to Melissa’s
+friends or to Melissa herself,” said Alonzo, with an involuntary
+sigh.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Was it not then highly probable that he had secured her affections?</td>
+<td>Was it not highly probable then that ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+the foliage glittering to the western ray</td>
+<td>... glittering the western ray</td>
+<td>... glittering in the western ray</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the extremest verge of the horizon. “This is a most beautiful
+scene,” said Melissa.</td>
+<td>the extreme verge of the horizon. “This is a most beautiful scene,”
+said Melissa.</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+the extreme verge of the horizon. “This is a most delightful scene,”
+said Melissa.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+he was not always my <i>beau</i>-man</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+he was not always my Beauman</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+He formally addresses you.</td>
+<td>He formerly.</td>
+<td class = "center">
+<i>same as 1804</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Al. Melissa. [A pause ensued.]</td>
+<td>.... [A pause.]</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>but his fears declared otherways</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... otherwise</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+friendship must yield its pretensions to a superior claim</td>
+<td>friendship must yield to a superior claim</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Were Beauman here, my position might be demonstrated</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Was Beauman here ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+She was still silent.</td>
+<td>She was silent.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Mel. (confused.) If it be a proper one. You are entitled to
+candour.</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... If it be a proper one you are ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>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.</td>
+<td>... the particular address of more than one.</td>
+<td class = "center">
+<i>same as 1804</i></td>
+<td>her voice trembles ...
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+But&mdash; (she hesitated.)</td>
+<td>But (she blushed.)
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>
+<span class = "pagenum">[21]</span>
+<i>Darted her silvery intercepted ray</i></td>
+<td><i>Darted his silvery ...</i></td>
+<td class = "center" colspan = "2">
+<i>same as 1804</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>nor had they attempted to influence or forestal her choice</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... to influence or direct her choice</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+We must pour a liberal libation upon the mystic altar</td>
+<td>We must pour out a liberal libation to the mystic altar</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+And why have I ever doubted this event“ said Alonzo. ”What infatuation
+hath thus led me on the pursuit of fantastic and unreal bliss?</td>
+<td>And why have I doubted this event“ said Alonzo. ”What infatuation
+hath thus led me on to the pursuit ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>and will convince both Melissa and Beauman</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+and I will convince Melissa and Beauman</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>she has treated me as a friend to her brother. She was the
+unsuspecting object of my passion. She was unconscious of the flame</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+she has treated me as a friend to her brother. She was unconscious of
+the flame</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+said that business had prevented him; he esteemed him as his most valued
+friend</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+said that business prevented him; he esteemed him as his most valuable
+friend</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+to which you attended me when you was last here</td>
+<td>... when you last was here</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>The solemn herds lowed in monotonous symphony. The autumnal insects
+in sympathetic wailings plaintively predicted</td>
+<td>... insects in sympathetic waftings ...</td>
+<td>... insects in sympathetic wafting ...</td>
+<td>... lowed in solemn symphony. The autumnal insects in sympathetic
+wafting ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the rude despoiling hand of winter</td>
+<td>the despoiling hand of winter</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+She was still silent</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+She was silent.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+The “stilly sound” of the low murmuring brook</td>
+<td>The “slitty sound” ...</td>
+<td>The distant sound ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the frequent lights darted their paly lustre thro’ the gloom</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... their palely lustre ...</td>
+<td>... their pale lustre ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>but other subjects engaged the mental attention of Alonzo</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+but the other subject ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+<span class = "pagenum">[30]</span>
+Alonzo and Beauman pledged their honour to abide explicitly by these
+injunctions</td>
+<td>... abide implicitly by these injunctions</td>
+<td>... abide implicitly to these injunctions</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+That time has now arrived</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+That time has arrived</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the deep and solemn silence of night</td>
+<td>the deep and sullen silence of night</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+bowed to the minutia of female volatility</td>
+<td>bowed to the minutiae of female volatility</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "4">
+<i>Note that “minutiae” is the correct form. All earlier versions,
+including the 1804 original, have the incorrect word “minutia”.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>finally appointed a day to give both him and Alonzo a determinate
+answer</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... to give him and Alonzo a determinate answer</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>to make a journey into a different part of the country</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+to make a journey to a distant part ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>thither he hasted to gain shelter from the approaching storm</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+thither he hastened ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+In a moment he discovered that it was Melissa.</td>
+<td>In a moment, however, he discovered that it was Melissa.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Alonzo felt all the force of the remark</td>
+<td>Alonzo felt the force ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>remaining beauties of Summer</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+remaining beauties of the summer</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the battle at Lexington, followed soon after by the battle at
+Bunker’s Hill</td>
+<td colspan = "2">the battle at Lexington, followed soon after by the
+battle at Bunker Hill</td>
+<td>the battle of Lexington, followed soon after by the battle of Bunker
+Hill</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Alonzo and she frequently discoursed upon the subject, and they
+agreed</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Alonzo and she frequently discoursed, and they agreed</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>orchards, arbours, and cultured fields</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... cultivated fields</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+The inhabitants of this modern Avernum</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... Auvernum [<i>sic</i>]</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Such was the place chosen for the future residence of Alonzo and
+Melissa</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Such was the place for the residence ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>
+<span class = "pagenum">[40]</span>
+<i>the confused noise of the warrior, and garments rolled in
+blood</i></td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+<i>... of the warriors ...</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+this modern Vacluse [<i>sic</i>]</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+this modern Vaucluse</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the walks, the meads, the fountains</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the walks, the mead, the fountains</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Around the horizon electric clouds raised their brazen summits, <ins
+class = "change" title = "1811 misprint ‘bassed’">based</ins> in the
+black vapor of approaching night</td>
+<td>Around the horizon clouds raised their brazen summits, based on the
+...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+and the adjacent towns and villages, presented to the eye, on a single
+view, perhaps one of the most picturesque draperies</td>
+<td>and the adjacent towns and villages, perhaps one of the most
+picturesque draperies</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+she had an uncle who lived near Charleston, in South Carolina</td>
+<td>she had an uncle near Charleston, South Carolina</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>was expected to arrive before the appointed marriage day</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... before the appointed day</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+He would frequently start up in the bed</td>
+<td>... in bed</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+He scarcely spoke a word, and after the table was removed</td>
+<td>... after the cloth was removed</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+that the reputation of my latter days was stained with acts of baseness
+and meanness.</td>
+<td>... with acts of baseness.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+I had some hopes that your happiness, Alonzo, might yet be secured</td>
+<td>... might be secured</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>We would not stop the reader to moralize on this disastrous
+event</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+We will not ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+I know the old gentleman too well</td>
+<td>I know that old gentleman too well</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+fringed with the gold of even</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+fringed with the gold of evening</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>
+<span class = "pagenum">[50]</span>
+Her countenance appeared dejected, which on her seeing Alonzo</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... which on seeing Alonzo</td>
+<td>... appeared to be dejected, which on her seeing Alonzo</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Thus spake my father, and immediately withdrew</td>
+<td>Thus spoke my father, and immediately withdrew</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+Mr. and Mrs. Vincent are now my only confidents</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... confidants</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+but the sound, late so cheerful and sprightly</td>
+<td>but the sound, so cheerful and sprightly</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+a deep dejection was depicted upon her features</td>
+<td>... in her features</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Alonzo was received with a cool reserve</td>
+<td>... a cold reserve</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Melissa’s father soon entered</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Melissa’s father entered</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>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</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+if you marry in your present situation? You have friends</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the hand of Melissa.” Thus spake the father of Melissa, and
+immediately left the room.</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the hand of Melissa”&mdash;and immediately left the room.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+it was a shock their fortitude could scarcely sustain</td>
+<td>... scarcely contain</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Disappointment seldom finds its votaries prepared to receive
+her</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... her votaries ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>but could not counteract the will of her father</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+but could not contradict the will of her father</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+after Alonzo had related the manner of his reception</td>
+<td>after Alonzo had related his reception</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+of little consequence. But their united situation tortured his
+soul.&mdash;What was to become of Melissa, what of himself</td>
+<td>of little consequence. But what was to become of Melissa, what of
+himself</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>With part of this I have purchased a small, but well cultivated
+farm</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+With this I have ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>
+<span class = "pagenum">[60]</span>
+a ray of joy illumined his troubled bosom</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+a ray of joy illuminated his troubled bosom</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+<i>Like morn’s gay hues, the fading splendors fled</i>
+<td><i>Like morn’s gray hues ...</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>He thought on Melissa, from whom he had heard nothing since he last
+saw her.&mdash;He thought on the difficulties which surrounded him. He
+thought on the barriers which were opposed to his happiness</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+He thought of ... thought of ... thought of</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>The day after you left here, her father received a letter</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+The day after you were here ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+“Where is your fortitude and your <ins class = "change"
+title = "1811 has ‘firmnes’ [sic]">firmness</ins>,” said he</td>
+<td>“Where,” said he, "is your fortitude and your firmness</td>
+<td>“Where is your fortitude and firmness,” said he</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>war ends in peace</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+wars end in peace</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>transports them to another and a better world</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+transports them to another and better world</td>
+<td class = "center">
+<i>same as 1804</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>but where, alas were the means of alleviation?</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+but alas! where were ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>ordered her to prepare to become the wife of Beauman</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+ordered her to become the wife of Beauman</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+You suffer the Jack-a-lantern fancy to lead you</td>
+<td>... Jack-with-a-lantern ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Marry Beauman, and you roll in your coach</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... you will roll in your coach</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+I give you now two days to consider the matter</td>
+<td>... to consider of the matter</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>bordered with the odor-flowering lilac</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+bordered with the odour-flowing lilac</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+He turned, and saw Edgar approaching: in a moment they were in each
+other’s arms, and mingled tears</td>
+<td>He turned round and saw Edgar approaching: in a moment they were in
+each other’s arms, and mingling tears</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+You, Alonzo, must exert your fortitude</td>
+<td>You, Alonzo, must ever exert your fortitude</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>It must, I think, ere long, be determined</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... be terminated</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+it is in your power to remove them; and if you are a man of honour you
+will remove them. You cannot wish</td>
+<td>it is in your power to remove them. You cannot wish</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>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</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... I knew the fellow would not come to terms</td>
+<td>half speaking through her nose, which was well charged with rappee,
+“did’nt I tell you so? I knew the fellow would not come to terms</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>
+<span class = "pagenum">[70]</span>
+And I should not wonder if you should soon find that the girl had
+eloped, and your desk robbed into the bargain.”</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... find the girl had eloped, and your desk robbed in the bargain</td>
+<td>I should not wonder if you should soon find the girl had eloped, and
+your desk robbed in the bargain</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>his eyes flashed resentment</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+his eyes flashed in resentment</td>
+<td>his eyes flashed with resentment</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>unless she was already apprised of it</td>
+<td>unless she was apprised of it</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+unless she was appraised of it</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the feeble glimmer of the twinkling stars</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the feeble glimmering of the twinkling stars</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+“Thou still knowest me, Curlow,” said Alonzo</td>
+<td>... Carlow ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Here all was solemn, dark and silent as in front</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Here all was solemn and silent as in front</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+Be calm, Alonzo, said she, I think it will not long last</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... not last long</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+I believe they will trust me to see her</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+I believe they will let me see her</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>“Unfeeling and impertinent intruder (retorted Alonzo)</td>
+<td>... intruder, [retorted Alonzo]</td>
+<td>... intruder? retorted Alonzo</td>
+<td>... intruder? retorted Alonzo</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>and were it on no other account, must ever continue to despise and
+hate you</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+and were it not on one other account ...</td>
+<td>and were it not on one other account, must ever continue to hate and
+despise you</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>From a coincidence of consequences</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+From coincidence of circumstances</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the family had retired to rest</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the family had gone to rest</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Alonzo’s feelings were on the wrack until she returned</td>
+<td>... on the wreck until she returned</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... on the rack until she returned</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Melissa’s aunt (the old maid) had invited her to ride out with her</td>
+<td>Melissa’s aunt had ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>he had sent their daughter to a different part of the country</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... a distant part of the country</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>living with the different relatives of the family</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+living with the relatives of the family</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+He sat silent a few moments; then suddenly started up</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... suddenly starting up</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+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</td>
+<td>Melissa had not the most distant suspicion of the designs of her
+father and aunt. The latter informed her that she was going to take a
+morning ride, to which she consented. She did not even perceive the
+trunk that was fastend [<i>sic</i>] on behind the carriage</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+Melissa had frequently attended her father or mother</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... her father and mother</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+<span class = "pagenum">[80]</span>
+her aunt ordered the driver to proceed a different way</td>
+<td>her aunt had ordered ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>They arrived at another small village</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+They arrived at another village</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Melissa’s aunt, handing the driver a large bunch of keys</td>
+<td>Melissa’s aunt handed the driver ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+“La me!” she cried</td>
+<td>“La me!” cried she</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the opposite side of the house from whence she alighted</td>
+<td>... from where she alighted</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>This was done, while John and his wife went out, and Melissa’s
+aunt</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+This done, while John and his wife went out, Melissa’s aunt</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>hoping to see the return of the carriage</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+hoping to see the carriage return</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>surrounded by high, thick walls</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+surrounded by a high, thick wall</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>They unlocked the door, which creaked heavily on its hinges</td>
+<td>... the door, which screaked ...</td>
+<td class = "center" colspan = "2">
+<i>same as 1804</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+as I have took care to lock all the doors and gates after me</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+as I have taken care ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+circumstances have hitherto hindered my carrying the scheme into
+effect</td>
+<td>circumstances have hitherto hindered me from carrying my scheme into
+effect</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>She started up, stared around her with a wild and agonizing
+countenance</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... a wild agonizing countenance</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>She remained seemingly insensible throughout the night: just at
+morning, she fell into a slumber, interrupted by incoherent moanings,
+convulsive startings, long sighs</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+She remained seemingly insensible through the night: just at morning,
+she fell into a slumber, interrupted by incoherent moanings, convulsive
+startings, long drawn sighs</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+taking the key of that with her. She generally returned before sunset.
+When Melissa was so far recovered</td>
+<td>taking the key of that with her. When Melissa was so far
+recovered</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+A few medical and odoriferous herbs</td>
+<td>A few medinical [<i>sic</i>] and odoriferous herbs</td>
+<td>A few medicinal and odoriferous herbs</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+The out buildings were generally in a ruinous situation</td>
+<td>... in a ruinous condition</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>through several upper rooms to the chamber she inhabited</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... the chamber they inhabited</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>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</td>
+<td>... from which a brook wound along ...</td>
+<td>... from which a brook wound along a little distance from the garden
+wall....</td>
+<td>... from which a brook wound along a little distance from the garden
+wall. North, were the uneven grounds which she had crossed when she came
+there</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>South, was the Sound and Long Island</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+South, was the Sound of Long Island</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Melissa passed much of her time in tracing the ruins</td>
+<td>Melissa passed much time in tracing the ruins</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>She could have been contented here to have buried all her
+afflictions</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... buried her afflictions</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>while the disconsolate tear of reflection glittered in her eye</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+while the disconsolate tear glittered in her eye</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>more solicitous and importunate. A subject so hateful to Melissa
+sometimes provoked her to tears; at others her keen resentment</td>
+<td>more solicitous and impertinent....</td>
+<td>more solicitous and impertinent. A subject so hateful to Melissa
+sometimes provoked her to tears; at other her keen resentment</td>
+<td class = "center">
+<i>same as 1811</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Melissa sat up until a late hour, expecting her; she then went to
+the gate</td>
+<td>... a late hour in the night, expecting her; she went to the
+gate</td>
+<td colspan = "2">... a late hour of the night, expecting her; she went
+to the gate</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+“I had forgotten,” said her aunt, “that my rents became due this
+week</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... that my rents become due this week</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+<span class = "pagenum">[90]</span>
+she heard a noise as of several people trampling in the yard below</td>
+<td>she heard a noise of several people ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>It was extremely dark, she could discern nothing. All was still and
+she thought she might have been deceived</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+It was extremely dark; she thought she might have been discovered</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+to collect some debts of those to whom she had rented lands</td>
+<td>... rented some lands</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>and in the day time, in walking around the yard and garden</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+and in the day, in walking ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>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</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+She stepped softly to the window, suddenly raised it, and held out the
+candle. She listened and gazed</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>All was still; she shut the window, and in a short time went to
+bed</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+All was silent ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+she heard loud noises in the rooms below</td>
+<td>she heard noises in the rooms below</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>a cold chilly sweat ran down her face</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... run down her face</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+grasped her arm which lay on the outside of the bed clothes</td>
+<td>grasped her arm which lay outside of the bed clothes</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>no visible being was in the room except herself. She sat down,
+pondering these strange events. Was it not possible that she was
+right</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+.... Was it not probable that she was right</td>
+<td>no visible being was in the room except herself; how then could she
+account for these events? Was it not probable that she was right</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+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</td>
+<td>Might not this be the effect of a terrified and heated imagination?
+But could her room</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>She knew she could not sleep</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+She knew she could not go to sleep</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>The moon had arisen and cast a pale, imperfect lustre over the
+landscape. She recollected the opening and shutting of the
+doors&mdash;perhaps they were still open</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+The moon had arisen and cast a pale lustre over the landscape. She
+recollected the opening and shutting of the door&mdash;perhaps they were
+still open</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+She examined the others; they were in the same situation</td>
+<td>... they were all in the same situation</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>As soon as her scattered senses collected, she concluded that
+whoever had been in the house were there still</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... whatever had been in the house was there still</td>
+<td>As soon as her senses were collected, she concluded that whatever
+had been in the house was there still</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>ascended in pyramidal columns to the zenith</td>
+<td>ascended in pyramidial columns to the zenith</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+ascended in pyramidical columns the zenith</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+A small spot of ineffable brightness succeeded</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+A spot of ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>both sides of it were smoothe [<i>sic</i>] as glass</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... as smooth as glass</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+The events of the past night, therefore, remained inscrutable</td>
+<td>The events of the last night ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the gate opened and the house entered by the means of false keys.
+Her father would as soon do this as to confine her</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... by means of false keys. Her father would as soon do this as to
+confine her</td>
+<td>... by false keys. Her father would as soon do this as confine
+her</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Innumerous stars glittered in the firmament, intermingling their
+quivering lustre with the pale splendours of the milkyway
+[<i>sic</i>]</td>
+<td>Innumerable stars glittered in the firmament, intermingling their
+quivering lustre with the pale splendours of the milk way</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+Innumerable stars glittered in the firmament, intermingling their
+quivering lustre with the pale splendours of the milky way</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>But why should she fear? She knew of no one she had injured. She
+knew of none she had displeased</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+But why should she fear? She knew of none she had displeased</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the horizon was overclouded, and it had begun to rain</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... and it began to rain</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>convinced that she was safe and secure, she concluded to go to
+bed</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+convinced that she was safe and secure, she went to bed</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+leaving, however, two candles burning in the room. As she for two nights
+had been deprived of her usual rest</td>
+<td>leaving, however, candles burning in the room. As she for two nights
+had been deprived of her rest</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>
+<span class = "pagenum">[100]</span>
+a broad flash like that of lightning, transiently illuminated her
+chamber</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+a broad flash like lightning, transiently illuminated the chamber</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the sounds seemed to be in the rooms directly over her head</td>
+<td>the sound seemed to be in the room ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+filled the house with the electric effluvium. She listened for a
+repetition of the thunder&mdash;but a very different sound soon
+grated</td>
+<td>filled the house with electric effluvium. She listened for a
+repetition of the thunder&mdash;but a very different sound grated</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the doors below alternately open and shut, flapping furiously</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the doors below alternately open and shut, slapping furiously</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "4">
+<i>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.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>she perceived some person crawling on to its foot</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... on its foot</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>instantaneously she sprang from the bed to the floor&mdash;with
+convulsive grasp, seized the candle</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... with convulsed grasp, seized the candle</td>
+<td>instantly she sprang from the bed to the floor&mdash;with convulsed
+grasp, seized the candle</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+she was alarmed by a deep, hollow sigh</td>
+<td>she heard a deep, hollow sigh</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Not the least noise had been heard since she last returned</td>
+<td>... since she returned</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Towards evening Melissa took her usual walk around the enclosure</td>
+<td>... took a walk around the enclosure</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the light gales bore revigorating coolness</td>
+<td>the light gales bore invigorating coolness</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the flowery verdure of the fields were changing to a russet hue</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... was changed to a russet hue</td>
+<td>the flowery verdure of the field was changed to a russet hue</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>hammering on the hollow trunk of some dry and blasted tree, filled
+the woods with reverberant echoes</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+hammering on some dry and blasted trees ...</td>
+<td>hammering on some dry and blasted trees, filled the woods with
+reverberating echoes</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the images of departed joys</td>
+<td>the images of departing joys</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+in this house of gloom rest, in undisturbed silence</td>
+<td>in this house of gloom rests ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+throughout these now solitary demesnes</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+throughout these solitary demesnes</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>yonder halls and apartments shone with brilliant illumination. Now
+all is sad, solitary and dreary, the haunt of sprites and spectres of
+nameless terror</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+yonder halls and apartments shone in brilliant illumination. Now all is
+sad, solitary and dreary, the haunt of spirits and spectres of nameless
+terror</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+All that now remains of the head that formed, the hand that
+executed</td>
+<td>... the head that formed and the hand that executed</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+the rising shower, which slowly ascended in gloomy pomp</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+the rising shower, which ascended in gloomy pomp</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>The lightning more broader and brighter flashed</td>
+<td>The lightning broader and brighter flashed</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+The lightning broader and brighter flashes</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Convolving clouds pouring smoky volumes</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Convolving clouds poured smoky volumes</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+<span class = "pagenum">[110]</span>
+Slantways, the large heavy drops of rain began to descend</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+Slant-wise ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+It seemed nothing less than the crush of worlds</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... the crash of worlds</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+pass another night in the lonely mansion</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... the lone mansion</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+a voice behind her exclaimed, “Gracious heaven! Melissa!”</td>
+<td>a voice exclaimed ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>“No one except myself, Alonzo,” she answered</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+“No one except myself,” she answered</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>He followed her up to her apartment and seated himself by the
+fire</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+He followed her to her apartment ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>separated from society, and no one present to interrupt them</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+separated from society, and no one to interrupt them</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+Alonzo and Melissa heard little of it</td>
+<td>... heard a little of it</td>
+<td>... heard but little of it</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>what course her aunt and she had taken</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+what course her aunt had taken</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>where he accidentally found Melissa on a visit, as mentioned
+before</td>
+<td>[<i>Footnote</i>]<br>
+See page 26.</td>
+<td class = "center" colspan = "2">
+[<i>no footnote</i>]</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+desiring Alonzo to remain at his house until he returned</td>
+<td>desiring Alonzo to remain until he returned</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+they were deeply interested in his favour and the welfare of
+Melissa</td>
+<td>... in his affairs and in the welfare of Melissa</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>It is possible that Melissa is</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+It is not possible but that Melissa is</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>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</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+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</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>He scrambled up on the trunk, and made his way on to the wall</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... made his way on the wall</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>found the door open, which Melissa had left so in her fright</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... had left in her fright</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>they could not endure the idea of another and an immediate
+separation</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... another and immediate separation</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>It would not be safe for Alonzo to stay there</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+It would not be safe for Alonzo to stay</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>I would not wish unjustly to censure your father</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+I would not censure your father</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+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</td>
+<td>Melissa sighed, wiped a tear which fell from her eye. “Unqualified
+obedience to my parents,” said she, “I have ever considered one of the
+first duties</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+<span class = "pagenum">[120]</span>
+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</td>
+<td>for reasons which Alonzo knew nothing of. To continue there</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Melissa was to leave the draw-bridge down</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Melissa was to have the draw-bridge down</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+he passed over, and she slowly withdrew</td>
+<td>he passed over and slowly withdrew</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+The fire-fly* sunk feebly twinkling amidst the herbage of the
+fields</td>
+<td>The fire-fly sunk feebly twinkling amongst the herbage of the
+fields<br>
+[<i>No footnote</i>]</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+and assisted him in obtaining a carriage</td>
+<td>and assisted him to obtain a carriage</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>and another burning on the table</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+and another was burning on the table</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+By what means she had thus suddenly disappeared</td>
+<td>By what means had she thus suddenly disappeare</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+John’s hut was situate about one mile north from the mansion where she
+had been confined. When he came out near the road</td>
+<td>John’s hut was situated about one mile north ...</td>
+<td>John’s hut was situated about one mile north from the mansion where
+she had been confined. When he came near the road</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+John stared in amazement</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+John started in amazement</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+her aunt is gone into the country and has not returned</td>
+<td>her aunt has gone ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+John informed him that she was there about sunset</td>
+<td>... he was there about sunset</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+He returned in about half an hour</td>
+<td>He returned in half an hour</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the latter had taxed the former of improperly endeavoring</td>
+<td>... with improperly endeavoring</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+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</td>
+<td>He told him all that had happened since he was there, of which,
+before, they had heard nothing. At the house of Mr. Simpson and
+Vincent</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>and she wished to marry somebody else</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+and she wishes to marry somebody else</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+<span class = "pagenum">[130]</span>
+Alonzo did not long hesitate what course to pursue</td>
+<td>Alonzo did not hesitate long ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+the idea could not pluck the thorn from his bosom</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... from his own bosom</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+I have got considerable money at command</td>
+<td>... at my command</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+He answered, that perhaps all might yet come right</td>
+<td>... come to right</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+his resources had not yet failed him</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+his resources had not failed him</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+he reached Killingsworth</td>
+<td>... Killingworth</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+through the night was wrecked with severe pain</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... racked with severe pain</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>it might prove an injury to her if she was there, and could answer
+no valuable purpose if she was not</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... if she were ... if she were not</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+he could not distinguish her features</td>
+<td>he did not distinguish her features</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+he now had a side view of her face, and was more than ever convinced
+that it was Melissa</td>
+<td>he had a side view of her face, was more ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>he found it was Melissa’s cousin</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+he found it to be Melissa’s cousin</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Do you not think, said Mrs. Wyllis, “that she resembles their cousin
+Melissa, who resided there some time ago?”</td>
+<td>... her cousin Melissa ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>what course to pursue, he was at a loss to determine upon.</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+what course to pursue, he was at a loss to determine.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Alonzo felt no strong curiosity farther to examine her features</td>
+<td>Alonzo felt no curiosity ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+An incident tended to confirm his resolution</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... this resolution</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+her fine eyes were closed for ever</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+her fine eyes had closed for ever</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>and shook the trembling frame of Alonzo</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+and shocked the trembling frame of Alonzo</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the sun of peace may yet dispel the glooms of these distressful
+hours</td>
+<td>... dispel these distressful hours</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+<span class = "pagenum">[140]</span>
+the death list arrested his attention</td>
+<td>the death list attracted his attention</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "4">
+<a name = "tabledeath" id = "tabledeath">
+“Died, of a consumption...”</a><br>
+[<a href = "#death"><i>See below</i></a>]
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>The fanciful part of our readers may be ready to cast it aside</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... may cast it aside</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the geni which animated and enlivened it</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the <i>genius</i> which animated and enlivened it</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Arouse your hero. Call to his aid</td>
+<td>Arouse your hero: call to his aid</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+Arouse your hero? call to his aid</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>to what pathos of grief and wretchedness</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+to what paths of grief and wretchedness</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>regions where my guardian angel is gone</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+regions where my guardian is gone</td>
+<td class = "center">
+<i>same as 1804</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>nature triumphed over disease of body, he slowly recovered</td>
+<td>nature triumphed over disease of body&mdash;he slowly recovered</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+nature triumphed over disease of body, and he slowly recovered</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>an uncle who resided near Charleston in South Carolina (<i>See <span
+class = "smallcaps">Barometer</span> No. 110.</i>)</td>
+<td>an uncle who resided near Charleston in South Carolina*<br>
+[<i>Footnote</i>]<br>
+See page 39.</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+[<i>No footnote</i>]</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>roved, he knew not whether [<i>sic</i>]</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+roved, he knew not where</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the <i>dircle</i> sung mournfully in the grass</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... on the grass</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+through which they had passed, were recalled to his mind</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... were called to his mind</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+His fancy saw her&mdash;felt her gently leaning on his arm</td>
+<td>His fancy saw her&mdash;he felt ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Again was he enraptured by the melody of her voice</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Again he was enraptured ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the first time he saw her at her cousin’s (<i>See <span class =
+"smallcaps">Barometer</span> No. 105. See also allusions to this scene
+in several subsequent parts of the story.</i>)</td>
+<td>[<i>Footnote</i>]<br>
+See page 7. See also ...</td>
+<td>[<i>Footnote</i>]<br>
+See page 8. See also ...</td>
+<td>[<i>No footnote</i>]</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+his former bliss and anxiety, where every countenance would tend to
+renew his mourning, where every door would be inscribed with a
+<i>memento mori</i></td>
+<td>his former bliss and anxiety, where every door would be inscribed
+with a <i>memento mori</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>
+<span class = "pagenum">[150]</span>
+the breezes rustled from their woody coverts</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the breezes rushed from their woody coverts</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the willderness [<i>sic</i>] of its waters</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+its wilderness of waters</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>A new scene now opened to Alonzo</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+A new scene was now opened to Alonzo</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+<i>Blue tumbling billows, topp’d with foam</i></td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+<i>Blue trembling billows ...</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>The <i>dingy scud</i> first flew swiftly along the sky</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+The dirgy scud ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>It appeared to be of about equal force and dimensions</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+It appeared to be of equal force and dimensions</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the ship went down and was for ever buried</td>
+<td>the ship went down and was buried</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>as there existed no parental or other impediments to our union</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+as there were no ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the friend and intimate of my angel in my absence. They were now
+almost every day together, so that I had frequently opportunities</td>
+<td>the friend and inmate of my angel in my absence. They were ...</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+the friend and inmate of my angel in my absence. They were now almost
+every day together, so that I had frequent opportunities</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>promised to obey her injunctions</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+proceeded to obey her injunctions</td>
+<td>proceeded to obey her injunction</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>No, it was not this that caused you to perjure your plighted
+vows</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+No, it was not that which ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+I had worked up my feelings almost to the frenzy of distraction</td>
+<td>I worked up my feelings ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+gently pressed in the hand of the stranger</td>
+<td>... in the hands of the stranger</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>a little arbour, at a few yards distant from where I was</td>
+<td>a little arbour, a few yards distant from where I was</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+a little arbour, a few yards distant from where I sat</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+<span class = "pagenum">[160]</span>
+“I forgive you, Henry,” she said, “I forgive your mistake</td>
+<td>“I forgive you,” Henry, she said, “forgive your mistake</td>
+<td class = "center">
+<i>same as 1804</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+I made no defence; was condemned to death</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+I made no defence; and was condemned to death</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "4">
+frequently enter the prison to console and comfort him<br>
+[<i>Here alone, the 1804 form is “console” rather than
+“consolate”.</i>]</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+But the grief that preyed at his heart had wasted him to a skeleton</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... to a mere skeleton</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>trusting in the mercy of his Creator through the merits of a
+Redeemer</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... the sufferings of a Redeemer</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+were loose and could easily be removed</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+were loose and could be easily removed</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>every article of which he cut into narrow strips</td>
+<td>... narrow slips</td>
+<td class = "center" colspan = "2">
+<i>same as 1804</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>a piece of long timber</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+a long piece of timber</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>as useless encumbrances without his clothes</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+as a useless encumbrance ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+You must have experienced a severe gale indeed</td>
+<td>You have experienced ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+The sailor mused a few minutes</td>
+<td>The sailor mused for a few minutes</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Alonzo entered it to see how the sick and disabled American
+prisoners were treated</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... and disabled prisoners were treated</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>[<i>Note</i>]<br>
+were treated with much more humanity than those who were imprisoned in
+America</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+[<i>Footnote</i>]<br>
+[<i>same text as 1804</i>]</td>
+<td>[<i>Footnote</i>]<br>
+... imprisoned at Halifax and other places in America</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+he now found that he had lost his leg</td>
+<td>he now discovered ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>it is possible I have been undesigningly accessory</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... undesignedly accessory</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>to render him more comfortable. Beauman replied that he was not:
+“For the comforts of life,” said he</td>
+<td>... “For the comforts of this life,” replied he</td>
+<td>... “For the comforts of this life,” said he</td>
+<td>to make him more comfortable. Beauman replied that he was not: “For
+the comforts of this life,” said he</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+he would fall into incoherent mutterings</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... muttering</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+a natural stone was placed at its head</td>
+<td>... at his head</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>
+<span class = "pagenum">[170]</span>
+bearing a large trunk on his shoulder, and directing Alonzo</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... and directed Alonzo</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>not with a view to returning to America; he had yet no relish for
+revisiting</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+not with a view of returning ...</td>
+<td>not with a view of returning to America; he had no relish for
+revisiting</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Of this Alonzo gave a minute account</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Of this Alonzo gave him a minute account</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Alonzo enquired for the name to whom the note was addressed</td>
+<td>... the man to whom ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Alonzo gave his employer no room to complain</td>
+<td>... no reason to complain</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Alonzo dressed himself in deep mourning</td>
+<td>Alonzo dressed in deep mourning</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+he took it up and found it to be a curiously wrought purse</td>
+<td>... a curious wrought purse</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>what he esteemed most invaluable</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+what he esteemed most valuable</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Lost, between the hours of 9 and 10 last evening, in the <i>Rue de
+Loire</i></td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Lost, between the hours of nine and ten last evening, in the <i>Rue de
+Loir</i> [<i>sic</i>]</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+had hitherto taken no notice of what had passed</td>
+<td>... of what passed</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>a letter from his father, while he was at the army</td>
+<td>... while at the army</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... while with the army</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Last evening I lost the miniature which I suppose you have found</td>
+<td>... which I suppose you to have found</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>which I probably dropped on replacing in my pocket</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... on replacing it in my pocket</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>it has become a most precious and invaluable relique</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... and valuable relique</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>
+<span class = "pagenum">[180]</span>
+The next morning as they were about to part</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... about to depart</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>and sighed as ardently for some other trifle</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+and sighed as earnestly ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>turns to some other source to supply the vacuum</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... to supply <i>vacuum</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Stripped of all but their intrinsic value</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Stripped of all their intrinsic value</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>inordinate passion, or what you would call pure affection</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... what some would call ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>pining for a hopeless object</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... a hapless object</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+which will sail for any part of America in some time</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... for some time</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Ah! had this but have happened in time to save a life</td>
+<td>Ah! had this but happened ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>consecrated piles, and funereal monuments of the sacred dead</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+sacred piles, and funeral monuments ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>October 26, 1776</td>
+<td>Oct. 26, 1776</td>
+<td class = "center" colspan = "2">
+<i>same as 1804</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>
+<span class = "pagenum">[190]</span>
+how tenderly pensive does she beam her lovely eyes upon me!</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+how tenderly does she beam her lovely eye upon me!</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>There [<i>pointing to the grave</i>] there behold how my dearest
+wishes</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Then ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the first holy whisper of her consecrated lips</td>
+<td>the first holy whispers ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>determining to proceed on early in the morning</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... proceed early in the morning</td>
+<td>... proceed on early the next morning</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+which before sunrise encreased to a violent storm</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+which before sunrise had encreased to a violent storm</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+was to be opened for that night only</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+was to be opened that night only</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+To the general enquiry of “<i>what’s the matter?</i>”</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+To the general enquiry, “<i>what’s the matter?</i>”</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>forbade that he should re-pierce the ten thousand wounds</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+forbade that he re-pierce ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+<i>Song, beauty, youth, love, virtue, joy: this group<br>
+. . .<br>
+As yet unforfeit! in one blaze we bind.</i>
+<td><i>Song, beauty, love, virtue, joy: this group<br>
+. . .<br>
+As yet a forfeit! in one blaze we bind.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>They immediately retired to a separate room, where the stranger</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... when the stranger</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+private concerns; more extraordinary may you esteem it</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+private concerns, and more extraordinary you may esteem it</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>“Are you unmarried, sir?” “I&nbsp;am now, and have ever been
+single.”</td>
+<td>“Are you married, sir?” “I&nbsp;am now, and have ever been
+single.”</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+“Are you married, sir?” “I&nbsp;am not, and have ever been single.”</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>numberless suitors have sighed for her hand</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+numberless suitors sighed ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+It seemed that if she could but speak with him</td>
+<td>... speak to him</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+This extraordinary dream she has communicated</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... she had communicated</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Her father, who has but two children besides herself, being dotingly
+fond of her</td>
+<td>Her father, who has but two children, one besides herself, being
+doting fond of her</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+Her father, who has but two children, one beside herself, being dotingly
+fond of her</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>in a railing way told her I had seen her <i>invisible beau</i></td>
+<td>in a rallying way ...</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+in a rallying way told her that I had seen ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>she thought but little of it</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+she thought little of it</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>my leaving you so abruptly, and of my not returning</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... and not returning</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Now, sir, it is necessary for me farther to explain</td>
+<td>Now, sir, it is necessary farther to explain</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>on reviewing the incidents which led to</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+on reviewing the incidents which to</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+<span class = "pagenum">[200]</span>
+I have experienced a sufficient change of objects and of country</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... and country</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>a silk girdle, with diamond clasps</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+a silken girdle ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+Did not Alonzo see her death announced in the public prints?</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... her death in ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>And is not all this sufficient to prove</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+And is not this ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>However the author may succeed in description</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... in his description</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the bower on her favorite hill</td>
+<td>the bower of ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Have we not, according to the advice of the moralist<br>
+(<i>See <span class = "smallcaps">Barometer</span>, No. 118.</i>)
+</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+[<i>No footnote</i>]</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>their tears fell in one immingling shower</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... one intermingling shower</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+you were proof against the whole arcana of beauty</td>
+<td>... the whole arena of beauty</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>Indeed, sir, I cannot but applaud your discrimination</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... your determination</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the true novel style</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the novel style</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>“There I confess,” said he, looking at Alonzo</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Then I confess ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>He is the son of a deceased uncle</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... my deceased uncle</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+a servant took charge of Alonzo’s carriage</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... took care ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the eldest, a son about ten years of age</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+the eldest son, about ten years of age</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "4">
+<a name = "tablepara" id = "tablepara">
+to its members and its guests.</a><br>
+<br>
+[<a href = "#addpara"><i>See below</i></a>]<br>
+<br>
+It was agreed that Alonzo</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>
+<span class = "pagenum">[210]</span>
+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</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+I told her that I had been placed there by my father, and should not
+consent</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>I hardly know what I did wish</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+I hardly knew ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+As we passed out of the gate, I looked back at the mansion</td>
+<td>... back to the mansion</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+which put him in a terrible fluster</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... a terrible flutter</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+we have little peace in the house</td>
+<td>we have but little peace in the house</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the servant delivered a packet of letters</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... a package of letters</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>my uncle found it impossible to submit to these stern
+injunctions</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... these firm injunctions</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>soon after the birth of their first child</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... the first child</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+Inconsolable and comfortless, my uncle put the child out to nurse</td>
+<td>... the child to nurse</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+He finally married to an amiable and respectable woman</td>
+<td>He finally married to an amiable woman</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+yet soon greatly alleviated the pangs of early sorrow</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+yet greatly ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+he considers you to have formed an improper connection</td>
+<td>he considers you have ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+I have seen some troubles in this way myself, in my early days; perhaps
+my counsel may be of some service</td>
+<td>I have seen some troubles in that way myself, in my early days;
+perhaps my council may be of some service</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>I immediately gave him a correct account</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+I immediately gave a correct account</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>write to your father, advising him not to proceed too rashly</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... desiring him ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+her health evidently decreasing after she came to this place</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... decreasing. After ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>and was thereafter retained in the family</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+and was therefore ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+In Charleston it was also generally supposed</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+In Charleston it was generally supposed</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>he was not only deprived of you</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+he was not only deprived of me</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>
+<span class = "pagenum">[220]</span>
+except that you had gone in search of me. Vincent conjectured that you
+had gone to New London</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+except that you had gone to New London</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+He then confidentially unfolded to your father</td>
+<td>He then confidently ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+from whence you then came, to where you went</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+from whence you then came, or where you went</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>she had undoubtedly given him his lesson</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... given him instructions</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+he finally initiated himself so far in my aunt’s favor</td>
+<td>he initiated himself ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+he had left a wife and family in Virginia in indigent circumstances</td>
+<td>he had a wife and family in Virginia in indigent circumstances</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>yesterday morning at my uncle’s house in town, which Alfred had
+proposed for the scene of action</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... my uncle’s house, which ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+I trust that difficulty will soon be removed</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+I trust that that difficulty ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>if he had ever known Doctor Franklin</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+if he ever knew Dr. Franklin</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>I have inflicted a wound still deeper on my own bosom</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... in my own bosom</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+your daughter was the subject of my earliest affection</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... the object of ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>I shall in some measure realize former happy anticipations</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... former anticipations</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+bowed his gratitude and after appointing that day week, departed</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+bowed his head in gratitude; and after appointing ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>when a person rapped to the door below</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... at the door below</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+to intervene their happiness, no determined rival, no obdurate
+father</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+to intervene their happiness, no obdurate father</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>The sun blended its mild lustre with the landscape’s lovely
+green</td>
+<td>... the landscapes’ ...</td>
+<td class = "center" colspan = "2">
+<i>same as 1804</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>encircled by a wreath of flowers</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... a wreath of artificial flowers</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+<span class = "pagenum">[230]</span>
+Edgar then rising, motioned to the intended bride and bridegroom</td>
+<td>... mentioned to ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>“Where tides of heavy sorrows swell’d,”</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... sorrow ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>“And do I receive thee from the dead!” he said. “I am anxious to
+hear the mystery unfolded</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+And I receive thee as from ... the mighty mystery unfolded</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+But wearied with the bustles of life</td>
+<td>But wearied with the business of life</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>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</td>
+<td>who all left it under the foolish pretence or impression of hearing
+noises ...</td>
+<td>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</td>
+<td>who all left it under foolish pretence or impression of hearing
+noises and seeing frightful objects, and such is the superstition of the
+people</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>which might lead to the elucidation</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+which might tend to the elucidation</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>they struck a fire and lit candles, which they had brought with
+them</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... and lighted candles ...</td>
+<td>... and lighted candles, which they brought with them</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>where no objects presented, they lay flat on the ground, with orders
+not to stir, or to discover themselves</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+where no object presented, lay flat on the ground, with orders not to
+stir, or discover themselves</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>so that nothing should be discovered from without. Things thus
+arranged, they observed almost an implicit silence</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+so that nothing could be discovered from without. Things thus arranged,
+they observed almost an implicit silence</td>
+<td>so that nothing could be discovered from without. Things thus
+arranged, they observed almost implicit silence</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>For a long time no sounds were heard</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... no sound was heard</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>to prevent discovery took off their shoes</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+to prevent discovery they took off their shoes</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>“Those rascally cow-boys detained us too long.”<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span> “Well, well, never mind it</td>
+<td>“Rascally cow-boys ...</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+“Rascally cow-boys detained us too long.”<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span> “Well, never mind it</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+a noise as if several doors shut to</td>
+<td>... shut too<br>
+[<i>this spelling is used several times</i>]</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>gave the signal to the men without</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+gave the alarm ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the chairs on which these now invisible beings had sat, had all
+disappeared</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... had disappeared</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>That they were part of a gang</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+That they were a part of a gang</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+sold at a very extortionate price</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+sold at very extortionate prices</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>struck immense sums of it</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+struck immense <ins class = "change"
+title = "1870 misprints ‘quanties’">quantities</ins> of it</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+which had heretofore been only in the open woods</td>
+<td>which had therefore ...</td>
+<td class = "center">
+<i>same as 1804</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>we recrossed from the mansion. To get over the wall we used ladders
+of ropes, placing a flat piece of thick board</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+we recrossed from the old mansion.... placing a flat of thick board</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>on touching a spring, it would suddenly fly open</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... it would fly open</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>so that on emergency we could traverse every apartment</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+so that on an emergency ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>
+<span class = "pagenum">[240]</span>
+a beautiful young lady asleep in the only bed in the room</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... on the only bed in the room</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+to dispossess the fair tenant of premises to which</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... of the premises to which</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+As soon as we were prepared, we returned to the mansion</td>
+<td>As soon as they were ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+exhibiting the person before her in all his horrific appearances</td>
+<td>exhibited ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>some of the same material being placed in its mouth</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+some material being placed in its mouth</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+not having yet stripped off his ghostly habiliments</td>
+<td>not having stripped off ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+which in the night appears like coals of fire</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+... looks like coals ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>the generous midshipman, John Brown</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... Jack Brown</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>as there were several other British prisoners in the jail</td>
+<td colspan = "3">
+... in jail</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+put under the hands of a barber, cleaned, furnished with a change of
+clothes</td>
+<td>... cleansed ...</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+his ship was ordered for America</td>
+<td>... to America</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+<span class = "pagenum">[250]</span>
+went before the magistrates of the town</td>
+<td>... the magistrate of the town</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>planned the structure of their family edifice.<br>
+(<i>See <span class = "smallcaps">Barometer</span> No.
+109-110.</i>)</td>
+<td>[<i>Footnote</i>]<br>
+See pages 34 and 38.</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+[<i>No footnote</i>]</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+This intimation according with the ardent wishes of Alonzo, the
+site</td>
+<td colspan = "2">
+This intimation accorded with the ardent wishes of Alonzo. The site</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "2">
+Spring, with its verdured fields</td>
+<td><b>1864 only</b><br>
+Spring, with its verdurous fields<br>
+<i>This difference is on the last page of the book: see above.</i></td>
+<td class = "center">
+<i>same as 1804</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "3">
+commencing sprightly, but ending plaintive and melancholy</td>
+<td>... plaintively and melancholy</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "4">
+<h5><a name = "death" id = "death">
+Death Notice:</a></h5>
+
+<p class = "hanging">
+1804/1811:<br>
+<span class = "smallcaps">Died</span>, of a consumption on the 26th ult.
+at the seat of her uncle, Col. W****** D&mdash;&mdash;, near Charleston,
+South-Carolina, whither she had repaired for her health, Miss Melissa
+D&mdash;&mdash;, the amiable daughter of J**** D&mdash;&mdash;, Esq. of
+*******, Connecticut, in the 18th year of her age.</p>
+
+<p class = "hanging">
+1851/64:<br>
+Died, of a consumption, on the 26th ult. at the seat of her uncle, Col.
+W.&nbsp;D&mdash;, near Charleston, South Carolina, whither she had
+repaired for her health, Miss Melissa D<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>, the amiable daughter of J<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span> D<span class =
+"dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>, Esq. of *******, Connecticut, in the
+eighteenth year of her age.</p>
+
+<p class = "hanging">
+1870:<br>
+Died of a consumption, on the 26th ult. at the seat of her uncle, Col.
+W.&nbsp;D<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>, near Charleston,
+South Carolina, whither she had repaired for her health, Miss Melissa
+D<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>, the amiable daughter of
+J.&nbsp;D<span class = "dash">&mdash;&mdash;</span>, Esq. of <span class
+= "dash">&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;</span>, Connecticut, in the eighteenth
+year of her age.</p>
+
+<p class = "right">
+<a href = "#tabledeath">Table</a><br>
+<a href = "#maindeath">Main text</a></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td colspan = "4">
+<h5><a name = "addpara" id = "addpara">
+1804 Additional Paragraph:</a></h5>
+
+<p>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 <i>mysteries</i>, which if not elucidated, will render
+our story incomplete, and besides were we to stop here, the real
+<i>finishing</i> 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. what happened
+after they parted at the old mansion.</p>
+
+<p class = "right">
+<a href = "#tablepara">Table</a><br>
+<a href = "#mainpara">Main text</a></p>
+</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class = "endnote">
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p class = "right">
+<a href = "#start">Beginning of Text</a><br>
+<a href = "#endnote">Beginning of Endnotes</a></p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Alonzo and Melissa, by 
+Daniel Jackson, Jr. and Isaac Mitchell
+
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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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