diff options
Diffstat (limited to '28112-h/28112-h.htm')
| -rw-r--r-- | 28112-h/28112-h.htm | 10364 |
1 files changed, 10364 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/28112-h/28112-h.htm b/28112-h/28112-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..edd172e --- /dev/null +++ b/28112-h/28112-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,10364 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<title>Alonzo and Melissa</title> +<meta http-equiv = "Content-Type" content = "text/html; charset=UTF-8"> + +<style type = "text/css"> + +body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + +div.titlepage {padding: 1em 0; margin: 2em 1em;} + +hr {width: 80%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;} +hr.wide {width: 67%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} +hr.mid {width: 40%;} + +a.tag {text-decoration: none; padding-left: .25em;} +.footnote a {text-decoration: none;} + +h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 {text-align: center; font-style: normal; +font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-top: .5em; +margin-bottom: .5em;} + +h1 {font-size: 200%;} +h2 {font-size: 175%;} +h3 {font-size: 150%;} +div.endnote h3 {font-size: 133%; margin-top: 1em;} +div.maintext h3 {margin-top: 2em;} +h4 {font-size: 120%;} +div.endnote h4 {font-weight: bold; margin-top: 1em;} +h5 {font-size: 100%;} +div.endnote h5, table.parallel h5 {font-weight: bold; +margin-top: 1em; font-size: 105%;} +h6 {font-size: 85%;} +div.titlepage h6 {font-size: 80%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + +p {margin-top: .5em; margin-bottom: 0em; line-height: 1.2;} + +div.picture {margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 3em;} +p.illustration {text-align: center; margin-top: .5em; +margin-bottom: .5em;} + +div.verse, p.verse {font-size: 92%;} +div.verse {margin: .5em 2em;} +div.titlepage div.verse {margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%;} +div.endnote div.verse {margin: .5em 0; font-size: 100%;} +p.verse {margin-left: 6em; text-indent: -4em;} +div.verse p {margin-top: 0; margin-left: 4em; text-indent: -4em;} + +div.inset, p.inset {margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em;} +p.hanging {margin-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;} + +p.center {text-align: center;} +div.center {margin-top: .5em;} +div.center p {text-align: center; margin-top: 0;} +p.right {text-align: right;} + + +/* footnotes */ + +span.footnote {float: right; clear: right; width: 25%; +padding: .5em; margin: .33em 0 .33em .33em; font-size: 88%; +border: 1px solid #666;} +span.footnote.lost {border: 1px solid #999;} +p.footnote {margin: .67em 2em; font-size: 88%;} + + +/* tables */ + +table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; +margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;} + +th {text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; +padding: .2em;} + +td {vertical-align: top; text-align: left; padding: .1em;} + +td.center {text-align: center;} + +table.parallel {font-size: 94%; border-collapse: collapse; +border: 3px ridge #A9F;} +table.parallel th {border: 1px solid #999;} +table.parallel td {font-size: inherit; +border: 1px solid #999; padding: .1em .33em;} + + +/* text formatting */ + +span.topline {border-top: 4px double black; padding-top: 1em;} +span.dash {letter-spacing: -.2em; margin-right: .2em;} + +.smallroman {text-transform: lowercase; font-variant: small-caps;} +.smallcaps {font-variant: small-caps; font-style: normal;} +.smaller {font-size: 88%;} + + +/* correction popup */ + +ins.correction {text-decoration: none; border-bottom: thin dotted red;} + +ins.change {text-decoration: none; border-bottom: thin dotted #666;} +ins.other {text-decoration: none; color: #999; +background-color: inherit;} +del.other {text-decoration: none; color: inherit; +background-color: #CCC;} + +/* page number */ + +span.pagenum {position: absolute; right: 2%; font-size: 88%; +font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-align: right; +text-indent: 0em;} +table.parallel span.pagenum {font-size: inherit;} + +/* Transcriber's Note */ + +.mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; +font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 90%;} + +div.mynote {margin: 1em 5%; padding: .5em 1em 1em;} +p.mynote {margin: 1em 5%; padding: 1em;} +div.mynote a {text-decoration: none;} + +div.endnote {padding: 0 1em 1em; margin: 1em 0; +border: 3px ridge #A9F; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 90%;} + +</style> +</head> + +<body> + + +<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> <br> </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.—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—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">——</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> <br> </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 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 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;—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 <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—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.—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.—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.—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 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.”</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.—“’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.”</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 thousand transitory gems trembled +upon the foliage glittering <ins class = "change" +title = "1804/11 ‘to the’ 1870 ‘in the’">the</ins> western ray.—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—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—the ship—it—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.—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 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—Melissa D<span class = "dash">——</span> 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.”</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 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—I believe I must.</p> + +<p>Al. And appropriate?</p> + +<p>Melissa was silent<ins class = "correction" +title = ". missing or invisible">. </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">. </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 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. <!-- 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 am conscious of my +inadvertency, and that the reproof is just. One therefore must be +dismissed. But—(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—“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.</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 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.</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 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 <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 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 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 +<span class = "pagenum">23</span> +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 <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—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.—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—and I must meet 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 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 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 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 <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 hope, to embitter present prospects.</p> + +<p>Al. (peevishly.) As it respects yourself, I 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 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 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 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—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 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">——</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.—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 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.</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 should be considered as acting capriciously and +inconsistently, should I depart from it. Beauman will be here to-morrow, +and<span class = "dash">——</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—yes—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 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 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 <ins class = "change" +title = "1804/11 ’explicitly’">implicitly</ins> <ins class = "change" +title = "1870 ’to’">by</ins> these injunctions. Her father then observed—“This, +gentlemen, is all I require. I 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—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 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—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—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—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 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 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 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 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 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 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:—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 have reasons, which, when told”—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 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 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 <del class = "other" +title = "1870 omits">and meanness</del>. I 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 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 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 +<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?—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.—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 <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 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 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 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.”</p> + +<p>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?</p> + +<p>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.</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 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.—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.</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.—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 <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 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 <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 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 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 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 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 +<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 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 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 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 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">——</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—“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? <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”—and</ins> immediately left the room.</p> + +<p>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 <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.—What</ins> 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.”</p> + +<p>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 <ins +class = "other" title = "1804 only">part of</ins> 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.”</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 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.—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.—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.—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.—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.”</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.—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;—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">——</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;—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.—“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 <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 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?—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”—said Alonzo. “Not on that +account, interrupted Melissa, but my father’s displeasure<span class = +"dash">——</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.”—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 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.</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> would advise you, said he, to remain here until +your affair comes to some final issue. It must, I 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">——</span>“Hearing you were in the neighbourhood, said +her father, I have sent for you, to make a proposition, which after +what has taken +<span class = "pagenum">69</span> +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<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 do.”</p> + +<p>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.”<span class = +"dash">——</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 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">——</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">——</span>”</p> + +<p>“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.”</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 kept the rogues at a +distance, I’ll warrant you. I 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 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.”</p> + +<p>“Beggar!” involuntarily exclaimed Alonzo, and his eyes <ins class = +"change" title = "1804 ’flashed’ 1870 ’flashed with’">flashed in</ins> +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.</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—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.</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—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 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.”</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.—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 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">. </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 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.”</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 believe they will <ins class = +"change" title = "1804 ’trust me to’">let me</ins> see her. I can, +from time to time, inform you of passing events, so that you may know +what changes take place. I 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—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 <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 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—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 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 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 <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 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 <ins class = "change" +title = "1804 ’retired’">gone</ins> to rest. I was about to return, when I saw a +light from <ins class = "change" title = "1870 ’a’">the</ins> chamber +window, which soon withdrew. I 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 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 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 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, &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.—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 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">——</span>, 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 +<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 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 <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 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 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.—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—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—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 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 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 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 had forgotten, said her aunt, that my rents +<ins class = "change" title = "1804/11 ’became’">become</ins> 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.”<span class = "dash">——</span>“You need not give +yourself that trouble, replied Melissa; I 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">——</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 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 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 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—no new object was +visible—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 thought darted into her +mind,—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;—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—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—perhaps they were still <ins class = +"correction" title = ". invisible">open.</ins> 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 <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 <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, &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.</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?”—“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 <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 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 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 +extra­ordinary. 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 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">——</span>What the sulphureous stench which had +pervaded the room?<span class = "dash">——</span>While she +was thus musing in perplexity, a 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—but a very different sound <del class = "other" +title = "1870 omits">soon</del> 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 <del class = "other" title += "1870 omits">the</del> 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, +<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.—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 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 +<span class = "pagenum">102</span> +alarmed beyond any former example.<span class = +"dash">——</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 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 +<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 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.</p> + +<p>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, “<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—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—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 +<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 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 <ins class = "change" title += "1870 ‘the’">their</ins> 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, +<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.—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.—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 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;<!-- 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 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.</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—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:—“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 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 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 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.—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 +<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 have a fire +there, where you can dry your clothes.”—“Your chamber; replied +Alonzo; who then inhabits this house?” “No one except myself<ins class = +"other" title = "1804 only">, Alonzo</ins>, 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.”</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—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.—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 <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 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.—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 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 <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 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 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.—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—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 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;—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 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.—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 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">——</span>but where, Alonzo, would you remove me?” “To +any place you shall appoint,” he answered. “I 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 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 will then submit to the future events of +fate; but I cannot Melissa—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—“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 signal was therefore agreed <ins class = "change" +title = "1870 ‘upon’">on</ins>; 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, <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;—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.—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—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.—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 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 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, <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 ‘..’">. </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—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;—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:—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 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.—He +<span class = "pagenum">126</span> +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.</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 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.”—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.—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;—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 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 +<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.—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;—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 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—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 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 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 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, &c. the <i>insignia</i> 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.</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’">Killings­worth</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;—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.—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;—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;—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.—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;—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;—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 <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">——</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—, near Charleston, South +Carolina, whither she had repaired for her health,<!-- oh, the irony --> +Miss Melissa D<span class = "dash">——</span>, the amiable +daughter of J<span class = "dash">——</span> D<span class = +"dash">——</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—a sudden faintness came upon +him—the room grew dark—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">——</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.—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 +<span class = "pagenum">141</span> +and disastrous woe<span class = "dash">——</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.—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;—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<span class = "dash">——</span>the lot of <i>Nature’s +children</i> covetable—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—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?—“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—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—a world desolate, +sad and dreary.</p> + +<p>Alonzo revived. “Why am I, he exclaimed, recalled to this dungeon of +torment? <!-- I 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 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!</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?—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—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 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 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<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—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.—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—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 +<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—<ins class = "other" +title = "1870 only">he</ins> 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 <ins class += "change" title = "1804 ‘was he’">he was</ins> 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 +<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">——</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—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 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">——</span>“Well may it +wring his bosom, thought Alonzo;<span class = +"dash">——</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 to</p> + +<p class = "verse"> +<ins class = "correction" +title = "open quote missing or invisible"> “</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">” </ins></p> + +<p>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 <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">——</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 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 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 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 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 sought her hand. Our souls soon became united by the +indissoluble bonds of sincerest love, <!-- AFTER he asked for her hand +--><!-- I 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 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!—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.<!-- 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: </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 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.”</p> + +<p>“Here she hesitated—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 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 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 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 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 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<ins class = +"correction" title = "close quote missing">.”</ins>—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 <del class = "other" +title = "1870 omits">had</del> 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 <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 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 <ins class = "change" +title = "1870 ‘the’">my</ins> sword into his bosom. A 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 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 forgive you, Henry, she said, <ins class = "other" +title = "1804/11/70">I </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 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; <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 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—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">. </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;—<ins class = "correction" title = +"1851 ‘frequntly’">frequently</ins> would he burst into +tears;—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 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:—“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!” <!-- 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">——</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">, </ins>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<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 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 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 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 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 <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 </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 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 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 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,—“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 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> 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. -->—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.—“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 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. 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 servant appeared, of whom +Alonzo enquired for the lodger. The servant answered him in French, +which Alonzo did not understand: <!-- I 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 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!”—“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 <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.—“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 +<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">——</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 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.</p> + +<p>“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.</p> + +<p>“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.</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 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 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 <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”—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—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 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 will seek you +out if you are on the earth;—but now, I 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 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.”<!-- 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 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?—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—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 <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;—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 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.—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 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">——</span>All the parental feelings of Alonzo were now +called into poignant action.<span class = +"dash">——</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—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 <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 will go to the relief of my +parents—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 wrote to my +correspondent in England, and found, as I expected, that he had been +overreached by swindlers and sharpers.<span class = +"dash">——</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 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">. </ins>D<span class = +"dash">——</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.—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">——</span>’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.”</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?—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.”</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">——</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 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">——</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—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.”</p> + +<p>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.</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">——</span>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 <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 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.—Alonzo was, in some degree, aroused from his +abstractedness;—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 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 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—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 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—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—was most blest—</p> +<p>Like blossom’d trees o’erturn’d by vernal storm,</p> +<p>Lovely in death the beauteous ruin lay—</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—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 have no doubt of your candour. If my +<span class = "pagenum">195</span> +questions should be deemed improper, you will tell me 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 take the liberty therefore to ask if you are an +American?”<span class = "dash">——</span>“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 <ins class = "change" +title = "1804 ‘unmarried’">married</ins>, sir?” “I am <ins class = "change" title += "1804/11 ‘now’">not</ins>, 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, <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 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 <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.—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 told my +sister—I beg pardon, sir—I was wandering from my +subject—after +<span class = "pagenum">197</span> +I first met you at the inn, I 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 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 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.—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.</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.—One valuable purpose is, however, answered +<span class = "pagenum">198</span> +thereby; it will exclude the imputation of capriciousness<span class = +"dash">——</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:—If she obtains the object of her choice, on +him, as I have told you, will her father bestow affluence.<span class = +"dash">——</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—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 presume, +on reviewing the incidents which <ins class = "other" +title = "1804 only">led</ins> to—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 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 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; <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 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 have had +time for deliberate reflection since the melancholy event took place. +I 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 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 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">. </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 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 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—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.”</p> + +<p>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 <i>tiara</i> gathered her hair, from which +was suspended a green veil, according to the mode of those times; +a <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 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 know not +how—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.—Alonzo +started—his whole frame shook—he gasped for breath!<span +class = "dash">——</span>“Melissa! he convulsively +exclaimed,—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">——</span>“Melissa alive!” may they +say—“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 think --> 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 +<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">——</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">——</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—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?</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">——</span>“Alonzo!”<span class = +"dash">——</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">——</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 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 <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 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—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 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 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 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 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">——</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">——</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:—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 <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 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 <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 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.</p> + +<p>“As soon as I was ready, we entered the carriage, which drove rapidly +away. As we passed out of the gate, I 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 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>:—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 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 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:—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 <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’">, 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 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 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 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 <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 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, <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 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 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 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">——</span>, who had died.—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 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 consulted with Alfred how this should be done.<span class = +"dash">——</span>“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 <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 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">. </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;—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 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 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">——</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">. </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.—From my inability to labour, we have +latterly been a little more pressed than usual; but having now recovered +my health, I 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 once divided my money with +Franklin on an urgent occasion to him; he afterwards repaid me with +ample interest—he will never forget 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 have injured, said he, my young friend, deeply +injured you; but in doing this, I 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.—True it is, that your daughter was the <ins +class = "change" title = "1804/11 ‘subject’">object</ins> of my earliest +affection—an affection which my bosom must ever retain<ins class = +"correction" title = "; invisible">; </ins>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 +<span class = "pagenum">227</span> +old man sighed.]<span class = "dash">——</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 shall in some measure realize former <ins class = "other" +title = "1804 only">happy</ins> anticipations; I shall receive her +in the character of Melissa.”</p> + +<p>“Ah! said Melissa’s father, were it in my power—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 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.—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">. </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 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">——</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—your own +Melissa!”</p> + +<p>Her father started—he gazed at her with scrutinizing attention, +and sunk back in his +<span class = "pagenum">231</span> +chair.—“My daughter! he cried—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—“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 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 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—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">——</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 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">——</span>“Yes, but poor Bob, though, was plump’d over +by the d<span class = "dash">——</span>d skulkers!”<span +class = "dash">——</span>“Aye, and had we not tugged bravely +at the oars, they would have hook’d us.”<span class = +"dash">——</span>“<ins class = "change" +title = "1804 ‘Those rascally’">Rascally</ins> cow-boys detained us too long.”<span class = +"dash">——</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 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—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, &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:—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:—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:—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.—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.—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—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.</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">.” </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">——</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 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;—<ins class = "other" title = "1804 only">& +</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—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 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 +<span class = "pagenum">247</span> +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.</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 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—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.</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">——</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.—“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.”</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 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 +<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—but most of them +absconded, so that the company and their plans were broken 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,—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—generally +1870—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 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 & 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 [ ] and parentheses +( ). 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 inter­changeably. 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 & 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.”</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 inter­changes 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 typo­graphical 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—<i>Nor to Melissa herself</i><span class = +"dash">——</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— (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”—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.—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.—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—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—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—but a very different sound soon +grated</td> +<td>filled the house with electric effluvium. She listened for a +repetition of the thunder—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—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—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—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—felt her gently leaning on his arm</td> +<td>His fancy saw her—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 am now, and have ever been +single.”</td> +<td>“Are you married, sir?” “I am now, and have ever been +single.”</td> +<td colspan = "2"> +“Are you married, sir?” “I 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">——</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">——</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——, 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.</p> + +<p class = "hanging"> +1851/64:<br> +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<span class = +"dash">——</span>, the amiable daughter of J<span class = +"dash">——</span> D<span class = +"dash">——</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. D<span class = "dash">——</span>, near Charleston, +South Carolina, whither she had repaired for her health, Miss Melissa +D<span class = "dash">——</span>, the amiable daughter of +J. D<span class = "dash">——</span>, Esq. of <span class += "dash">———</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 + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ALONZO AND MELISSA *** + +***** This file should be named 28112-h.htm or 28112-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/1/1/28112/ + +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) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +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 + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + +</pre> + +</body> +</html> |