ALONZO AND MELISSA ; UNFEELING FATHER. Sale, on jpact. NEW YORK: LEAVITT & ALLEN BROS., No. 8 HOWARD STREET. ALONZO AND MELISSA A TALE IN the time of the late revolution, two young gentlemen of Connecticut, who had formed an in dissoluble friendship, graduated at Yale College, in New-Haven: their names were Edgar and Alonzo. Edgar was the son of a respectable farmer. Alon- za 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 grad uation before they entered upon their professional studies, they improved the interim in mutual friend ly visits, mingling with select parties in the amuse ments of the day, and in travelling through some parts of the United States. Edgar had a sister, who for some time had resid ed 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 unfortu nately thrown from his horse, which so much injur ed him as to prevent his prosecuting his intended journey: he therefore invited Alonzo to supply his 8 ALOIfZO AlfD MELISIA. place, which invitation he readily accepted, and on the day appointed, set out for New-London, where he arrived, delivered his introductory letters to Ed gar s cousin, and was received with the most friend ly politeness. Melissa, the sister of Kdgar, 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 tempered with a pensive mildness s which in her cheer ful moments would light up into sprightlincss and vivacity. Though on first impression her counte nance was marked by a sweet and thoughtful seren ity, yet she eminently possessed the power to Call round her laughing eyes, in playful turns, The glance that lightens and the smile that burns. Her mind was adorned with those delicate graces which are the first ornaments of female excellence. Her manners were graceful without affectation, and her taste had been properly directed by a suitable education. Alonzo was about twenty-one years old; he had been esteemed an excellent student. His appear ance was manly, open and free. His eye indicated a nobleness of soul; although his aspect was tingod with melancholy, yet he was naturally cheerful Hi* disposition was of a romantic cast; "For far beyond the pride or pomp of power, He lov d the realms of nature to explore; With lingering gaze Edinian spring survey d; Morn s fairy splendours; night s gay curtain d shade, The high hoar cliff, the grove s benighting gloom, The wild rose, widow d o er the mouldering tomb The heaven embosom d sun; the rainbow s die, Where lucid forms disport to fancv s eye; ALONZO AWD MELISSA. 3 The vernal flower, mild autumn s purpling glow, The summer s thunder and the winter s snow." It was evening when Alonzo arrived at the house of Edgar s cousin. Melissa was at a ball which had been given on a matrimonial occasion in the town. Her cousin waited on Aionzo to the ball, and in troduced him to Melissa, who received him with po liteness. She was dressed in white, embroidered and spangled with rich silver lace; a silk girdle enwrought and tasselled with gold surrounded her waist; her hair was unadorned except by a wreath of artificial flowers, studded by a single diamond. After the ball closed they returned to the house of Edgar s cousin. Melissa s partner at the ball was the son of a gentleman of independent fortune in New-London. He was a gay young man, aged about twenty-five. His address was easy, his man ners rather voluptuous than refined; confident, but not ungraceful. He led the ton in fashionable circles; gave taste its zest, and was quite a favorite with the ladies generally. His name was Beauman. Edgar s cousin proposed to detain Alonzo and Me lissa a few days, which time they passed in waa visiting select friends and in social parties. Beauman an assiduous attendant upon Melissa. He came one afternoon to invite her to ride out; she was indisposed and excused herself. At evening she pro posed walking out with her cousin and his lady; but they were prevented from attending her by unexpect ed 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 ar rayed in her richest dress. They left the town and walked through fields adjoining the harbor. Tha moon shone in full lustre, her white beams trem^>- 10 ALONZO AND MELISSA, ling 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 harbor, appeared dimly to float among the waves. The air was adorned with the fragrance of sur rounding flowers; the sound of instrumental mu sic wafted from the town, rendered sweeter by dis tance, while the whippoorwill s sprightly song echoed along the adjacent groves. Far in the eastern ho rizon hung a pile of brazen clouds, which had pas- ed from the north, over which the crinkling red lightning momentarily darted, and at times, long peals of thunder were faintly heard. They walked to a point of the beach, where stood a large rock whose base was washed by every tide. On this rock they seated themselves, and enjoyed a while the splendors of the scene the drapery of nature. * To this place, said Melissa, have I taken many a solita ry walk, on such an evening as this, and seated on this rock, have I experienced more pleasing sensa tions than I ever received in the most splendid bail room. The idea impressed the mind of Alonzo; it was congenial with the feeling of his soul. They returned at a late hour, and the next day set out for home. Beauman handed Melissa into the carriage, and he, with Edgar s cousin and his lady attended them on their first day s journey. They put up at night at the house of an acquaint ance in Branford. The next morning they parted; Melissa s cousin, his lady and Beauman, returned to New-London; Alonzo and Melissa pursued their jouwiey, and at evening arrived at her father s house, which was in the westerly par of the state. Melissa was received with joyful tenderness by her friends. Edgar soon recovered from his fall, and ( leerfulness again assumed its most oleasing ALONZO AND MELISSA. 11 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 busi ness. He had loaned money and taken mortgages on lands and houses for securities; and as payment frequently failed, he often had opportunities of pur chasing 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 pro vided the means of obtaining it for his son, and as he was a rigid presbyterian, he considered that Ed gar could no where figure so well, or gain more em inence, than in the sacred desk. The time now arrived when Edgar and Alonzo were to part. The former repaired to New York, where he was to enter upon his professional studies. The latter entered in the office of an eminent attor ney 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 fre quent guest of this family; for though Edgar was absent, there was still a charm which attracted him thither. If he had admired the manly virtues of the brother, could he fail to adore the sublime gra ces of the sister? If all the sympathies of the most ardent friendship had been drawn forth towards the former, must not the most tender passions of the goul be attracted by the milder and more refined ex cellencies of the latter? Beauman had become the suitor of Melissa; but the distance of residence rendered it inconvenient to visit her ofton. He came regularly once in two of 12 ALONZO AND MELISSA. three months; of course Alonzo and he sometime! met. Beauman had made no serious pretensions, but his particularity indicated something more than fashionable politeness. His manners, his independent situation, his fami ly, entitled him to respect. It is not probable there fore, that he will be objectionable to Melissa s f.-iends, or to Melissa herself, said Alonzo, with an involuntary sigh. But as Beauman s visits to Melissa became more frequent, an increasing anxiety took place in Alon- zo s bosom. He wished her to remain single; the idea of losing her by marriage, gave him inex pressible regret. What substitute could supply the happy hours he had passed in her company? What charm could wing the lingering moments when she was gone? In the recess of his studies he could in a few hours, be at the seat of her father: There his cares were dissipated, and the troubles of life, real or imaginary, on light pinions fleeted away. How different would be the scene when debarred from the unreserved friendship and conversation of Me lissa. 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 pre ferred. 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 highly probable then that he had secured her affections? Thus rea soned Alonzo, but the reasoning tended not to allay the temoest which was gathering in his bosom. He ALONZO AND MELISSA. 13 ordered his horse, and was in a short time at the scat of Melissa s father. It was summer, and towards evening when he ar rived. Meiissa was setting by the window when he entered the hall. She arose and received him with a srnile. * I have just been thinking of an eve ning s walk, said she, but had no one to attend me, and you have come just in time to perform that of fice. I will order tea immediately, while you rest from the fatigues of your journey. When tea was served up, a servant entered the rom with a letter which he had found in the yard. Melissa received it. "Tis a letter, said she c wh ch I sent by Beaumante a lady in New London, and the careless man has lost it. Turning to Alonzo, I forgot to tell you that your friend Beauman has been with us a few days; he left us this morning. * My friend, replied Alonzo, hastily. Is he not your friend? enquired Melissa. I beg pardon, madam, answered he, * my mind was absent. * He requested us to present his respects to his friend Alonzo, said she. Alonzo bowed and turned the conversation. They walked out and took a winding path which led along pleasant fields by a gliding stream, through a little grove and up a sloping eminence, which com manded an extensive prospect of the surrounding country, Long Island, and the sound between that and the main land, ans. the opening thereof to the distant ocean. f A soft and silent shower naU descended; a thou sand transitory gems trembled upon the foliage glit tering in the western ray. A bright rainbow sat upon tho southern cloud, the light gales whispered among the branches, agitaled the \oung harvest to billowy 14 ALONZO AND MELISSA. motion, or waved the tops o<" i:e distant deeo green forest with majestic grandeur. Flocks, herds, and cottages were scattered over tne variegated land scape. Hills piled on hills, receding,faded from the pursu ing eye, mingling with the blue mist which, hovered around the extreme verge of the horizon. This is a most delightful scene. said Melissa. * It is indeed, replied Alonzo; can New-London boast so charming a prospect? Melissa. No yes; indeed I can hardly say. You know, Alonzo, how I am charmed with the rock at the point of the beach. Alonzo. You told me the happy hours you had passed at that place. Perhaps the company which attended you there, gave the scenery its highest embellishment. Melissa. I know not how it happened; but you are the only person who ever attended me there. Al. That is a little surprising. Mel. Why surprising ? Al. Where was Beauman ? Mel. Perhaps he was not fond of solitude. Be sides he was not always my Beauman. Al. Sometimes. Mel. Yes, sometimes. Al. And now always. Mei. Not this evening. Al. He formally addresses you. Mel. Well. Al. And will soon claim the exclusive privilege 00 to do. Mel. That does not follow of course. Al. Of course, if his intentions are sincere, and the wishes of another should accord therewith. Mel. Who am I to understand by another? ALONJO AND MELISSA. 15 Al. Melissa. [A pa^se,] Mel. See that s .np, Alonzo, coming up tae sound; how she ploughs through the white foam, while the breezes flutter among the sails, varying with the beams of the sun. Al. Yes, it is almost down. Mel. What is almost down? Al. The sun. Was not you speaking of the sun, madam? Mel. Your mind is absent, Alonzo; I was speaking of yonder ship. Al. I beg your pardon, madam. O yes the ship it it bounds witrx rapid motion over the waves. A pause ensued. They walked leisurely around the hill, and moved towards 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 valleys. The beauties of the landscape slowly receded. This re minds me of our walk at New-London, said Melissa. * Do you remember it? enquired Alonzo. Certainly I do, she replied, I shall never forget the sweet pen sive scenery of my favorite rock. Nor I neither, said Alonzo, with a deep drawn sigh. The next day Alonzo returned to his studies ; but different from his former visits to Melissa, in stead of exhilerating his spirts, this had tended to depress them. He doubted whether Melissa was not already engaged to Beauman. His hopes would persuade him that this was not the case; but his fears declared otherwise. It was some time before Alonzo renewed his visit. In the interim he received a letter from a friend in the neighborhood of Melissa s father; an eitract from which follows: 16 MELISSA. We are soon to have a wedcnr.rr here; you are acquainted with the parties Melissa IT and Beauman. Such at least is cur opinion from ap pearances, as Beauman is now ht.e more than half his time You will undoubtedly be a guest. We had expected that you would have put in your C C ms, from your particular attention to the lady. She id a fine girl, Alonzo. I shall never be a gue?t at Jm^ssa s wedding, Baid Alonzo as he hastily pacw ihe r?onv but I must once again see her before *hct event takes place, when I lose her forever. The next day he repaired to her father s. He enquired for Melissa she was gone with a party to the shores of the sound, attended by Beauman. At evening they returned. Beauman and Alonzo addressed each other with much seeming cordiality. You have deceived us, Alonzo, said Melissa. We concluded you had forgotten the road to this place. Was not that a hasty conclusion? replied Alon zo. I think not, she answered rf your long ab sence should be construed into negject. But we will hear your excuse, said she, sm.ina , Dy and by, and perhaps pardon you. He thanitea her for her con descension. The next morning Beauman set out for New-Lon don. 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 setting in a room alone. Well, said she am I to hear your excuses: Alonzo. For what, madam? Mel. For neglecting your friends. Alonzo I hope it is r.ot so considered madam. ALONZO AXD MELISSA. 17 Mel. Seriously, tnen, why have you staid away BO long? Has this place no charms in the absence of my brother? Al. Would my presence have added to your fe licity, Melissa? Mel. You never came an unwelcome visitor here. Al. Perhaps I might be sometimes intrusive. Mel. What times? Al. When Beauman is your guest. Mel. I have supposed you were on friendly terms. Al. We are. Mel. Why then intrusive Al. There are seasons when friendship must yield to a superior claim. Mel. Perhaps I do not rightly comprehend the force of that remark. Al. Was Beauman here, my position might bo demonstrated. Mel. I think T understand you. Al. And acknowledge my observation to be just, Mel. (hesitating.) Yes, I believe I must. Al. And appropriate? Melissa was silent. Al. You hesitate, Melissa. She was silent. Al. Will you Melissa answer me one question? Mel. (confused.) If it be a proper one you are entitled to candor. Al. Are you engaged to Beauman? Mel. (blushing.) He has asked me the same question concerning you. Al. Do you prefer him to any other? Mel. (deeply blushing, her eyes cast upon the floor.) Fe has made the same enquiry respecting you. 18 ALONZO AND MELISSA. Al. Has he asked your father s permission to ad dress you? Mel. That I have not suffered him yet to do. Al. Yet! Mel. I assure you I have net 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 iTiust relinquish their pretensions. We cannot share the blessing. Mel. (her cheeks suffused with a varying glow, her lips pale, her voice trembles, her eyes still cast down.) My parents have informed me that it is im proper to receive the particular addresses of more than one. I am conscious or my inadvertency, and that the reproof is just, ^-ne therefore musf be dis missed. But (she blushec. A considerable pause ensued. At length Alonzo arose I will not press you farther, said he; I know the delicacy of your feelings, 1 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 hap piness depends on our obedience to their mandates Whatever, then, may be mv sufferings you are un* blameable and irreproacnaoie. He TOOK his hat in extreme agitation and prepared to take his leave. Melissa had recovered in some degree from her embarrassment, and collected her skittered spirits. * Your conduct, Alonzo. said she, is generous arid no ble. Will ya. give yourse.f t?he trouble and do me the ALONZO AND MELISSA. 19 honor tj see me once more ? I will, said he, * at any time you shall appoint. * Four weeks, then, ehe said, from this day, honor me with a visit and you shall have my decision, and receive my final an- ewer. I will be punctual to the day, he replied and bade her adieu. Alonzo s hours now winged heavily away. His wonted cheerfulness fled; he wooed the silent and solitary haunts of musing moping melancholy. He loved to wander through lonely fields, or along the verge of some lingering stream, * when dewy twi light rob d the evening mild, or to trace the for est glen, through which the moon darted her silvery intercepted ray. He was fondly indulging a tender passion which preyed upon his peace, and deeply disturbed his re pose. He looked anxiously to the hour when Me lissa was to make her decision. He wished, yet dreaded the event. In that he foresaw, or thought he foresaw, a withering blight to his budding hopes, and a final consummation to his foreboding fears. He had pressed Melissa, perhaps too urgently, to a declaration. Had her predilection been in his favor, would she have hesitated to avow it ? Her parents had advised her to relinquish, and had permitted her to retain one suitor, nor had they attempted to influence or direct her choice. Was it not evident then, from her confused hesitation and embarrass ment, when solicited t discriminate upon the sub ject, that her ultimate decision would be in favor of ueauman ? While Alonzo s mind was thus agitated, he receiv ed a second letter from his friend in the neighborhood ofMelissa. He read the following clause therein with emotions more easily conceived than expressed 20 ALONZO AND MKI.IBA. * Melissa s wedding day is appointed. I need not tell you that Beauman is to be the happy deity of the hy menial sacrifice. I had this from his own declaration. He did not name the positive day, but it is certainly to be soon. You will undoubtedly, however, have timely notice, as a guest. We must pour out a liberal libation to the mystic altar, Alon zo, and twine the nuptial garland with wreaths of joy. Beauman ought to devote a rich offering to so valuable a prize. He has been here for a week, and departed for New-London yesterday, but is shortly to return. * And why have I doubted this event" said Alonzo. * What infatuation hath thus led me on to the pur suit of fantastic and unreal bliss ? I have had, it is true, no positive assurance that Melissa would fa vor my addresses. But why did she ever receive them? Why did she enchantingly smile upon me? Why fascinate the tender powers of my soul by that winning mildness, and the favorable display of those complicated and superior attractions which she must have known were irresistible? Why did she not sp-irn me from her confidence, and plainly tell me thai my attentions were untimely and im proper? And now she would have me dance attend ance to her decision in favor of Beauman. Insult ing. Let Beauman and she, make, as they have formed, this farcical decision; I absolutely will nev er attend it. But stop: I have engaged to see hei at an appointed time; my honor is therefore pledg ed for an interview; it must take place. I shall support it with becoming dignity, and I will con vince 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 orother was my early friend: she has treated me of ALONZO AND MELISSA. 21 a friend to her brother. She was unconscious of the flame which her charms had kindled in my bo som. Her evident embarrassment and confusion on receiving my declaration, witnessed her surprise and prior attachment. What could she do? To save herself the pain of a direct denial, she had appoint ed a day when her refusal may come in a more del icate and formal manner and I must meet it. At the appointed day Alonzo proceeded to the house of Melissa s father, where he arrived late in the afternoon. Melissa had retired to a little sum mer house at the end of the garden; a servant con ducted Alonzo thither. She was dressed in a flow ing robe of white muslin, embroidered with a deep fringe lace, liar hair hung loosely upon her shoul ders; she was contemplating a boquet of flowers which she held in her hand. Alonzo fancied she never appeared so lovely. She arose to receive him. We have been expecting you some time, said Me lissa; we are anxious to inform you that we have just received a letter from my brother, in which he desires us to present you his most friendly respects, and complains of your not writing to him lately so frequently as usual. Alonzo thanked her for the information; said that business prevented him; he esteemed him as his most valuable friend, and would be more particular in future. We have been thronged with company for sever al days, said Melissa. Once a year my father cel ebrates his birth day, when we are honored with so numerous a company of uncles, aunts, cousins, ne phews and neices, 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 f jr nearly a week been prevented from visit- 22 ALOWZO AWD MELISSA. ing my favorite hill, to which you attended m when you last was here. It is much improved since then: I have had a little arbor built under the large tree on its summit: you will have no objection to view it, Alon/.o. He assured her he accepted the invitation with pleasure, and towards evening they resorted to the place and seated themselves in the arbor. It was the beginning of Autumn, and a yellow hue was spread over the fading charms of nature. The withering forest began to shed its decaying foliage, which the light gales pursued along the russet fields. The low sun extended the lengthening shadows; curling smoke ascended from the surrounding cot tages. 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 solemn symphony. The autumnal insects in sympathetic wafting, plain tively predicted their approaching fate. The scene is changed since we last visited this place, said Me lissa; the gay charms of summer are beginning to decay, and must soon yield their splendors to the despoiling hand of winter. * That will be the case, said Alonzo, * before I shall have the pleasure of your company here again. Mel. That probably may be, though it is nearly two months yet to winter. Al. Great changes may take place within that time. Mel. Yes, changes must take place; but nothing [ hope, to embitter present prospects. Al. (peevishly.) As it respects yourself, I trust not, madam. Mel. (tenderly.) And I sincerely hope not, as it respects you, Alonzo. ALONZO AN.D MELISSA. 23 Al. That wish, I believe, is vain. Mel. Why so ominous a prediction ? Al. The premises from which it is drawn are cor rect. Mel. Your feelings accord with the season, Alon- *o: you are melancholy. Shall we return. Al. I ask your pardon, madam; I know I am unsociable. You speak of returning: you know the occasion of my being here. Mel. For the purpose of visiting your friends, I presume. Al. And no other ? She made no reply. Al. You cannot have forgotten your own appoint ment, and consequent engagement ? She made no answer. Al. I know, Melissa, that you are incapable of duplicity or evasions. I have promised, and now repeat the declaration, that 1 will silently submit to your decision. This you have engaged to make, and this is the time you have appointed. The pains of present suspense can scarcely be surpassed by the pangs of disappointment. On your part you have nothing to fear. I trust you have candidly deter mined and will decide explicitly. Mel. (sighing.) I am placed in an exceedingly delicate situation. Al. I know you are; but your own honor, your own peace, require that you should extricate your self from the perplexing embarrassment. Mel. I am sensible they do. It must it shall be done. Al. And the sooner it is done the better. Mel. That I am convinced of. I now know that I have been inadvertently indiscreet. I have ad mitted the addresses of Beaum an and yourself, with- 24 ALOTfZO * IVD MELISSA. out calculating or expecting the consequences. You have both treated me honorably, and with respect Yeu are both on equal grounds as to your charac ter and standing in life. With Beauman I became first acquainted. As it relates to him, some new ar rangements have taken place since you were here which Al. (interrupting her with emotion.) Of those arrangements I am acquainted. Mel. (surprised.) By what means were you in formed thereof ? Al. I received it from a friend in your neighbor hood. A considerable pause ensued. Al. You see, Melissa, I am prepared for the event. She was silent. Al. I have mentioned before, that, whatever be your decision, no impropriety can attach to you. 1 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 appoint ment. And I am now willing to retire without fur ther 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 tonsequence of which I know, and my proposition may save your feelings. Mel. No, Alonzo; my reputation depends on my adherence to my first determination; justice to your self and to Beauman also demand it. After what has passed I should be considered as acting capri eiously and inconsistently, should I depart from it Ueauman will be here to-morrow, and Al. To-morrow, madam i ALONZO AND MELISSA. 25 Mel. He will be here to-morrow, and you must consent to stay with us until that time; the matter shall then be decided. Al. I yes, it shall be as you say, madam. Make your arrangements as you please. Evening had now spread her dusky mantle over the face of nature. The stars glistened in the sky. The breezes rustling wing was in the tree. Tha distant sound of the low murmuring brook, and the far off water-fall, were faintly heard. The twmk ling 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 fre quent lights darted their pale lustre through the gloom. The solitary whippoorvvills stationed them selves along the woody glens, the groves and rocky pastures, and sang a requiem to departed sum mer. A dark cloud was rising in the west, across whose gloomy front the vivid lightning bent its forky spires. Alonzo and Melissa moved slowly to the village; she appeared enraptured with the melancholy splen dors of the evening, but the other subject engaged the mental attention of Alonzo. Beauman arrived the next day. He gave his hand to Alonzo with seeming warmth of friendship. If it was reciprocated, it must have been affected. There was no alteration in the manners and conversation of Melissa: her conversation, as usual was spright ly and interesting. After dinner she retired, and her father requested Alonzo and Beauman to withdraw with him to a private room. After they were seat ed, the old gentleman thus addressed them: * I have called you here gentlemen, to perform my duty as a pai 3nt ta my daughter, and as a friend to 26 AJLORZO AND MELISSA. you. You are both suitors to Melissa; whi e your addiesses were merely formal they were innocent; but when they became serious they were dangerous. Your pretensions I consider equal, and between honorable pretenders, who are worthy of my daugh ter, I shall not attempt to influence her choice. That choice, however, can rest only on one: she has en gaged 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 determina tion. 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 honor to abide implicitly to these injunctions. Her "ather then observed This, gentlemen, is all I re quire. I have observed that I considered your pre tensions equal: so has my daughter treated them. You have both made professions to her; she has ap pointed a time to answer you. That time has ar rived, and I now inform you that she has decided in favor of Alonzo. The declaration of Melissa s father burst upon the mental powers of Beauman like a sudden and tremendous clap of thunder on the deep and BU!- len silence of night. Unaccustomed to disappoint ment he had calculated on success. His addresses to the ladies had ever been honorably received. Melissa was the first whose charms were capable of rendering them sincere. He was not ignorant of A-O.izo s attention to her; it gave him however but litLe uneasiness. He believed that his superior ALONZO AND MELISSA. 27 qualifications would eclipse the pretensions of his ri val. He considered himself a connoisseur in charac ter, especially in the character of the ladies. He conformed to their taste; he flattered their foibles and obsequiously bowed to the minutiae of female volatility. He considered himself skilled in the lan guage of the heart; and he trusted from his pre-em inent powers in the science of affection, he had only to see, to sue and to conquer. He had frankly offer ed his hand to Melissa, and pressed her foi a deci sive answer. This from time to time she suspended, and finally appointed a day to give him and Alonzo a determinate answer, though neither knew the ar rangements made with the other. Finding however, the dilemma in which she was placed, she had previously consulted her parents. Her father had no objection to her choosing between two persons of equal claims to affluence and repu tation, this choice she had rmde and her father was considered the most proper person to pronounce it. When Beauman had urged his suit to Melissa, he supposed that her hesitation, delays and suspensions, were only the effects of maiden diffidence and timid ity. He had no suspicions of her ultimately reject ing it; and when she finally named the day of decis ion, he was confident she would decide in his favor. These sentiments he had communicated to the per son who had written to Alonzo, intimating that Me lissa had fixed a time which was to crown his hap piest wishes. He had 1 atened therefore attentively to the word of Melissa s father, momentarily expecting to hear himself declared the favorite choice of the fair. What then must have been his disappointment when the name of Alonzo was pronounced instead of his own ! The highly finished scene of pleasure 28 ALONZO AND MELISSA and future prosperity which his ardent imagination had depicted, had vanished in a moment. The rai- bow glories which gilded his youthful horizon, had faded in an instant the bright sun of his early hopes had set in mournful darkness. The summons of death would not have been more unexpected, or more shocking to his imagination. Very different were the sensations which inspired the bosom of Alonzo. He had not even calculated on a decision in his own favor, 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 be cause she desired it, not because he expected the re sult would be in his favor. Ife had not therefore attended to the words of Melissa s father with that eagerness which favorable anticipations commonly produce. But when his name was mentioned; when he found he was the choice the happy favorite of Melissa s affection, every tender passion of his soul became interested, and was suddenly aroused to the refinements of sensibility. Like an electric shock, it reanimated his whole frame, and vibrated every nerve of his heart. The glooms which hung about his mind were dissipated, and the bright morning of joy broke in upon his soul. Thus were the expectations of Alonzo and Beau man disappointed how differently, the sequel has shown. Melissa s father retired immediately after pro nouncing the declaration; the two young gentlemen also, soon after, withdrew. Alonzo saw the tem pest which tore the bosom of his rival, and he piti ed him from his heart. A fortnight passed and Alonzo felt all that anxiety and impatience which a separation from a beloved ALONZO AND MELISSA. 29 Object can produce. He framed a thousand excus es to visit Melissa, yet he feared a visit might be premature. lie was however necessifated to make a journey to a distant part of the country, after which ne resolved to see Melissa. He performed his business and was returning. It was toward eve ning, and the day had been uncommonly sultry for the autumnal season. A rising shower blackened the western hemisphere; the dark vapor ascended in folding rklges, and the thunder rolled at a distance. Alonzo saw he should be overtaken. He discovered an elegant seat about one hundred yards distant from the road; thither he hastened to gain shelter from the approaching storm. The owner of the mansion met him at the door, politely invited him to alight and walk in, while a servant stood ready to take his horse. He was ushered into a large room neatly furnished, where the family and sever al young ladies were sitting. As Alonzo glanced his eyes hastily round the room, he thought he recog nized a familiar countenance. A hurried succession of confused ideas for a moment crossed his recol lection. In a moment, however, he discovered that it was Melissa. By this unexpected meeting they were both completely embarrassed. Melissa, how ever, arose, and in rather a confused mariner, in troduced Alonzo, as the classmate of her brother, t the family of Mr. Simpson and the company. The rain continued most part of the afternoon. Alonzo was invited, and consented to stay all night. A moonlight evening succeeded the shower, which in vited the young people to walk in an adjoining gar- c en. Melissa told Alonzo that Mr. Simpson was a distant relative of her father; his family consisted f his wife, two amiable daughters not far from Me- liosa s age, and one son named William, about sev enteen years old. She had been invited there to 30 ALONZO AND MELISSA. pass a week, and expected to return within two daya And she added, smiling, * perhaps, Alonzo, we may have an opportunity once more to visit the bower on my prospect hill, before winter entirely destroys the remaining beauties of the summer. Alonzo felt 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 thai occasion. * Great changes, indeed, he replied, have taken place since we were last there: that they are pro ductive of unexpected and unexampled happiness to me, is due, Melissa, to you alone. Alonzo depart ed the next morning, appointing the next week to visit Melissa at her father s house. Thus were the obstacles removed which present ed a barrier to the united wishes of Alonzo and Me lissa. 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 a! leaded them, which had now disap peared, and they calculated on no unpropitious event which might thwart their future union. A!! the time that Alon/o could spare from his studies was devot ed to Melissa, and fheir parents began to calculate on joining their hands as soon as Alonzo s profession al term of study was completed. The troubles which gave rise to the disseveration of Kngland from America had already commenced, which broke out the ensuing spring into actual hos- tilities, by the battle of Lexington, followed soon after by the battle of Bunker Hill. The panic and general bustle which took place in America on the se 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 th ^ ALONZO AND MELISSA. 31 burden of the war must rest on the American youth and she trembled in anticipation for the fate of Alon zo. He. with others, should the war continue, must take the field, in defence of bis country. The ef fects of such a separation were dubious and gloomy. Alonzo and she frequently discoursed, and they agreed to form the mystic union previous to any wide separation. One event tended to hasten this resolution. The attorney in whose office Alonzo was clerk, received a commission in (he new raised American army, and marched to the lines near Boston His business was therefore suspended, and Alonzo returned to the house of his father. He considered that he could not long remain a mere spectator of the contest, and that it might soon be his duty to take the field; he therefore concluded it best to hasten his marriage with Melissa. She consented to the proposition, and their parents made the necessary arrangements for the event. They had even fixed upon the place which was to be the future residence of this happy couple. It was a pleasantly situated village, sur rounded 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 as cended by a gradual acclivity; its sides and summit interspersed with orchards, arbors, and cultivated fields. On the west, forests unevenly lifted their rude heads, with here and there a solitary field, new ly cleared and thinly scattered with cottages. To the east the eye extended over a soil, at ore 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 suc cession of mountains, wooded to their summits, and throwing their shadows over intervales ot equal 82 ALONZO AND MELISSA. wilderness till at length it was arrested in its excur sions by the blue mists which hovered over moun tains more grand, majest.c, and lofty.* A rivulet which rushed from the hills formed a little lake on the borders of the village, which beautifully reflect ed the cottages from its transparent bosom. Amidst a cluster of locusts and weeping willows, rose the spire of the church, in the ungarnished decency of Sunday neatness. Fields, gardens, meadows, and pastures were spread around the valley, and the sids of the declivities, yielding in their season the rich flowers, fruits and foliage of spring, summer and autumn. The inhabitants of this modern Au- vernum were mostly farmers. They were mild so ciable, 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. Such ivas the place for the residence of Alonzo and Melissa. They had visited the spot, and were enraptured with its pensive romantic beauties. A site was marked out whereon to erect their family mansion. It was on a little eminence which sloped gradually to the lake, in the most pleasant part of the village. Here, said Alonzo one day to Melis sa, * will we pass our days in all that felicity of mind which the chequered scenes of life admit. In the spring \ve will rove among the flowers. In sum mer, we will gather strawberries in yonder fields or whortleberries from the adjacent shrubbery. The breezes of fragrant morning, and the sighs of the evening gale, will be mingled with the songs of the thousand various birds which frequent the surround- *Some who read this description will readily cognize the village here described. re- ALONZO AND MELISSA. S3 ing groves. We will gather the bending fruits of autumn, and we will listen to the hoarse voice of winter, its whistling winds, its driving snow, and rattling hail, with delight. The bright gems of joy glistened in the eyes of Melissa. With Alon/o she anticipated approaching happiness, and her bosom beat in rapturous unison. Winter came on; it rapidly passed away. Spring advanced and the marriage day was appointed. The spring opened with the din of preparation throughout America for defensive war. It now was found that vigorous measures must be pursued to op pose 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 num bers of American youth volunteered in the service of their country. A large army of reinforcements was soon expected from England to land on our shores, and the confused noise of the warriors, and garments rolled in blood, were already anticipated. Alonzo had received a commission in a regiment of militia, and was pressed bv several young gentle men of his acquaintance, who had entered the army, to join it also. He had an excuse. His father was a man in extensive business, was considerably past the prime of life, had a number of agents and clerks un der him, but began to grow unable to attend to the various and burthensome duties and demands of a mercantile life. Alonzo was his only son; his assistance therefore became necessary until, at least, his father could bring his business to a close, which he was now about to effect. Alonzo stated these facts to his friends; told them that on every occasion he should be ready to fly to the post of danger when his coun- ALONZO AND MELISSA. try was invaded, and (hat as soon as his father s affairs should be settled, he would, if necessary, wiJ- linglv join the army. The day now rapidly approached when Alonzo was to make Melissa his own. Preparations for the Hvmeniel ceremony M-ere making, and invitations had already gons abroad. Edgar, the brother of Me lissa, had entered the army in the capacity of chap- Iain. He was soon expected home, where he in tended to tarry until the consummation of the nup tials, before he set out for the camp. Letters re- ently received from him, informed that he expected to be at his father s in three or four days. About three weeks previous to the appointed mar riage day, Alonzo and Melissa one afternoon rode out to the village which had been chosen for their future residence. Their carriage slopped at the only inn in the place, and from thence they walked around this modern Vaucluse, charmed with the secluded beauties of its situation. They passed a little time at the spot selected for the habitation; they pro jected the structure of the buildings, planned the gardens, the artificial groves, the walks, the meaa, the fountains, and the green retreat of the summer house, and they already saw, in anticipation, the various domestic blessings and felicities with which they were to be surrounded. They took tea at the inn, and prepared to return. It was at the latter end of the month of May, and nature was adorned in the bridal ornaments of spring; the sun was sunk behind the groves, which cast the sombre shades over the valley, while the retiring beams of day adorned the distant eastern eminen ces with yellow lustre. The birds sung melodiously in the grove, the air was freshened by light western breezes, bearing up- ALONJZO AND MELISSA. 35 on iheir wings all the entrancing odours of the sea son. Around the horizon clouds raised their brazen summits, based on the black vapor of approaching night. They slowly ascended the hill south of the town, where they paused a few moments to enjoy the splendors of the evening scene. This hill, which commanded a prospect of all the surrounding coun try, the distant sound, and the adjacent towns and villages, perhaps one of the most picturesque dra peries painted by nature. Alonzo attended Melissa to her father s, and the next day returned home His father had been absent for three or four days to one of the commercial seaports, on business with some merchants with whom he was connected in trade. He returned next day after Alonzo got home: his aspect and his conversation were marked with an assumed and unmeaning cheerfulness. At sup per he ate nothing, discoursed much, but in an un connected and hurried manner, interrupted by long pauses, in which he appeared to be buried in con templation. After supper he asked Alonzo if it were not pos sible that his marriage with Melissa could be consummated within a few days. Alonzo started at so unexpected a question, replied that such a pro posal would be considered extraordinary, perhaps improper: besides when Melissa had fixed the day, she mentioned that she had an uncle near Charleston, South Carolina, whose daughter was to pass the summer with Melissa, and was expected to arrive before the appointed day. It would, he said, be a delicate point for him to request her to anticipate the nuptials, unless he could give some cogent rea sons for so doing; and at present he was not appris ed that anv such existed. His father after a fe\f ALONZO AND MEL78SA. moments hesitation, answered, * I have reasona, which, when told here he stopped, suddenly arose, hastily walked the room, in much visible agony of mind, and then retired to his chamber. Alonzo and his mother were much amazed at so strange a proceeding. They could form no conjec ture of its cause or its consequence. Alonzo pass ed a sleepless ni^ht. His father s slumbers were in terrupted. Me would frequently aiart up in bed, then sink in restless sleep, with incoherent mutter- ings, and plaintive moans. In the morning when he appeared at breakfast, his countenance wore the murks of dejection and anguish. He scarcely spoke a word and after the cloth was removed, he ordered all to withdraw except his wife and Alonzo; when, with emotions that spoke the painful feelings of his bosom, he thus addressed them: * For more than forty years I have toiled early and late to acquire independence and ease for my self and family. To accomplish this, I became con nected with some English importing merchants in a seaport town, and went largely into the English trade. Success crowned our endeavors; on balanc ing 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 favorable circumstances appeared to offer, in which \ve adventured very largely, on a fair ca.culation of liberal and extensive proceeds. * Before returns could be made, the war came on, embarrassments ensued, and by indubitable intelli gence lately received, we find that our property in England has been sequestered; five of our ships la- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 17 den with English goods, lying in English harbors, and just ready to sail for America, have been seized as lawful prizes. Added to this, three vessels from the Indies, lac^n with island produce, have been taken on theii homeward bound voyage, and one lost on her return from Holland. This wreck of fortune I might have survived, had I to sustain only my equal dividend of the loss. But of the merchants with whom I have been connected not one remains to share the fate of the event; all have absconded or secreted themselves. To attempt to compound with my creditors would be of little avail; my whole fortune will not pay one fourth of the debts; so that compound or not the consequence to me is inevita ble ruin. To abscond would not secure me, as most of my remaining property is vested in real estate. And even if it would, I could not consent to it: I could not consent to banish myself from my country; to flee like a felon; to skulk from society with the* base view of defrauding my creditors. No, I have lived honestly, and honestly will I die. By fair ap plication and long industry my wealth has been ob tained; and it shall never justly be said, that the reputation of my latter days was stained with acts of baseness. I have notified and procured a meet ing of the creditors, and have laid the matters be fore them. Some appeared favorable 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 threat ened with immediate prosecution. Whatever may be the event, I had some hopes that your happiness, Alon/o, might be secured. Hence I proposed your union with Melissa, before our misfortunes should be promulgated Your parents are old; little will 83 AL( tJZQ AND MEMBBA. serve the residue of their days. With your acquire* ments you may make your way in life. I shall have no property to give you; but I would still wish you to secure that which you prize far above, and with out which both honors and emoluments are unim portant and worthless." At this moment a loud rap at the door interrupted the discourse, and three men were ushered in, which proved to be the sheriff and his attendants, sent by the more inexorable creditors of Alonzo s father and company, to level on the property of the former, which orders they faithfully executed, by seizing the lands, tenements and furniture, and finally arresting the body of the old gentleman, which was soon re leased by his friendly neighbors 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 aban don the premises, and take shelter in a little hut, belonging to a neighboring farmer illy and tempo rarily furnished by the gratuitous liberality of a few friends. We will not stoo the reader to moralize on this Disastrous event. The feelings of the family can bet ter be conceived than detailed. Hurled in a mo ment 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 realize the feelings of the son! Thus suddenly cut short of his prospects, not only of future independence, but even of sup port, what would be the event of his suit to Melis sa, 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 pe nurious situation? And indeed, could he himself con sent to make her his wife, to make her miserable? ALONZO A MELISSA. 39 In this r.gitated frame of mind he received a let ter from his friend in Melissa s neighborhood, re questing him to come immediately to his house, whither he repaired the following day. This per son had ever been the unchanging friend of Alonzo; he had heard of the misfortunes of his family, and he deeply sympathised in his distress. He had late ly married and settled in life: his name was Vin cent. When Alonzo arrived at the house of his friend, he was received with the same disinterested ardor he had ever been in the day of his most unbounded prosperity. After being seated, Vincent told him that the occasion of his sending for him was to pro pose 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 that old gentleman too well to believe he will consent to receive you as his son-in-law, under your present embarrasments. Money is the god to which he im plicitly bows. The case is difficult, but not insur mountable. You must first see Melissa; she is now in the next room. I will introduce you in; converse with her, after which I will lay my plan before you. Alonzo entered the room; Melissa was sitting by a window which looked into a pleasant garden, and over verdant meadows whose tall grass waved lo the evening breeze. Farther on, low vallies spread their umbrageous thickets, where the dusky shadows of night had began to assemble. On high hills beyond, the tops of lofty forests, majestically moved by the billowy gales, caught tha Bun s last ray. Fleecy sumiaer clouds hovered around 40 ALONZO AND MELISSA. the verge ?f the western horizon, spangled with sil very tints tr fringed with the gold of evening. A mournfully murmuring rivulet purled at a little distance from the garden, on the borders of a small grove, from whence the American wild dove wafted her sympathetic moaning to the ear of Melissa. She sat leaning on a small tahle by the window, which was thrown up. Her attention was fixed. She did not perceive Vincent and Alonzo as they entered. They advanced towards her. She turned, started, and arose. With a melancholy smile, and tremu lous voice, I supposed, she said, that it was Mrs Vincent, who was approaching, as she has just left the room. Her countenance appeared to be de jected, which on seeing Alonzo, lighted up into a languid sprightliness. It was evident she had been weeping. Vincent retired, and Alonzo and Melissa seated themselves by the window. I have broken in up on your solitude, perhaps, too unseasonably, said Alohzo. * 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 sud den and unexpected, but not unseasonable, replied Melissa. * I hope that you did not consider any form ality necessary in your visits, Alonzo. Alonzo. 1 once did not think so. Now I know not what to think I know not how to act. You have heard of the misfortunes of my father s family, Melissa ? Mel. Yes; I have heard the circumstances at tending that event an event in which no one could be more deeply interested except the immediate suf ferers, than myself. Al. Your father is also acquainted with my pres ent situation ! ALOITZO AND MELISSA. 41 Mel. He is. AI. How did he receive the intelligence * Mel With deep regret. Al. And forbade you to admit my addresses any longer ? Mel. No, not absolutely. Al. If even in an unqualified or indirect manner, it is proper I should know it. Mel. It certainly is. Soon after we received the intelligence of your family misfortunes, my fa ther came into the room where I was sitting; Me lissa, 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 honorably respected. For this purpose, I have bestowed on them a proper ed ucation, and design suitably to apportion my prop erty 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 * J know, my child that your situation is a very delicate one. Your marriage day is appointed; it was ap pointed under the fairest prospects; by the failure of Alonzo s father, those prospects have becimie deeply darkened, if not totally obliterated. To commit your fortune through life to a per son unable to support you, would be hazardous in the extreme. The marriage day, can at least, be suspended; perhaps something more favorable may appear. At any rate, I have too *nuch confidence in your discretion, to suppose that you will by any rash act, bring either poverty or reproach upon yourself or your connexions Thus spoke my father,, and immediately withdrew 42 ALONZO AND MELISSA. In our present dilemma, said Alonit>, what is proper to be done. It is difficult to determine, replied Melissa. Should my lather 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 to-morrow with your usual free dom. Whatever may be the event I shall deal sin cerely with you. Mr. andMrs. Vincent are now iny only confidants. From them you will be enabled to obtain information, should I be debarred from seeing you. I am frequently here; they told me thev expected you, but at what day was not known. Mrs. Vincent has been my friend and associate from my earliest years. Vincent you know. In them wo can place the utmost confidence. My reliance on providence, I trust, will never be shaken; but my <uture prospects, at present, are dark and gloomy. Let us not despair, answered Alonzo, perhaps these 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 ca l at your father s. Melissa now prepared to return home; a whip- poorwill tuned its nightly song at a little distance; but the sound, so cheerful and sprightly, now pas sed heavily over their hearts. When Alonzo returned, Vincent unfolded the plan he had projected. c No sooner, said he, was I in formed of your misfortunes, than 1 was convinced that Melissa s father would endeavor to dissolve your intended union with his daughter. I have known him many years, and however he may doat on his children, or value their happiness, he will not ALONZO AND MELISSA 4t hesitate to sacrifice his other feelings to the ac quirement of riches. It appeared that you had but on3 resource left, lou and Melissa are now united by the most solemn ties by every rite except those which are merely ceremonial. These I vould ad vise you to enter into, and trust to the consequen ce. Mis. Vincent has proposed the scheme to Me- l>sa; but implicitly accustomed to filial obedience, she shudders at the idea of a clandestine marriage. But when her father shall proceed to rigorous meas ures, 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 happi ness, and what you esteem more, that of Melissa. Out you must be sensible of my inability to sup port her as she deserves, replied Alonzo, even should she consent to it. The world is before you, answered Vincent; you have friends, you have acquirements, which will "not fail you. In a country like this, you can hardly fail of obtaining a competency, which with the other requisites, will ensure your independence and felici- *y- Alonzo informed Vincent what had been agreed upon between Melissa and himself, respecting his visiting her on the morrow; after which, ho said, we will discourse further on the subject. The next day Alonzo repaired to the house of Melissa s father. As he approached, he saw Melis sa sitting in a shady recess at one end of the gar den near which the road passed. She was leaning with her head upon her hand, in a pensive posture; a deep dejection, was depicted in her features, which enlivened into a transient glow as soon as she saw Alonzo. She arose, met him and invited him into the house. 44 ALOJTZO AND MELISSA. Alonzo was received with a cold reserve by all except Melissa. Her father saluted him with a dis tant 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 suitors, and who had lately come to reside with the family, entered and seated herself by the win dow, alternately humming a tune, and impudently staring at Alonzo, without speaking a word, except snappishly to contradict Melissa in any thing fine advanced, which the latter passed off with only a faint smile. This interruption was not of long continuance. Melissa s father entered, and requested the two la dies to withdraw, which was instantly done. He then addressed Alonzo as follows: * When I gave consent for you to marry my daughter, it was on the conviction that your future resources would bo adequate to support her honorably and independ ently. Circumstances have since taken place, which render this point extiemely doubtful. Pa rental duty and affection demands that I should know your means and prospects before I sanction a proceeding which may reduce my child to penury and want. Ho paused for a reply, but Alonzo was silent. He continued You yourself must acknowledge, that to burthen yourselt with the expense of a fami ly; to transfer a woman from aH uence 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 in fant children, pining in misery for want of bread. And what else have you to expect if you marry in ALONZO AND MELISSA. 45 rour present situation ? You have friends and well wishers; but which of them will advance you four or five thousand pounds, as a gratuity? My daughter must be supported according to her rank and stand ing 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 ac quirements, your prudence and your industry, will procure you a handsome support. This well may do in single life; but to depend on these for the fu ture exigencies of a family, is hazarding peace, hon or and reputation at a single game of chance. If, therefore, you have no resources or expectations but euch as these, your own judgment will teach you the necessity of immediately relinquishing all pre tensions to the hand of Melissa and immediately left the room. Why was Alonzo speechles through the whole of this discourse ? What reply could he have made? What were the prospects before him but penury, want, misery and woe! Where indeed, were the means by which Melissa was to be shielded from poverty, if connected with his fortunes. The idea was not new, but it came upon him with redoubled anguish. He arose and looked around for Melis sa, 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 ex pected, yet it was a shock their fortitude could scarcely contain. Disappointment seldom finds her votaries prepared to receive her. Melissa told Alonzo that her father s determina tions were unchangable; that his sister (the beforo mentioned maiden lady) held a considerable in- 46 AI.ONZO AND MELISSA. fluence over him and dictated the concerns of tho family; and that from her there was nothing to hope in their favor. Her mother she said was her friend, but could not contradict the will of her fa ther. 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 Melis sa, c it is impossible to foresee. Let us trust in the mercy of heaven and submit to its dispensations. Alonzo and Melissa, in their happier days, had, when absent, corresponded by letters. This method it was now thought best to relinquish. It was agreed that Alonzo should come frequently to Vincent s, where Melissa would meet him as she could find opportunities. Having concluded on this, Melissa returned home, and Alonzo to the house of his friend. Vincent, after Alonzo had related 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 doubt ed, it must be a measure of the last resorl, and adopted only when all others became fruitless. The next morning Alonzo returned to the hut where his aged parents now dwelt. His bosom throbbed with keen anguish. His own fate, uncon nected with that of Melissa, he considered of little consequence. But what was to become of Melissa, what of himself, what of his parents ! Alas, said Alonzo, * I now perceive what it is to want the good things of this life. Alonzo father was absent when he arrived, but returned soon after. A beam of joy gleamed upon his withered countenance as he entered the house. ===t ___^ a=c= ALONZO A-ND MELISSA. 47 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 unfeel ing creditors, reserved those debts in their hands, mid have now paid me, amounting to something more than five hundred pounds. With this I havs purchased a small but well cultivated farm, with convenient tenements. I have enough left to pur chase what stock and other materials I need; and to spare some for your present exigencies, Alonzo. Alonzo thanked his father for his kindness ; but told him 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 it likely to terminate ? * Favorably, I hope sir, answered Alonzo. He could not consent to disturb the tranquility of his parents by reciting his own wretchedness. A week passed away. Alonzo saw his parents removed to their little farm, which was to be man aged by his father and a hired man. He saw them comfortably seated; he saw them serenely blest in the calm pleasures of returning peace, and a ray of joy illuminated his troubled bosom. Again the youth his wonted life regain d A transient sparkle in his eye obtain d, A bright impassion d cheering glow, express d The pleas d sensation of his tender breast: But soon dark glooms the feeble smiles o erspread; Like morn s gray hues, the fading splendors fled Returning anguish froze his feeling soul, Deep sighs burst forth, and tears began to rolL* 48 ALONZO AND MELISSA. He thought of Melissa, from whom he had heard nothing since he last saw her. He thought of the difficulties which surrounded him. He thought of the barriers which were opposed to his happiness and the felicity of Melissa, and he set out for the house of Vincent. Alonzo arrived at the residence of Vincent near the close of the day: Vincent and his lady were at tea with several young ladies who had passed the afternoon with Mrs. Vincent. Alonzo cast an ac tive glance around the company in hopes to find Me lissa, but she was not there. He was invited and accepted a seat at table. After tea Vincent led him into an adjoining room. You have come in good time, said he. Something must speedily be done, or you lose Melissa forever. The day after you were here, her father received a letter from Beauman, in which after mentioning the circum stance of your father s insolvency, he hinted that the consequence would probably be a failure of her proposed marriage with you which might essential ly injure the reputation of a lady of her standing in life: to prevent which, and to place her beyond tho reach of calumny, he offered to marry her at any appointed day, provided he had her free consent. * As Beaurnan, by the recent death of his father, had been put in possession of a splendid fortune, tho 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 Beau- man. 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 t:> her fatker i L ALONZO AND MELISSA. 49 will she had hitherto yielded implicit obec ience, but that hastily to break the most solemn obligation, formed and sanctioned by his approbation and d : - rection, was what her conscience would not permit her to do. Were he to command her to live single, life might be endured; but to give her hand to any except you would be to purjure those principles 01 truth and justice which he himself had ever taught her to hold most inviolable. Her father grew out rageous; 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 endeavored to appease his anger; but he spurned her from him, and rushed out of the room, uttering a threat that force should suc ceed 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 meas ure to alleviate it, Edgar, her brother, came this morning. Mrs. Vincent has dispatched a message to inform Melissa of your arrival, and to desire her to come here immediately. She will undoubtely com ply with the invitation, if not prevented by something extraordinary. 1 should have written you had I no. hourly expected you. Mrs. Vincent now came to the door of the room and beckoned to her husband, who went out, but immediately returned, leading in Melissa, after which he retired. Oh, Alonzo! was all she could say, and burst into lears. Alonxo led her to a seat, gent ly pressed her hand, and mingled his tears with hers, but was unable to speak. Rt covering at length, he begged her to moderate her grief. Where, said he, is your fortitude and firmness, Melissa, \vhich I have so often seen triumphing over ailhction: 11 a* >0 ALONZO AND MELISSA. extreme anguish prevented a reply. Deeply afiect* ed and alarmed at the storm of distress whfch rag ed in her bosom, he endeavored to console her, though consolation was a slranger to his own breast. * Let us not, Melissa, said he, increase our flood of aff.iction by a tide of useless sorrow. Per haps 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. Tliis thorny and gloomy path may lead to fair fields of light and verdure. Tem pests are succeeded by calms; wars end in peace; the splendors of the brightest morning arise on the wings of the blackest midnight. Troubles will not always last. Life at most is short. Death comes to the relief of the virtuous wretched, and transports them to another and a better world, where sighing and sorrows cease, and the tempestuous passions of life are known no more. The rage of grief which had overwhelmed Melis sa 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 a* she became composed, until a livid paleness spread itself over her features. Alonzo feared that the delicacy of her constitution would fall a sacrifice to the sorrow which preyed upon her heart, if not speedily alleviated; But alas! where were the means of alleviation ? She informed him that her father had that eve ning ordered her to become the wife of Beanman. He told her that her disobedience was no longer to ALONZO AND MELISSA. 51 be borne. No longer, said he, will I tamper with your perverseness- you are determined to be poor, wretched and contemptible. I will compel you to be rich happy and respected. You suffer the Jack-wilh-a-lantern fancy to lead you into swamps and quagmires, when, did you but follow the fair light of reason, it would conduct you to honor and real felicity. There are happiness and misery at your choice. * Marry Beauman and you will roll in your coach, flaunt in your silks; your furniture and your equip age are splendid, your associates are of the first character, and your father rejoices in your prosper ity. * Marry Alonzo, yon sink into obscurity, are con demned to drudgery, poorly fed, worse clothed, and your relations and acquaintances shun and despise you. The comparison I have here drawn between Beauman and Alonzo is a correct one; for even the wardrobe of the former is of more value than the whole fortune of the latter. I give you now two days to consider of the mat ter; at the end of that time 1 shall expect your de cision, and hope you will decide discreetly. But remember that you become the wife of Beauman,or you are no longer acknowledged as my daughter. * Thus, said Melisssa, * did my father pronounce his determination, which shook my frame, and chil led with horror every nerve of my heart, and imme diately left me. My aunt added her taunts to his severities, and Beauman interfered with his ill-timed consolation, My mother and Edgar ardently strove to allay the fever of my soul, and mitigate my distress. But the stroke was almost too severe for my nature. Habit uated only to the smiles of my father, how could * 52 ALONZO AND MELISSA support his frowns ? Accustomed tc receive his blessings alone, how could I endure his sudden mai ediction ? Description would fail in painting the sensations of Alonzo s bosom, at this recital of woe. But he endeavored to mitigate her sorrows by the consola tion of more cheering prospects and happier hours. Vincent and his lady now came into the room. They strenuously urged the propriety and the neces sity of Alonzo and Melissa s enteiJng into the bands of wedlock immediately. The measure would be hazardous, remarked Melissa. My circumstan ces said Alonzo. Not on that account, inter rupted Melissa, * but my father s displeasure * Will be the same whether you marry Alonzo or refuse to marry Beauman, replied Vincent. Her resolution appeared to be staggered. * Come here, Melissa, to-morrow evening, said Mrs. Vincent, mean time you will consider the matter, and then determine. To this Melissa as sented, and prepared to return home. Alonzo walked with her to the gate which open ed 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, gaz ing anxiously after Melissa as she walked up the long winding avenue, bordered with the odor flow ing lilac, and lofty elm, her white robes now invisi ble, 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 eves of the war-worn soldier, when it ascends in the dusky clouds of early morning, whilo ALONZO AND MELISSA. 53 he slumbers on the field of recent battle. With mournful forebodings he returned to the house of Vincent. He arose after a sleepless night, and walked into an adjoining field. He stood leaning in deep contemplation against a tree when he heard quick footsteps behind him. He turned round and saw Edgar approaching: in a moment they were in each other s arms, and mingling tears. They re turned to Vincent s and conversed largely on pres ent affairs. * I have discoursed with my father on the subject, said Edgar. * 1 have urged him with every possible augument to relinquish his determin ation : I fear, however, he is inflexible. To assuage the tempest of grief which rent Me lissa s bosom was my next object, and in this I (rust I have not been unsucessful. You will see her this evening, and will find her more calm and resigned. You, Alonzo, must ever exert your forti tude. The ways of heaven are inscrutable, but they ire right. We must acquiesce in its dealings. We cannot alter its decrees. Resignation to its will, whether tnerciful or aftictive, is one of those eminent virtues which adorn the good man s character, and ever find a brilliant reward in the regions of unsullied splendor, far beyond trouble and the tomb. Edgar told Alonzo that circumstances compelled him that day to depart for the army. I would ad vise you, said he, to remain here till your affair comes to some final issue. It must, I think, ere long, be terminated. Perhaps you and my sister may yet be happy. Alonzo feelingly expressed his gratitude to Edgar. He found in him that disinterested friendship; which h s early youth had experienced. Edgar, the same day,, departed for the army. 54 ALDNZO AMI ME1ISBA. In the afternoon, Alonzo received a note from Melissa s father, requesting his immediate attend ance. Surprised at the incident, he repaired there immediately. The servant introduced him into a room where Melissa s father and aunt were sitting. * Hearing you were in the neighborhood, said her father, I have sent for you to make a proposi tion, which, after what has taken place, I think you cannot hesitate to comply with. The occurrence of previous circumstances may lead you to suppose that my daughter is under obligations to you, which may render it improper for her to form marriage con nexions with any other. Whatever embarrassments your addresses to her may have produced, it is in your power to remove them. You cannot wish to involve Melissa in your present penurious condition, unless you wish to make her wretched. It there fore only remains for you to give me a writing, vol untarily resigning all pretensions to the hand of my daughter; and if you wish her to be happy, honor able and respected in this life, this I say, you will not hesitate to do. A considerable pause ensued. Alonzo at length replied, I cannot perceive any particular advantage that can accrue from such a measure. It will nei ther add nor diminish the power you possess to command obedience to your will, if you are deter mined to command it, either from your daughter or your servant. There, brother/ bawled the old maid, half speaking through her nose, which was well charged with rappee, * did nt I tell you so? I knew the fel low would not come to terms, no more than wil" you refractory daughter. This love fairly bewitch es such foolish, crack-brained youngsters. But say, Mr. , what s your name, "ui dressing herself to ALONZO AMD MELISSA. 58 Alonzo, will love heat the oven ? will love boil th pot ? will love clothe the back? will love * * You will not, interrupted Melissa s father, speaking to Alonzo, it seems consent to my propo sition ? I have then one demand to make, which of right you cannot deny. Promise rne that you will never see my daughter again, unless by my per mission. At the present moment, I shall promise you nothing, replied Alonzo, with some warmth. There, again, said the old rnaid, just so Me- .issa told you this morning, when you requested her to see him no more. The fellow has fairly betwat- tled her. I wish I had him to deal with. Things was nt so when I wus a girl; I kept the rogues at a distance. I ll warrant you. I always told you brothei what would come of your indulgence to your daugh ter. I should not wonder if you should soon find the girl had eloped, and your desk robbed in the bargain * Alonzo hastily arose: * I suppose, said he, my presence can be dispensed with. * Well, young man, said Melissa s father, since you will not comply with any overtures I make; since you will not accede to any terms I propose, remember, sir, I now warn you to break off all com munication and correspondence with my daughter, and tr relinquish all expectations concerning her. I shall iv ver consent to marry my daughter to a beg gar. Be.fv art* involuntarily exclaimed Alonzo and his eyes flashed with resentment. But he recol lected 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. 66 ALONZO AND MELISSA. He had neither heard nor seen any thing cf Melia* sa or Beauman. Night, came on, and he ardently and impatiently expected Melissa. He anticipated the con.o!atio 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 ap praised 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 la dy assured him that she would soon be there. He paced the room. Still he became more impatient, he walked out on the way where she was expected to come. Sometimes he advanced hastily; at others he moved slowly; then stood motionless, listening in breathless silence, momentarily expecting to dis cover her white form approaching through the gloom, or to hear the sound of her footsteps advanc ing amidst the darkness. Shapeless objects, either real or imaginary, frequently crossed his sight, but like the unreal phantoms of night, they suddenly passed away, and were seen no more. At length he perceived a dusky white form advancing in the distant dim obscurity. It drew near; his heart beat in quick succession; his fond hopes told him it was Melissa. The object came up and hastily passed him, with a good night sir. It was a stranger in a white surtout. Alonzo hesitated whether to advance or to return. It was possible, though not probable, that Melissa might have come some other way. He hastened back to Vincent s she had not arrived. * Something ex traordinary, said Mrs. Vincent has prevented her coming. Perhaps she is ill. Alonzo shuddered at the suggestion. He looked at his vatch;it was half 1LONZO AND MELISSA. 57 past eleven o clock. Again he hastily sallied out, nnd took the road to her father s. The night was exceedingly dark, and illuminated only by the feeble glimmering of the twinkling stars. When he came within sight of the house, and as he drew near no lights were visible all was still and silent. He entered the yard, walked up the ave nue, 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, Carlow, 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 dis cordance of the nightly insects, and the hooting of the moping owl from the neighboring forest. The dwelling was shrouded in darkness. In Melissa s room no gleam of light appeared. * They are all buried in sleep, said Alonzo deeply sighing, * and I have only to return in disappointment. He turned and walked towards the street: casting his eyes back, the blaze of a candle caught his sight. It passed rapidly along through the lower rooms, now gleaming, now intercepted, as the walls or the windows intervened, and suddenly disappeared. Alonzo gazed earnestly a few moments and hastily returned back. No noise was to be heard, no new objects were discernable. He clambered over the garden wall, and went around to the back side of the house. Here all was solemn and silent as in front. Immediately a faint light appeared through one of the chamber windows; it grew brighter; a can He entered the chamber; the sash was flung up, anu Melissa seated herself at the window. The weather was sultry, she held a fan in her band; her countenance, though stamped with deep 68 ALONZO AND MELISSA. dejection, was marked with serenity, but pale as the drooping lilly of the valley. A lonzo placed himself directly under the window, and in a low voice cal led her by name. She started wildly, looked out and faintly cried, * Who s there ? He answered, *AIon7,o. Good heavens, she exclaimed, * is it you, A lonzo ? 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 con stantly watched and guarded. * Watched and guarded." replied Alonzo; * At the risk of my life I will deliver you from the tyranny with which you are oppressed. * Be calm, Alonzo, said she, I think it will not Vast long. Beauman will soon depart, after which liiere will undoubtedly be some alteration. Desire Mrs. Vincent to come here to-morrow; I believe they will let me see her. I can, from time to time inform you of passing events, so that you may know what changes take place. I am placed under the care of my aunt, who suffers me not to step out of her sight. We pass the night in an adjoining chamber, from whence, after she bed fallen asleep, I stole out, and went down with a design of walking in the garden, but found the doors all locked and the keys taken out. I returned and raised this window for fresh air. Hark! said she, my aunt calls me. she has waked and misses me. I must fly to her chamber. You shall hear more from me to-morrow by Mrs. Vincent, Alonzo. So saying she let down the window sash and retired. Alonzo withdrew slowly from the place, and re- passed 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 per ceived it to be Beauman. * What, my chevalier, ALONZO AND MELISSA S9 said he to Alonzo, such an adept in the amorous science already! hast thou then eluded the watchful eyes of Argus, and the vigilance of the dragon? * Unfeeling and impertinent intruder ? retorted Alonzo, seizing hold of him; * is it not enough that an innocent daughter must endure a merciless pa rent s persecuting hand, but must thou add to her misery by thy disgusting interference! * Quit thy hold, Tarquin, said Beauman. * Art thou determined, after storming the fortress, to mur der the garrison ? * Go, said Alonzo, quitting him; go, sir, you are unworthy of my anger. Pursue thy groveling schemes. Strive to force to your arms a lady who abhors you, and were it not on one account, must ever continue to hate and despise you. * Alonzo, replied Beauman, * I perceive thou knowest me not. You and I were rivals in our pur suit the hand of Melissa. Whether from freak or fortune, the preference was given to you and I re tired in silence. From coincidence of circumstanc es, 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, Alon zo, have yet I find, to learn the character of women. It has been my particular study. Melissa, now ar- de.itly 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 primi tive attachments founded on such premises, withcut a struggle. But remove her from your preset ce one year, with only distant and uncertain prospe ti of seeing you again admit me as the substitute a (10 ALONZO AND MELISSA. 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 con sent. That I believe I shall yet obtain. Under ex isting circumstances, it is impossible but you must be separated for some considerable time. Then when cool deliberation succeeds to the wild vaga ries, the electric fire of frolic fancy, she will discov er the dangerous precipice, the deadly abyss to which her present conduct and inclinations lead. She will see that the blandishments, without the pos session of life will fade and die. She will discrimi nate between the shreds and trappings of taste. She will prefer indifference and splendor to love and a cottage. At present I relinquish all further pursuit; 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 mv lodgings this evening to declare these intentions to her father: but it be ing later than I was aware of, the family had gono to rest. I was about to return, when I saw a light from a chamber window, which soon withdrew. I stood a moment by the garden wall, when you ap- approached and discovered me. So saying, he bade Alonzo good night, and walked hastily away. * I find he knows not the character of Melissa, saiJ Alonzo, and returned to Vincent s. The next day Alonzo told the Vincents of all that had passed, and it was agreed that Mrs. Vincent should visit at Melissa s father s that afternoon. She went at an early hour. Alonzo s feelings were on, the rack until she returned, which happened much sooner than was expected; when she gave him and Vincent the f tawing information: ALONZO AND MELISSA. 31 When I arrived there, said she, I found Melissa s father and mother alone, her mother was in tears, which she endeavored to conceal. Her father soon withdrew. After some conversation I enquired for Melissa. The old lady burst into tears, and inform ed me that this morning Melissa s aunt had invit ed her to ride out with her. A carriage was pro vided, which after a large trunk had been placed therein drove off with Melissa and her aunt; that Melissa s father had just been informing her that he had sent their daughter to a distant part of the country, where sne was to reside with a friend un til Alonzo shou! i depart from the neighoorhooJ. The reason of this sudden resolution was his being informed by Beauman, that notwithstanding his precaution, Melissa and Alonzo had an interview the last evening. Where she was sent to the old lady could not tell, but she was convinced that Me lissa was not apprised of the design when she con sented to go. Her aunt had heretofore been living with the relatives of the family in various parts of the state. Alonzo listened to Mrs. Vincent s relation with in expressible agitation. He sat silent a few moments; then suddenly starting up, * I will find her if she bo on the earth! said he, and in spite of Vincent s at tempts to prevent him, rushed out of the house, flew to the road and was soon out of sight. Melissa had not the most distant suspicion of tho designs of her father and aunt. The latter inform ed her that she was going to take a monvng ride, and invited Melissa to accompany her, to which sho consented. She did not even oerceive the trunk that was fastend on behind itie carriage. They were attended by a single servant. They drove to a neighboring town, where Melissa had frequently 62 ALONZO AND MELISSA. attended her father and mother to purchase articles of dress, &c where they alighted at a friend s house, and lingered away the time until dinner; after which, ihey prepared as Melissa supposed, to return, but found, to her surprise, after they had entered the carriage, that her aunt had 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 that she was to see Mrs. Vincent that afternoon; she knew the disap pointment which Alonzo must experience, if she was absent. Shd begged her aunt to return; as she ex pected 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 ot her acquaintance and she remained silent. They arrived at another village, and alighted at an inn, where Melissa and her aunt tarried, while the servant was ordered out by the latter on some business unknown to Melissa. When they again got into the carriage she perceived several large packages and bundles, which had been deposited there since they left it. She enquired of her aunt what they contained. Articles for family use, child, she replied, and ordered the driver to pro ceed. They passed along winding and solitary paths, into a by-road which led through an unfrequented wood, that opened into a rocky part of the country bordering on the Sound. Here they stopped at the only house in view. It was a miserable hut, built of logs and boarded wilh slabs. They alighted from the carriage, and Melissa s aunt handed the driver a large bunch of keys, remember to do as I have told you, said she, and he drove rapidly away ALONZO AND MELISSA. 68 t 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, squeak.ng pigs, on the other a flock of gaggling geese. As they entered the door a woman who sat card ing wool jumped up, La me, cried she, here is Miss D , we- 1 come here again. How does ma- darn do? dropping a low curtesy. She was dress ed in a linsey-woolsey short gown, a petticoat of the same, her hair hanging about her ears, and bare foot. Three dirty ragged children were playing about the floor, and the furniture was of a piece with the building. Is my room in order, enquir ed Melissa s aunt. * It hasn t been touched since madam was here, answered the woman, and im mediately stalked away to a little back apartment, which Melissa and her aunt entered. It was small but neatly furnished, and contained a single bed. This appendage had been concealed from Melissa s view as it was the opposite side of the house from where she alighted. * Where is John ? asked Me lissa s aunt. * My husband is in the garden, replied the woman; I will call him, and out she scamper ed. John soon appeared and exhibited an exact counterpart 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 direc tions in a iow voice, to him and his wife. * La, me! said the woman, madam aint 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 tea-kettle. This done, while John and his wife went out, Melissa s aunt prepar- 64 ALONZO AND MELISSA. cd tea in hr own room. In aljout 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 dove the carriage. Melissa was involved in inscrutable mystery re specting these extraordinary proceedJngs. She con jectured that they boded her no good, but she could not penetrate into her aunt s designs. She frequent ly looked out, hoping to see the carriage return, but was disappointed. When tea was made ready, she could neither eat nor drink. After her aunt had disposed of a dozen cups of tea, and an adequate proportion of biscuit, butter and dried beef, she di rected Melissa to prepare to take walk. The sun was low; they proceeded through fields, in a foot path, over rough and uneven ways, directly toward the Sound. They walked about a mile, when they came lo a large, oldfashioned, castle like building, surrounded by a high, thick wall, and almost total ly concealed on all sides, from the sight, by irregu lar rows of large locusts and elm trees, dry prim* hedges, and green shrubbery. The gate which op ened 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 crass and rushes ; the avenue which led to the house 4 vas almost in the same con dition. The house was of real Gothic architecture, built of rude stone with battlements. *The botanical name of this shrub is not recol lected. 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. ALONZO AND ME iSSA. 5 The doors were constructed in the same manner as the gate at which they entered the yard. They unlocked the door, which creaked heavily on its hinges, and went in. They ascended a flight of eiairs, wound through several dark and empty rooms, till they came to one which was handsomely fur nished, with a fire burning on the hearth. Two beds were in the room, with tables and chairs, and oth er conveniences for house-keeping. Here we are safe, said Melissa s aunt, as I have taken care (o lock all the doors and gates after me; and here, Melissa, you are in the mansion of your ancestors. Your great grandfather, who came over from Eng- lanJ, built this house in the earliest settlement of the country, and here he resided until his death. The reason why so high and thick a wall was built round it- and the doors and gates so strongly fortified, was to secure it against the Indians, who frequently committed depredations on the early settlers. Your grandfather carne in possession of this estate after his father s death: it fell to me by will; with the lands surrounding it. The house has sometimes been tenanted, at others not. It has now been vacant for a few years. The lands are rented yearly. John, the person from whose house we last came, is my overseer and tenant. I had a small room built ad joining that hut, where I generally reside for a week when I come to receive my rents. I have thought frequently of fitting up this place for my future res idence, but circumstances have hitherto hindered me from carrying my scheme into effect, and now perhaps, it will never take place. Your perverse- ness, Melissa, in refusing to comply with the wishes of your friends, has induced us to adopt this meth od of bringing you here where you are to remain until Abnza leaves your neighborhood at least. 66 ALOJfZO ABTD MELISSA. Notwithstanding you father s injunctions and my vigilance, you had a clandestine interview with him last night. So we were told by Beauman this morn ing, before he set off for New-London, who discov ered him at your window. It therefore became necessary to remove you immediately. You will want for nothing. John is to supply us with what ever is needful. You will not he long here; Alon- zo will soon be gone. You will think differently; return home, marry Beauman, and become a lady. My God! exclaimed Melissa, is it possible my father can be so cruel! Is he so unfeeling as to ban ish 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 is was all owing to her own obstinacy, and because she refused to b made happy and went to preparing supper. Melissa heard none of her aunt s observations; she lay in stupyfving agony, insensible to all that pass ed. When supper was ready her aunt endeavored to arouse her. She started up, stared around her with a wild agonizing countenance, but spoke not a word. Her aunt became alarmed; she applied stimulants to her temples and forehead, and persuad ed her to take some cordials. She remained seem ingly insensible through the night: just at morning she fell into a slumber, interrupted by incoherent moanings, convulsive starlings, long drawn sighs, intermitting sobs, and by frequent, sudden and rest less turnings, from side to side. At length she ap peared to be in a calm and quiet sleep for about an hour. About sunrise she awoke her aunt set by ber bedside. She ga/ed languidly about the room, and burst into tears. She wept a long time; her aunt strove to console her, for she truly began to ALON7O AND MELISSA. 67 tremble, lest Melissa s distress should produce her immediate dissolution. Towards night however she became more calm and resigned; but a slight fever succeeded, which kept her confined for several days, after which she slowly recovered. John came frequently to the house to receive the commands of Melissa s aunt, and brought such things as they wanted. Her aunt also sometimes went home with him, leaving the keys of the house with Melissa, but locking the gate and tak ing the key of that with her. When Melissa was so far recovered as to walk out, she found that the house was situated on an eminence, about one hun dred yards from the Sound. The yard was large and extensive. Within the enclosure was a spacious gar den, now overrun with brambles and weeds. A few medicinal and odoriferous herbs were scattered here and there, and a few solitary flowers overtopped the tangling briars below ; but there was plenty of *Vuit on the shrubbery and trees. The outbuildings were generally in a ruinous condition. The cemete ry was the most perfect, as it was built of hewn stone and marble, and had best withstood the rav ages of time. The rooms in the house weie mostly empty and decaying, the main building was firm and strong, as was also the extended wall which en closed the whole. She found that although her aunt, when they first arrived, had led her through several upper rooms to the chamber they inhabited, yet there was from thence a direct passage to the hall. The prospect was not disagreeable. West, all was wilderness, from which fi brook wound along a little distance from the garden wall. North, were the uneven grounds which she had crossed when he came there, b>u;ded by distant groves and hifls ALONZC AND MELISSA. I East, beautiful meadows and fields, arraytd in flow- erv green, sloped to salt marshes or sandy banks of the Sound, or ended in the long white beaches which extended far into the sea. South was the Sound of Long Island. Melissa passed much time in tracing the ruins of this antiquated place, in viewing the white sails as they passed up and down the Sound, and in listen ing to the songs of the thousand various birds which frequented the garden and the forest. She could have been contented here to have buried her afflic tions, and forever to retire from the world, could Alon/.o but have resided within those walls. * What will he think has become of me, she would say, while the disconsolate tear glittered in her eye. Her aunt had frequently urged her to yield to her fa ther s injunctions, regain her liberty and marry Beauman; and she every day became more solicit ous and impertinent. A subject so hateful to Melis sa sometimes provoked her to tears; at others her keen resen -nent. She therefore, when the weather was fair, passed much of her time in the garden and adjoinino \\ alks, wishing to be as much out of her aunt s company as possible. One day John came there early in the morning, and Melissa s aunt went home with him. The day pas sed away, but she did not return. Melissa sat up until a late hour of the n jfht, expecting her; she went to the gate, and found it was fast locked, returned, locked and bolted the doors of the house, went to bed and slept as soundly as she had done since her residence in the old mansion, I have at least, she said, escaped the disgusting curtain lec ture about marrying Beanman. The next day her aunt returned. I was quite concerned about you, child, said she; how did ALONZO AND MELISSA 69 you sleep? * Ne^er better, she answered, since I nave been here. I had forgotten, said her aunt, that mv rents become due this week. I was de tained until late, by some of rny tenants; John was out and I dare not return in the night alone. I must go back to-day. It will take me a week to settle my business. If I am obliged to stay out again I will send one of John s daughters to sleep with you. You need not give yourself that trouble, replied Melissa; I am under no apprehension of staying here alone ; nothing can get into or out of these prem- * Well, thou hast wonderful courage, child, said her aunt, but I shall be as frequently here as pos sible, and as soon as my business is settled, I shall be absent no more/ So saying she bade Melissa good morning, and set off for her residence at the dwelling of John. She did not return in two days. The second night of her absence, Melissa was sitting in her chamber reading, when she heard a noise of several people trampling in the yard below. She arose, cautiously raised the window, and looked out. It was extreme ly dark: she thought she might have been discover ed. 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 some lands: she should be gone a few days, and as soon as she returned should come there. * The keys of the house* said sne, I shall leave with you. The gate 1 shall lock, and leave the 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 pospect of her al- 70 ALONZO ND ME1ISSA. Melissa amused herself in evenings by reading in the few books her aunt had brought there, and in the day, in walking around the yard and garden, or in traversing the rooms of the antique building. In Borne were the remains of ancient furniture, others were entirely empty. Cobwebs and mouldering wails were the principal ornaments left. One evening as she was about retiring to rest, she thought she heard the same trampling noise in the yard as on a former occasion. She stepped softly to the window, suddenly raised it and held out the Candle. She listened and gazed with anxious solici tude, but discovered nothing more. All was silent; she shut the window, and in a short time went to bed. Some time in the night she was suddenly awak ened by a sharp sound, apparently near her. She started in a trembling panic, but endeavored to com pose herself with the idea, that something had fal len from the shelves. As she lay musing upon the incident, she heard noises in the rooms below, suc ceeded by an irregular and confused number of voi ces, and presently after, footsteps ascending the stairs which led to her chamber. She trembled; a cold chilly sweat run down her face. Directly the doors below opened and shut with a quick and violent mo tion. And soon after she was convinced that she distinctly heard a whispering in her room. She rais ed herself up in the bed and cast inquisitive eyes to wards her chamber door. All was darkness no new object was visible no sound was heard, and he again lav down. Her mind was too much agitated and alarmed to Bleep. She had evidently heard sounds, footsteps and voices in the house, and whisperings which ap peared to be in her room. The yard gate was lock- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 71 ed, of which John had the key. She was confident that no person could ascend or get over the wall ot 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 (hem furiously open and shut. A thought darted into hei mind, was it not a plan which her aunt had con rnved in order to frighten her to a compliance with her wishes? But then how could she enter the house without keys? This might be done with the use of a false key. But from whence did the whis perings proceed, which appeared close to her bed side? Possibly it might be conveyed through the key hole of her chamber door. These thoughts tended in some degree to allay her fears; they were possibilities at least, however improbable. As she lay thus musing, a hand cold as the icy fingers of death, grasped her arm which lay outside of the bed clothes. She screamed convulsively, and sprang up in the bed. Nothing was to be seen no noise was heard. She had not time to reflect. She flew out of the bed, ran to the fire and lighted a candle. Her heart beat rapidly. She cast timid glances around the room, cautiously searching eve ry corner, and examining the door. All things were in the same state she had left them when she vent to bed. Her door was locked in the same manner; 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 in her first conjectures respecting their being the works of her aunt and ef fected by her agents and instrumentality? All were possible except the cold hand which had grasped iier arm. Might not this be the effect of a terrified and heated imagination ? But could her room be 72 ALONZO AND MELISSA. tnlocked, persons enter, approach her bed, depart and re-lock the door while she was awake, without her hearing them ? She knew she could not go to sleep, and she t te- tertnined not to go to bed again that night. She took up a book, but her spirits had been too much disordered by the past scenes to permit her to read. She looked out of the window. The rnoon had aris en and cast a pale lustre over the landscape. She recollected the opening and shutting of the door perhaps they were still open. The thought was alarming. She opened her chamber door, and with Ihe candle in her hand, cautiously descended the stairs, casting an inquisitive eye in every direction, and stopping frequently to listen. She advanced to he door it was locked. She examined the others; they were all in the same situation. She turned to go up stairs, when a loud whisper echoed through the hall expressing away, away! She flew lik> fightning to her chamber, re-locked the door and flung herself almost breathless, into a chair. As soon as her scattered senses were collected, she concluded that whatever had been in the house was there still. She resolved to go out no more un til day, which soon began to discolor the east with a fainter blue; then purple streaks, intermingled wit i a dusky whiteness, ascended in pyramidical col umns the zenith; these fading slowly away, the east ern horison became fringed with the golden span gles of early morn. A spot of ineffable brightness succeeded, and immediately the sun burst over the verge of creation, deluging the world in a flood ot* unbounded light and glory. As soon as the morning had a little advanced, Me lissa ventured out. She proceeded with hesitating steps, carefully scrutinizing every object which laci ALONZO AND MELISSA 73 her sight. She examined every door ; they -vere all fast. She critically searched every room, closet, &c. above and below. She then took a light and de scended 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 al tered, changed, or removed; no outlet, no signs of there having been any being in the house the eve ning before, except herself. She then unlocked the outer door and proceeded to the gate, which she found locked as usual. She next examined the yard, the garden, and all the out houses. Nothing could be discovered of any person having been recently there. She next walked around by the wall, the whole circle of the enclosure. She was convinced that the unusual height of the wall rendered it impossible for any one to get over it. It was constructed of several tier of hewed timbers and both sides of it were as smooth as glass. On the fop long spikes were thickly driven in, sharpen ed at both ends. It was surrounded on the outside by a deep wide moat, which was nearly filled with water. Over this moat was a draw-bridge, on the road leading to the gate, which was drawn up, and John had the key. The events of the last night therefore remained inscrutable. It must be that her aunt was the agent who had managed this extraordinary machinery. She found John at the house when she returned. * Does madam want any thing to-day? asked ho. 4 Has my aunt returned, enquired Melissa. Not jet, he replied: * How long has she been gone? she a^ted. * Four days, replied John, after count ing his ingers, aid she will not be back under four 74 ALO.VZO AND MELISSA or five more. * Has the key of the gate been con stantly in your possession? asked she. * The key of the gate and draw-bridge, he replied have not been out of my possession for a moment since your aunt has been gone. Has any person been to en quire for me or my aunt, she enquired, since I have been here? * No, madam, said he, * not a single person. Melissa knew not what to think; she could not give up the idea of false keys perhaps her aunt had returned to her father s. Perhaps the draw bridge had been let down, the gate opened and the house entered by false keys. He father would as soon do this as confine her in this solitary place; and he would go all lengths to induce her, either by ter ror, persuasion or threats, to relinquish Alonzo and marry Beauman. A thought impressed her mind which gave her some consolation. It was possible to secure the premises so that no person could enter even by the aid of false keys. She asked John if he would assist her that day. * In any thing you wish, madam, he replied. She then directed him to go to work. Staples and iron bars were found in different parts of the build ing, with which he secured the doors and windows, so that they could be opened only on the inside. The gate, which swung in, was secured in the same manner. She then asked John if he was willing to leave the key of the gate and 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.* Of the place where Melisssa was confined, a* ALONZO AND MELISSA. 75 That night Melissa let down the bridge, locked and barred the gale, and the doors and windows of the house; she also went again over all parts of the building, strictly searching every place, though fche was well convinced she should find nothing extraor dinary. She then retired to her chamber, seat ed herself at the western window, and watch ed the slow declining sun, as it leisurely sunk be hind the lofty groves. Pensive twilight spread her misty mantle over the landscape ; the western hori- son glowed with the spangle of evening. Deep ening glooms advanced. The last beam of day fad ed 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. In numerable stars glittered in the firmament, inter mingling their quivering lustre with the pale splen dors of the milky way. Melissa did not retire from the window until late; she then shut it and withdrew within the room. She determined not to go to bed that night. If she was to be visited by beings, material or immaterial, she chose not again to encounter them in darkness, or to be surprised when she was asleep. But why should she fear? She knew of none she had displeas- described in the foregoing pages, scarce a trace now remains. By the events of the revolution, the prem ises fell into other hands. The mansion, out-hous es 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 neighborhood IB think settled. 76 ALONZO AND MELISSA. cd except her father, her aunt and Beauman. If by any of these, the late terrifying scenes had been wrought, she had now effectually precluded a recur rence 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 circum stances, and when daylight appeared she flung her self upon the bed, and slept until morning was con siderably advanced. She now felt convinced that her former conjectures were right; that it was her aunt, her father, or both, who had caused the a- larming sounds she had heard, a repetition of which had only been prevented by the precautions she had taken. When she awoke the horizon was overclouded, and it began to rain. It continued to rain until to wards 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, ex amined all parts of the house, and again went to her chamber. She sat up until a late hour, when growing very drowsy, and convinced that she was safe and secure, she went to bed; leaving, however, candles burning in the room. As she for two nights had been de prived of her rest, she soon fell into a slumber. She had not long been asleep, before she was suddenly aroused by the apparent report of a pistol, seemingly discharged close to her head. Awaken ed so instantaneously, her recollection, for a time, was confused and imperfect. She was only sensible of a strong, sulphurous scent: but she soon remem- berc that she had left two candies burning, and ev er) object was aov shrouded in darkness. Thil ""1 ALONZO AND MELISSA. 77 alarmed her exceedingly. What could have become of the can-dies? They must have been blown out or taken away. What was Hie sound she had just heard ? What the sulphurous stench which had per vaded the room ? While she was thus musing in perplexity, a broad flash like lightning transiently illuminated the chamber, followed by a long, loud", and deep roar, which seemed to shake the building to its centre. It did not appear like thunder; the sound seemed to be in the room directly over her head. Perhaps, however, it was thunder. Perhaps a preceding clap had struck near the building, broken the windows, put out the lights, and filled the house with electric effluvium. She listened for a repetition of the thunder but a very different sound 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 pro ceeded from some person in the chamber. Melissa raised herself up in bed; a tall white form moved from the upper end of the room, glided slowly by her bed, and seemed to pass off* near the foot. She then heard the doors below alternately open and shut, slapping furiously and in quick succession, fol lowed 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 threaten- ings, and the plaintive tones of expostulation. A momentary silence ensued when the cry of Murder! LJ murder! murder! echoed through the building, fol lowed 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 si- tence prevailed for a few minutes, to which a loud. 78 AL.ONZO AND MELISSA. hoarse peal of ghastly laughter succeeded then again all was still. But she soon heard heavy foot steps ascending the stairs to her chamber door. It was now she became terrified and alarmed beyond any former example. Gracious heaven defend me, he 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 bar red ; and knowing that all the keys were in her pos session, she could not entertain the least doubt but. the noises she had heard were produced by su pernatural beings, and she had reason to believe, of the most mischievous nature. She was now convinc ed that her father or her aunt could have no agen cy 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 pass the wall of the enclos ure; it was impossible for any human being to enter the hou^e, and still more impossible to enter the chamber. While she lay thus ruminating in extreme agita tion, momentarily expecting to have her ears assail ed with some terrific sound, a pale light dimly il luminated her chamber. It grew brighter. She raised herself up to lock towards the door; the first object which met her eye, was a most horrible form, standing at a little distance from her bedside. Its appearance was tall and robust, wrapped in a tattered white robe, spotted with blood, ihe 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 Dale face was gashed and gory! its eyes fixed, gla* ALOWZO ATCD MELISSA. 79 ed and glaring; its lips open, its teeth set, and in its hand was a bloody dagger. Melissa uttering a shriek of terror, shrunk into the bed, and in an instant the room was involved in pitchy darkness. A freezing ague seized her limbs, and drops of chilling sweat stood upon her face. Im mediately a horrid hoarse voice burst from amidst the gloom of her apartment, Begone! begone from this house! The bed on which she lay then seemed to be agitated, and directly she perceived some person crawling on its foot. Every consideration, except present safety was relinquished; instantly ghe sprang from the bed to the floor with convuls ed grasp, seized the candle, flew to the fire and light ed it. She ga/ed vvildl} 7 around the room no new object was visible. With timid step she approach ed the bed; she strictly searched all around and un der it, but nothing strange could be found. A thought, darted into her mind to leave the house im mediately and fly to John s: this was easy, as the keys of the gate and draw-bridge were in her pos session. She stopped not to reconsider her deter mination, but seizing the keys with the candle in her hand, she unlocked her chamber door, and pro ceeded cautiously down stairs, fearfully casting her eyes on each side, as she tremblingly advanced to the outer door. She hes ; tated a moment. To what perils, was she about to expose herself, by thus ven turing out at the dead of 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 heard a deep hcilow sigh. She looked around, and saw stretched on one side of the hall, the same ghastly form which had so re cently appeared standing at her bedside. The same haggard countenance, the same awful appearance o 80 ALONZC UNE MELISSA. murderous death. A faintness came upon her, she turned to flee to her chamber the candle drop ped from her trembling hand, and she was shroud ed in impenetrable darkness. Siie groped to find the stairs: as she came near the foot, a black ob ject, apparently in human shape, stood before her, with eyes which seemed to burn like coals of fire, and red frames issuing from its mouth. As she stood fixed a moment in inexpressible trepidation, a large ball of fire rolled along the hall, towaids the door, and burst with an explosion which seemed to rock the building to its deepest foundation. Melissa clos ed her eyes and sunk senseless to the floor. She revived and got to her chamber, she hardly knew how; locked her door, lighted another candle, and after again searching the room, flung herself into a chair, in a state of mind which almost deprived her of reason. Daylight soon appeared, and the cheerful sun dart ing its enlivening rays through the crevices and windows of the antique mansion, recovered her ex- nausted spirits, and dissipated in some degree, the .errors which hovered about her mind. She endeav ored to reason coolly on the events of the past night, out reason could not elucidate them. Not the least noise had been heard since she returned to her chamber: she therefore expected to discover no traits which might tend to a disclosure of these mysteries. She consoled herself only with a fixed determination to leave the desolate mansion. Should John come there that day, he might be prevaileJ on to permit her to remain at her aunt s apartment in his house till her aunt should return. If he should not come before sunset, she resolved to leave tho mansion and proceed there. ALONZO AND MELISSA. 81 She took some refreshments and went dotvi; 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 dis placed; every thing appeared as it formerly had been She then went to the gate; it was locked as usual and the draw bridge up. She again trav ersed the circuit of the wall, but found no alteration, or any place where it was possible the enclosure might be entered. Again she visited the outer buildings, and even entered the cemetery, but dis covered not the least circumstance which could con duce to explain the surprising transactions of the preceding night. She however, returned to her room in a more composed frame of spirit, confident that she should not remain alone another night in that gloomy, desolate and dangerous solitude. Towards evening Melissa took a walk around the enclosure. It was that season of the year when weary summer is lapsing into the anus of fallow au tumn. The day had been warm and the light gales bore invigorating coolness on their winfjs as they tremulously agitated the foliage of the western for est, or fluttered among the branches of the trees surrounding the mansion. The green splendors of spring had began to fade into a yellow lustre, the flowery verdure of the field was changed to a rus set hue. A robin chirped on a neighboring oak, a wren chattered beneath, swallows twittered around the deca^^d buildings, the ludicrous mocking bird sung sportively from the top of the highest j.1&\ and the surrounding groves rung with varying, v v less melody, while uOn in the adjacent wildeOv v ." the woodcock hammering on some dry 82 ALONZO AND MELISSA. trees, filled tlie woods with reverberating echoes The Sound was only ruffed by the lingering breez es, as they idly wandered over its surface. Long Island, now in possession of the British troops, was thinly enveloped in smoky vapor; 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 on a point which jutted out from the main land, far to the eastward. Numberless summer in sects mingled their discordant strains amidst the weedy herbage. A heavy black cloud was rising in the northwest, which seemed to portend a shower, as the sonorous distant thunder was at long inter vals distinctly heard. Melissa walked around the yard, contemplating the varying beauties of the scene; the images of de parting joys the days when Alonzo had participat ed with har in admiring the splendors of rural pros pects, 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 choked with low running bram ble and tangling five finger; tall, rank rushes, mul- lens and daises, had usurped the empire of the kitch en garden. The viny arbor was broken, and prin- cipnlly gone to decay; yet the lonely wild rose* blushed mournfully amidst the ruins. As she pass ed from the garden she involuntarily stopped at the cemetery: she paused in serious reflection: Here* said she, in this house of gl^oin rests in undist-uoed silence my honorable ancestors, once the s^ive ten ants of yonder mansion. Then throughout these solitary demesnes, the busy occureiKes of life glided in cheerful circles. Then, these now moss clad al leys, and this wild weedy garden, were the resort of ALOISTZO AND MELISSA. 83 the fashionable and the gay. Then evening music floated over the fields; while yonder halls and apart ments shone in brilliant illumination. Now all is sad, solitary and dreary, the haunt of spirits and spec tres of nameless terror. All that now remains of the head that formed and the hand that executed, and the bosorn that relished this once happy scene ry, is now, alas, only a heap of dust. She seated herself on a little hillock, under a wseping willow, which stood near the cemetery, and watched the rising shower, which ascended in gloomy pomp, half hidden behind the western groves, shrouding the low sun in black vapor, while coining thunders more nearly and more awfully rol led. The shrieking night-hawk* soared high into the air, mingling with the lurid van of the approach ing storm, which widening more rapidly advanced, until the heavens were arrayed in blackness. The lightning broader and brighter flashes, hurl ing down its forky streaming bolts far in the wilder ness, its flaming path followed by the vollying ar tillery of the skies. Now bending its long crinkling spires over the vallies, now glimmering along the summit of the hills. Convolving clouds poured smokv volumes through the expansion ; a dep hollow, distant roar, announced the approach ol * summoned winds. The whole forest bowed in awful grandeur, as from its dark bosom rushed the impetuous hurricane, twisting off or tearing up by the roots, the stoutest trees, whirling the heavi est branches through the air with irresistible fury. It dashed upon the sea, tossed it into irregular moun- * Supposed to be the male whippoorwill ; well known in the New-England states, and answering t tiie above peculiarity. 84 AL.ONZO AND MELISSA. tains, or mingled its white foamy spray with th gloom of the turbid skies. Slantwise, the large heavy drops of rain began to descend. Melissa has tened to the mansion; as she reached the door, a very brilliant flash of lightning, accompanied by a tremendous explosion, alarmed her. A thunderbolt had entered a large elm tree within the enclosure, and with a horrible crash had shivered it from top to bottom. She unlocked the door and hurried to her chamber. Deep night now filled the atmos phere; 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 the sheeted flame of its many colored fires; thunders rolled awfully around the firmament, or burst with horrid din, bounding and reverberating among the surrounding wood^, hills and valleys. It seemed nothing less than the crash of worlds sounding through the universe. Melissa walked her room, listening to the wild commotion of the elements. She feared that if the storm continued, she should be compelled to pass another night in the lone mansion: if so she re solved not to go to bed. She now suddenly recol lected 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 th 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 foootsteps, and im perfectly saw the glance of something coming out of an adjoining room into the hall. Supposing some ghastly object was appioaching she averted her eyes and flew to the stairs. As she was ascending them, a voice exclaimed, * Gracious heaven ! Meli* ALONZO AND MELISSA. 85 0a !* The voice agitated her frame with a confused sympathetic sensation. She turned, fixed her eyes upon the person who had spoken; unconnected ideas flo/ited a moment in her imagination : Eternal powers! she cried, it is Alonzo. Alonzo and Melissa were equally surprised at so unexpected a meeting. They could scarcely credit their own senses. How he had discovered her soli tude what led him to that lonely place how he had got over the wall were queries which first a- rose in her mind. He likewise could not conceive by what miracle he should find her in a remote desolate building, which he had supposed to be un inhabited. 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; repli ed Alonzo; who then inhabits this house? No one except myself, she answered; I am here alone, Alonzo. Alone! he exclaimed here alone, Me lissa! Good God! tell me how why by what means are you here alone? Let us go up to my chamber, she replied, and I will tell you all. He followed her to her apartment and_seated him self by the fire. You want refreshment, said Me lissa which was indeed the case, as he had been long without any, and was wet, hungry, and weary. She immediately set about preparing tea, and sopo 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 re fined sensibility, contemplate for a moment Melissa and Alonzo seated at the same table, a table pre pared by her own hand, in a lonely mansion, sepa rated f- Mn soriety, aid no one to interrupt them. 86 ALONZO AND MELISSA. After innumerable difficulties, troubles, and perplex- ities; after vexing embarrassments, and a cruel sep aration, they were once more together, and for some time every other consideration was lost. The vio lence 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 but little of it. She told him all that had happened to her since they parted, except the strange noises and awful sights which had terrified her during her confinement in that solitary building: this she considered unneces sary and untimely, in her present situation. Alonzo informed her, that as soon as he had learned the manner in which she had been sent away, he left the house of Vincent and went to her father s to see if he could not find out by some of the domestics what course her aunt had taken. None of them knew any thing about it. He did not put himself in the way of her father, as he was appre hensive of ill treatment thereby. He then went to several places among the relatives of the family where he had heretofore visited with Melissa, most of whom received him with a cautious coldness. At length he came to the house of Mr. Simpson, the gentleman to whose seat Alonzo was once driven by a shower, where he accidentally found Melissa on a visit, as mentioned before. Here he was admit ted with the ardor of friendship. They had heard his story: Melissa had kept up a correspondence with one of the young ladies; they were therefore, informed of all except Melissa s removal from her father s house: of this they knew nothing until told thereof by Alonzo. * I am surprised at the conduct of my kinsman,* ga d Mr. Simpson; for though his determinations are, .ALONZO AND MELISSA. 87 like the laws of the Medes and Persians, unaltera ble, yet I have ever believed that the welfare of hig children lay nearest his heart. In the present in stance he is certainly pursuing a mistaken policy. I will go and see him. He then ordered his horse, de siring Alonzo to remain until he returned. Alonzo was treated with the most friendly polite ness by the family, he found that they were deeply interested in his affairs and in the welfare of Me lissa. 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 despatch my son William among our connexions, to see if he can find her out. The next morning William departed, and waf gone two days; but could not obtain the least intel ligence either of Melissa or her aunt, althopgh he had been the rounds among the relations of the family. * There is some mystery in this affair, said Mr. Simpson. * I am very little acquainted with Melis sa s aunt. I have understood that she draws a de cent support from her patrimonial resources, which it is said are pretty large, and that she resides al ternately with her different relatives. I have under stood also, that my kinsman expects her fortune to come into his family, in case she never marries, which in all probability, she now will not, and that she, in consequence, holds considerable influence over him. It is not possible but that Melissa is yet concealed at some place of her aunt s residence, and hat the family are in the secret. I think it cannot KJ long before they will disclose themselves: You, ALONZO AND MELISSA. Alon/o, are weclome to make my house your home and if Melissa can be found she shall be treated as my daughter. Alonzo thanked him for his friendship and father ly kindness. I must continue, said he, my re searches for Melissa; the result you shall know. He then departed, and travelled through the neigh boring villages and adjoining neighborhoods, making at almost every house, such enquiries as he consid ered necessary on the occasion. He at length ar rived at the inn in the last little village where Me lissa and her aunt had stopped the day they came to the mansion. Here the innkeeper 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 innkeeper told him that they purchas ed some articles in the village, and drove off to the south. Alonzo then traversed the country adjoin ing the Sound, far to the westward, and was return ing eastward, when he was overtaken by the show er. No house being within sight, he betook him self to the forest, for shelter. From a little hilly glade in the wilderness, he discovered the lonely mansion, which from its appearance, he very natur ally supposed to be uninhabited. The tempest soon becoming severe, he thought he would endeavor to reach the house. When he arrived at the moat he found it impossi ble to cross it, or ascend the wall; .and he stood in momentary jeopardy of his life, from the falling tim ber; some of which was broken and torn up by the tornado, and some splintered by the fiery bolts of heaven. At length a large tree, which stood near him, on the verge of the moat, or rather in that place, was lurled from its foundation, and fell, with ALOKZO AND MELISSA. a hideout cratth, across the moat, its top lodging on the wall. He scrambled up on the trunk, and made his way on the wall. By the incessant glare of lightning he was able to see distinctly. The top of the tree was partly broken by the force of its fall, and hung down the other side of the wall. By these branches, he let himself down into the yard, pro ceeded to the house, found the door open which Melissa had left in her fright, and entered into one of the rooms, where he proposed to stay until at least the shower was over, still supposing the house unoccupied, until the noise of locking the door, and the light of the candle, drew him from the "room, when to his infinite surprise, he discovered Melissa, as before related. Melissa listened to Alonzo with varied emotion. The fixed obduracy of her father, the generous con duct ot the Simpsons, the constancy of Alonzo, fil led her heart with inexpressible sensations. She foresaw that her sufferings were not shortly to end, she knew not when her sorrows were to close. Alonzo was shocked at the alteration which ap peared in the features of Melissa. The rose had faded from her cheek, txcept when it was transient ly suffused with a hectic flush. A livid paleness sat upon her countenance, and her fine form was rapidly wasting. It was easy to be foreseen that the grief which preyed upon her heart would soon destroy her, unless speedily allayed. The storm had now passed into the regions of the east; the wind and rain had ceased, the lightning more unfrequently flashed and the thunder rolled at a distance. The hours passed hastily ; day would soon appear. Hitherto they had been ab sorbed in the present moment; it was time to think of the future. After the troubles they had expert- SO AI.ONZO .4.ND MELISSA. cnced; after so fortunate a meeting, they could not endure the idea of another and immediate separa- ration. And yet immediately separated they must be. It would not be safe for Alonzo to stay even until the rising sun, unless he was concealed: and of what use could it be for him to remain there in concealment. In this dilemma there was but one expedient. Suf fer me, said Alonzo to Melissa, to remove you from this solitary confinement. Your health is im paired. To you, your father is no more a father; he has steeled his bosom to paternal affection; he has banished you from his house, placed you under the tyranny of others, and confined you in a lonely, desolate dwelling, far from the sweets of societv, and th:s only because you cannot heedlessly re nounce a most solemn contract, formed under lua eye, and r ...cuone^ l y his immediate consent ana apn- Cation ifdon me; Melissa, I wouM not Cen sure vo" utrier; but permit me to say that after B .I-- treatment, you are absolved from implicit obe- uience 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 tne tyrannical severity with which you are oppressed. Melissa sighed, wiped a tear which fell from ner eye. Unqualified obedience to my parents, said sne, I have ever considered one of the first du ties, and have religiously practised thereon but where Alonzo, would you remove me? To any pface you shall appoint, he answered? I have no wiiere to go, she replied. If you will allow me to name the place, said he, * I will mention Mr. Simpson s. He will espouse your cause and be a father to you, and if concilia- lion is possible, will reconcile you to your father. ALONZO A.VD MELISSA.. 91 This can i>3 done without my being known to have any agency in the business. It can seem as if Mr. Simpson had found you out. He will go any just lengths to serve us. It was his desire, if you could be found, to have you brought to his house. There you can remain either in secret or openly, as you shall choose. Be governed by me in this, Melissa, and in all things I will obey you thereafter. I will then submit to the future events of fate; but I can not Melissa I cannot leave you in this doleful place. Melissa arose and walked the room in extreme agitation. What could she do ? She had, indeed, determined to leave the house, for reasons which Alonzo knew nothing of. To continue there under ex c .ng circumstances would be impossible, long to jxist. She therefore came to a determination I will go, she said, to Mr. Simpson s. It was then agreed that Alonzo should proceed to Vincent s, interest them in the plan, procure a car riage and return at eleven o clock the next night. Melissa was to have the draw bridge down, and the gate open. If John should come to the house the succeeding day, she would persuade him to let her still keep the keys. But it was possible her aunt might return. This would render the execution of the scheme more hazardous and difficult. A signal was therefore agreed upon; 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 waa to be placed against a similar window in a room be low. In the first case Alonzo was to rap loudly at the door. Melissa was to run down on pretence of seeing who was there, fly with Alonzo to the car riage, and leave her a mt to scrape acquaintance with the ghosts and goblins of the old mansion. For 92 ALONZO AND MELISSA. even if her aunt should return, which WJLS extremely doubtful, she thought she could contrive to letdown the bridge and unlock the gate in the evening with out her knowledge. At any rate she was determin ed not to let the keys go out of her hands, unless they were forced from her, until she had escaped from that horrid and dreary place. Daylight began to break from the east, and Alon- zo prepared to depart. Melissa accompanied him to the gate and the bridge, which was let down: he passed over and slowly withdrew, both frequently turning to look back. When she came to the gate she stopped, Alonzo stopped also. She waved a white handkerchief she had in her hand, and Alon zo bowed in answer to the sign. She then leisurely entered and slowly shut the gate. Alonzo could not forbear climbing up into a tree to catch anoth er glimpse of her as she passed up the avenue. With lingering step he saw her move along, soon reced ing from his view in the gray twilight of misty morn ing. He then descended and hastily proceeded on his journey. Traits of glory now painted the eastern skies. The glittering day star having unbarred the portals of light, began to transmit its retrocessive lustre. Thin scuds flew swiftly over the moon s decres cent form. Low hollow winds murmured among the bushes, or brushed the limped drops from inter mingling foliage. The fire-fly sunk feebly twink ling amongst 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 splendors. The woodlands be gan to ring with native melody the forest tops, on high mountains, caught the sun first ray, whch AI.ONZO AND MELISSA. 93 widening and extending, soon gem d the landscape with brilliants of a thousand various dies. As Alonzo came out of the fields nar the road, he saw two persons pass in an open chair. They sud denly stopped, earnestly gazing at him. They were wrapped in long riding cloaks, and it could not be distinguished from their dress whether they were men or women. He stood not to notice them, but made the best of his way to Vincent s where he ar rived about, noon. Rejoiced to find that he had dis covered Melissa, they applauded the plan of her re moval, and assisted him to obtain a carriage. A sedan was procured, and he set out to return prom- ting to see Vincent again, as soon as he had remov ed Melissa to Mr. Simpson s. He made such use of his time as to arrive at the mansion at the hour ap pointed. He found the drawbridge down, the gate open, and saw as had been agreed upon, the lighl 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 Melis sa was not there ! A small fire was blazing on the heart!), and a candle was burning on the table. He stood petrified with amazement, then gazed around in anxious solicitude. What could have become of her? It was impossible, he thought, but that she must still be there. Had she been removed by fraud or force, the sig nal candle would not have been at the window. Per haps, in a freakish moment, she had concealed her self for no other purpose than to cause him a little 94 ALONZO AND MELISSA. perplexity. He therefore took the candle and searched every corner of the chamber, and every room of the house, not even missing the garret and the cellar. He then placed the candle in a lantern, and went out arid examined the out-houses: he next vent round the garden and the yard, strictly explor ing and investigating every place; but he found her not. He repeatedly and loudly called her by name; he was answered only by the solitary echoes of the wilderness. Again he returned to the house, traversed the rooms, there also calling on the name of Melissa : his voice reverberated from the walls, dying away in solemn murmurs in the distant empty apartments. Thus did he continue his anxious scrutiny, alternate ly in the house, and the enclosure until day but no traces could be discovered, nothing seen or heard *>f Melissa. What had become of her he could not form the most distant conjecture. Nothing was re- noved from the house; the beds, the chairs, the ta- ole,all the furniture remained in the same condition as when he was there the night before; the candle, BS had been agreed upon, was at the window, and another was burning on the table: it was therefore evident that she could not have been long gone when he arrived. By what means had she thus sud denly disappeared, was a most deep and inscrutible mystery. When the sun had arisen, he once more repeated his inquisitive search, but with the same effect. He then, in extreme vexation and disap pointment flung himself into the sedan, and drove from the mansion Frequently did he look back at the building, anxiously did he scrutinize every sur rounding and receding object. A thrill of pensive recollection vibrated through his frame as he passed the gate, and the keen agonizing pangs of b asted .A1.0NZO AND MELISSA. 95 hope pierced his heart as the carriage rolled over the bridge. Once more he cast a longing lingering look* up on the premises behind, sacred only for the trea sure they lately possessed; then sunk backward in his seat, and was dragged slowly away. Alonzo had understood from Melissa, that John s hul was situated about one mile north from the mansion where she had been confined. When he came rieaj the road, he left his horse and carriage, after secur ing them, and went in search of it. He soon dis covered it, and knew it from the description givei thereof by Melissa. He went up and knocked at the door, which was opened by John, whom Alonzo al so knew, from the portrait Melissa had drawn of him. John started in amazement. Understanding, said Alonzo, that you have the charge of the old man sion in yonder field, I have come to know rt you can inform rne what has become of the young lady who has been confined there. Confined! answered John, I did not know she was confined. Recollecting himself, I mean the young lady who has lately resided there with her aunt, replied Alon zo. * She was there last night, answered John; her aunt has gone into the country and has not return ed. Alonzo then told him the situation of the mansion, and that she was not there. John informed him that he was there about sunset, and according to her request he had loft the keys of the gate and bridge with her: he desired Alonzo to tarry there until lie ran to the mansion. He returned in half an hour. * She is gone sure enough, said John, but how or where, it is impossi ble lor me to guess. Convinced that he knew notry 96 ALONZO AND MELISSA. ing of the matter, Alonzo left him and r<rturned te Vincent s. Vincent and his lady were much surprised, at Alonzo s accou-nt ofMelissa s sudden disappearance, and they wished to ascertain whether her father s family knew anything of the circumstance. Social intercourse had become suspended between the fami lies of Vincent and Melissa s father, as the latter had taxed the former with improperly endeavoring to promote the views of Alonzo. TL-ey therefore procured a neighboring woman to visit Melissa s mother, to see if any information could be oblaingd concerning Melissa; but the old lady had heard noth ing 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 him all that hap pened since he was there, of which, before, they had heard nothing. At the house of Mr. Simpson and Vincent he resided some time, while they made the most diligent search to discover Melissa, but nothing could be learned of her fate. Alonzo then travelled into the various parts of the country, making such enquiries as caution dictated of all whom he thought likely to give him informa tion but he found none who could give him the least intelligence of his lost Melissa. In the course of his wanderings he passed near the old mansion house where Melissa had been con fined. Ho 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 who he found at home On enquiring of John whether he had yet heard any thing of the young lady and her aunt; All I know of the matter, said John, is, that two days after you were here, her aunt came back with a strange gen- ALONZO AND MELISSA, 97 tleman, and ordered me to go and fetch the furni ture away from the room they had occupied in the old mansion. I asked her what had become ol young madam. She told me that young mad- urn 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 rela tion at a great distance, because her father wanted her to marry a man and she wishes to marry some body else. From John s plain and simple narrative, Alonzo concluded that. Melissa had been removed by her father s order, or through the agency, or instiga tion of her aunt. Whether his visit to the old man sion 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 vnpression on his mind. He could in no manner account how the candle could be placed at the win dow according to agreement, unless it had been done by herself; and if so how had she so suddenly been conveyed away? Alonzo asked John where Melissa s aunt now was. * She left here yesterday morning, he answered, with the strange gentleman I mentioned, on a vis it to some of her friends. * Was the strange gentleman you. speak of her brother? asked Alonzo. * I believe not, replied John, smiling and winking to his wife; I know not who he was; somebody that madam seems to like pretty well. $S ALONZO AND MKLIfSA. * Have you the care of the old mansion, said Alonzo. Yes, answered John, I have the keys; I will ac company you thither, perhaps you would like to purchase it; madam said yesterday she thought she should sell it. Alonzo told him he had no thoughts of purchasing, thanked him for his information and departed. Convinced now that Melissa was removed by the agency of her persecutors, he compared the circum stances of John s relation. She had been sent to reside with some friend or relation at a great dis tance. This great distance he believed to be New London, and her friend 01 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 hesitate long what course to pursue he determined to repair to New London immediately. In pursuance of his design he went to his father s. He found the old gentleman with his man content edly tilling his farm, and his mother cheerfully at tending to household affairs, as their narrow circum stances would not admit her to keep a maid without embarrassment. Alonzo s soul sickened on compar ing the present state of his family with its former athu- ence; but it was an unspeakable consolation to see his aged parents contented and happy in their hum ble situation; and though the idea could not pluck the thorn from his own bosom, yet it tended tempo rarily to assuage the anguish of the wound. * You have been long gone, my son, said his fa ther; I scarcely knew what had become of you. Since I have become a farmer I know but little of what is going forward in the world ; and indee<\ we were never haonier in our lives. After stocking and ALONZO AND ME.JSSA 99 paying for my farm, and purchasing the requisites for my business, I have got considerable money at my command: we live f.ugally and realize the bles sings of health, comfort and contentment. Our on ly disquietude is on your account, Alonzo. Your af fair with Melissa, I suppose, is not so favorable as you could wish. But despair not, my son; hope is the harbinger of fairer prospects : rely on provi dence, which never deserts those who submissively to xv to the justice of its dispensations. Unwilling to disturb the serenity of his parents, Alonzo did not tell them his troubles. He answer ed, that perhaps all might yet come to right; but that as in the present state of his mind he thought a change of situation might be of advantage, he ask ed liberty of his father to travel for some little time To this his father consented, and offered him a part of the money he had on hand, which Alonzo refused, saying he did not expect to be long gone, and his resources had not failed him. He then sold off his books, his horses, his car riages, &c. the insignia of his better days, but now useless appendages, from which ho raised no incon siderable sum. He then took a tender and affec tionate leave of his parents, and set out for New- London. Alonzo journeyed along with a heavy heart and in an enfeebled frame of spirits. Through disap pointment, vexation, and the fatigues he had under gone in wandering about, for a long time, in search ot 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 the town, the next morning, the scenes of early life in which he had there been ar actor, moved in melancholy succession over his mind 100 ALONZO AND MELISSA That day he grew more indisposed; he experienced an unusual langour, listlessness and debility; chills followed by hoi flashes, heavy pains in the head and back, with incessant and intolerable tinrst. It was near night when ho reached Killingworth, where he halted, as he felt unable to go farther: he called for abed, and through the night was racked with severe pain, and scorched with a burning fever. The next morning he requested that the physician of the town might be sent for ; became and order ed a prescription which gave his patient some relief; anu by strict attention, in sbout 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 to\\. 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 ex cept it v as those whom he had re._ -\ to suppose were leagued against him. Should he go to the house of hor cousin, it might prove an injury to her if she were, there, and could answer no valuable pur pose if she were not. The evening after he arrived there he wrapped himself u pi .n his cloak and took the street which led to the house of Melissa s cou sin: 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 in to the room, but did not bring it to the window; of ALONZO AND MELISSA. 101 course he did not distinguish her features so as to identify them. He knew it was not the wife of Melissa s cousin, and from her appearance he believed it to he Melis sa. AffSi m the window opened, again the same la- ly appeared; she took a seat at a little distance - ithin the room; she reclined with her head upon er hand, and her arm appeared to be supported by * stand or table. Alonzo s heart beat violently; In: had a side view of he r face, was more than ever convinced that it was Melissa. Her delicate fea tures though more pale and dejected than whea last he saw her; her brown hair which fell in art less circles around her hly neck; her arched eye brows and commanding aspect. Alonzo moved to wards the house, with a design if possible, to draw her attention, and should it really prove to be Melis sa, to discover himself. He had proceeded but a few steps before she arose, shut the window, retired, and the light disappeared. Alonzo waited a considera ble time, but slie appeared no more. Supposing she had retired for the night he slowly withdrew, cha grined at this disappointment, yet pleased at the discovery he had made. The family with w,hom Alonzo had taken lodg ings were fashionable and respectable. The follow ing afternoon they had appointed to visit a friend, and they invited Alonzo to accompany them. When they named the familv where their visit was intend ed, he found it to be Melissa s cousin. Alonzo therefore declined going under pretence of business. He however waited with anxiety for their return, hoping he should be able to learn by their conversa tion whether Melissa was there or not. When they returned he made some inquires concerning the fam- lies in to* n, until th* conversation turned upon the 102 . LC NZO AND MELISSA. family they had visited. The young lady who re sides there, said Mrs. Wyllis, "is undoubtedly i-a a confirmed decline; she will never recover. Alonzo started, deeply agitated. * Who is (he young lady? he asked. She is sister to the gentle man 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. Wyl lis, * that she resembles her cousin Melissa, who re sided there some time ago? Very much indeed, replied the husband, * only she is not quite so hand- Bome. Again was Alonzo disappointed, and again did he experience a melancholy pleasure: he had the last night hoped that he had discovered Melissa; but to find her in a hopeless decline, was worse than that she should remain undiscovered. * It is reported, said Mrs. Wyllis, that Melissa has been upon the verge of matrimony, but that the treaty was somehow broken ofi"; perhaps B<jau man will renew his addresses again, should this be the case. Beaurnan has other business besides ad dressing the ladies, answered Mr. Wyllis. * He has marched to the lines near New-York, with his new raised company of volunteers. * From this discourse, Alonzo was convinced that Melissa was not the person he had seen at her cou sin s the preceding evening, and hat she was not there. He also found that Beauman was not in town. Where to search next, or what course to pursue, he was at a loss to determine. The next morning he rose early and wandered about the town. As he passed by the hovse of Me- *New-York was then in possession of the British troops. ALOXZO AND MELISSA. 103 lissa s cousin, he saw the lady who had appeared at the window, walking in the garden. rJer 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. Alon- zo felt no curiosity farther to examine her features, but passing on returned to his lodgings. How he was now to proceed, Alonzo could not readily decide. To return to his native place, ap peared to be as useless as to tarry where he was. For many weeks he had travelled and searched ev ery place where he thought it probable Melissa might be found, among her relatives and elsewhere. He made every effort to obtain some clue to her re moval 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 in form 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 inquiry ? he might at least leave directions where his friends might write to him, in case they should have any thing whereof to apprise him. An incident tended to confirm this resolution. He one night dreamed that he was sittir.g in a strange house, contemplating on his present situation, when. Melissa suddenly entered the room. Her appear ance was more pale, sickly and dejected than when he iast saw her. Her elegant form had wasted away, her eyes were sunk, her cheeks fallen, her lips livid. I!e fancied it to be night, she held a candle in her hand, smiling languidly upon him; she turned and went out of the room, beckoning him to follow, he thought he immediately arose and followed her. She glided through several winding rooms, ard art length 104 ALONZO AND MELISSA. he lost sight of her, and the light gradually fading away, he was involved in deep darkness He grop ed 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 illumin ated 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 ar- I rested his attention, was the lovely form of Melissa, i shrouded in the sable vestments of death. Cold ! and lifeless she lay stretched upon the hearse, beau- { tiful even in dissolution; the dying smile of compla cency had not yet deserted her cheek. The mu sic of her voice had ceased, her fine eyes had clos ed forever. Insensible to objects in which she once delighted; to atriictions which had blasted her blooming prospects, and drained the streams of life, she lay like blossomed trees of spring overthrown by rude and boisterous winds. The deep groans which convulsed the distracted bosom, and shocked the trembling frame of Alonzo, broke the delusive charm, he awoke rejoiced to find it but a dream, ihough it impressed his mind with doleful and por- lentous forebodings. It was a long time before he could again close his eyes to sleep ; he at length fell into a slumber, %nd again he dreamed. He fancied himself with Melissa, at the house of her father, who had con sented to their union, and that the marriage cere mony between them was there performed. He Liought that Melissa appeared as she had done in her most fortunate and sprightly days, before the Jarts of adversity, and the thorns of at} iction had wounded her heart. Her father seemed to be di- rested of all his awful sternness, and gave her to \lonzo with cheerful freedom. He awoke and the L_ ALONZO AND MELISiA. 105 horrors of his former dream were dissipated by tha happy influence of the last. vVho knows, he said, but that this may finally be the case; but that the sun of peace may yet dis pel these distressful hours! He arose determined to return home in a few days, he went out and en joyed his morning walk in a more composed frame of spirits than he had for ~ome time experienced. He returned and as he was entering the door he saw the weekly newspaper of the town which had been published that morning, and which the carrier had just flung into the hall. The family had not yet arisen. He took up the paper and 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 attracted his atten tion, by a display of broad black lines. The first article he read therein was as follows. * Died of a consumption on the 26th ult. at the seat of her uncle, Col. W. D , near Charleston, South Carolina, whither she had repaired for her health, Miss Melissa D , the amiable daughter of J. D , Esq. of , Connecticut, in the eighteenth year of her age. The paper fell from the palsied hand a sudden faintness came upon him the room grew dark he staggered, and fell senseless upon the floor. The incidents of our story will here produce a pause. The fanciful part of our readers may cast it aside in chagrin and disappointment. Such an event, may they say, we were not prepared to ex pect. After so many and such various trials of heart; afier innumerable difficulties surmounted; al most invincible objects overcome, and insuperable barriers removed after attending the hero and he roine of your tale through the diversified scenes a 106 ALONZO AND MELISS 4.. anxiety, suspense, hope, disappointment, expectation- joy, sorrow, anticipated bliss, sudden and disasuoua woe after elevating them to the threshold of hap piness, by the premature death of one, to plunge (he other, instantaneously in deep and irretrievable des pair, must not, cannot be right. Your story will hereafter become languid and spiritless; the subject will be uninteresting, the theme unengaging, since the genius which animated and enlivened it is gone forever. Reader of sensibility, stop. Are we not detailing facts ? Shall we gloss them over with false coloring? 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 con template nature in her operations; minutely exam ine the entrance the action and the exit of charac ters on the stage of existence then say if disap pointment, distress, misery and calamitous woe, are not the inalienable portion of the susceptible bosom. Say if the possession of refined feeling is enviable the lot of Nature s children covetable whether to such through life, the sprinklings of comfort are suf ficient to give a zest to the bitter banquets of adversi ty whether indeed, sorrow, siyhing, and tears, are not the inseparable attendants of all those whose hearts are the repositories of tender affections and pathetic sympathies. But what says the moralist ? Portray life as it is. Delude not the senses by deceptive appear ances. Arouso your hero? call to his aid Etera philosophy and sober reason. They will dissipata ALONZO AND MELISSA. 107 the rainbow-glories of unreal pleasure, and banish the glittering meteors of unsubstantial happinesss, Or if these fail, lead him to the holy fane of. reli gion; she will regulate the fires of fancy, and as suage the tempest of the passions: she will illumin ate the dark wilderness, and smooth the thorny paths of life: she will point him to joys beyond the tomb to another arid a better world; and pour the balm of consolation and serenity over his wounded soul. Shall we indeed arouse Alonzo? Alas to what paths of grief and wretchedness shall we rouse him! To a world to him void and cheerless a world deso late, sad and dreary. Alonzo revived. Why am I, he exclaimed, * re called to this dungeon of torment ? Why was not my spirit permitted to take its flight to regions where my guardian angel is gone? Why am I cursed with memory ? Oh that I might be blessed with for- getfulness! But why do I talk of blessings ? Heav en never had one in store for me. Where are fled my anticipated joys ? To the bosom, the dark bo- sotn of the oblivious tomb! There lie all the graces worflr. of love in life all the virtues worthy of lamentation in death. There lies perfection: per fection has here been found. Was she not all that even heaven could demand ? Fair, lovely, holy and virtuous. Her tender solicitudes, her en rapturing endearments, her soul inspiring blandish ments, gone, gone forever? That heavenly form, that discriminate mind all lovely as light, all puro as a seraph s a prey to worms mingled with in- coporeal shadows, regardless of former inquietudes or delights, regardless of the keen anguish which now wrings tears of blood from my despairing heart. 108 ALONZO AND MELISSA. * Eternal disposer of events! if virtue be thy spe cial care, why is the fairest flower in the gar.den 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 hur ried to the tomb ? Thus raved Aionzo. It was evident that delirium had partially seized his brain. He arose and flung himself on the bed in unspeakable agony. * And what, alas! he again exclaimed, now remains for me? Existence and unparalleled misery. The con solation even of death is denied me. But Melissa ! she ah, where is she ! Oh, reflection insupporta ble 1 , 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 lilly 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 lef t in a state of misery which defies mitigation or comparison. v,.u.,,sted by excess of grief, he now lay in a stu- pifying anguish, until the servant summoned him to breakfast. He told the servant he was indisposed and requested he might not be disturbed. Mr. Wyl- lis and his lady came up, anxious to yield him any assistance in their power, and advised him to call a physician. He thanked them hut told them it was unnecessary; he only wanted rest. His extreme dis tress of mind brought on a rele.pse of fever, from which he had but imperfectly recovered. For sev eral days he lay in a very dangerous and doubtful AtONZO AND MELISSA. 109 state. A physician was called; contrary to his choice or knowledge, as for most part of the time his mind \\asdelerious and sensation imperfect. This was probably the cause of baffiing the disorder. He was in a measure insensible to his woes. He did not oppose the prescriptions of his physician. The fe ver abated: nature triumphed over disease of body and he slowly recovered, but the malady of his mind was not removed. He contemplated on the past. I fear, said he, I have murmured against the wisdom of Provi dence. Forgive, 0, mercifi l Creator! forgive the frenzies of destraction! He now recollected that Melissa once told him that she had an uncle who resided near Charleston, in South Carolina; thithei he supposed she had been sent by her father, when she was removed from the old mansion, in order to prevent his having access to her, and with a view to compel her to marry Beauman. Her appearance had indicated a deep decline when he last saw her. * There, said he, far removed from friends and acquaintance, there did she languish, there did she die a victim to excessive grief, and cruel parental persecution. As soon as he was able to leave his room, he walked out one evening, and in deep contemplation roved, he knew not where. The moon shone bril liantly from her lofty throne; the chill heavy dews of autumn glittered on the decaying verdure. The cad- eat* croaked hoarsely among the trees; the dirclef *Local names given to certain American insects, from their sound. They are well known in various parts of the United States; generally make their ap pearance about the latter end of August, and con tinue until destroyed by the frost. The notes of the 110 ALONZO AND MELISSA. jmng mournfully on the grass. Alonzo heard them not ; he was insensible to all external objects, un til 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. Had the whole artillery of heaven burst in sheeted flame from the skies had raging winds mingled the roaring waves with the moun tains had an instantaneous earthquake burst be neath 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 imagina tion; his first meeting with Melissa; the evening he had attended her to that place; her frequent al lusions to the scenery there displayed, when they had traversed the fields or reclined in the bower on her favorite hill; in fine, all the vicissitudes through which they had passed, were called to his mind. His fancy saw her he felt her gently leaning on his arm, while lie tremblingly pressed her hand. Again he saw smiling health crimsoning the lillies of her cheek; again he saw the bright soul of sympa thetic feelings sparkling in her eye: the air of ease; the graces of altitude; her brown locks circling the borders of her snowy robe. Again he was enrap tured 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 with ered ; the lillies faded; motionless; the graces fled; first are hoarse, sprightly and discordant ; of the last solemn and mournfully pleasing. ALOJTZO AWD MELISSA. Ill her eyes fixed, and sealed in the glaze of death! Spontaneously he fell upon his knees, and thus pour ed forth the overcharged burden of his anguished bosom : " Infinite Ruler of all events! Great Sovereign of this ever changing world . Omnipotent Controler of vicissitudes! Omniscient dispenser of destinies! The beginning, the progression, the end is thine. Un searchable are thy purposes! mysterious thy move ments! inscrutable thy operations! An atom of thy creation, wildered in the mazes of ignorance and woe, would bow to thy decrees. Surrounded with impenetrable gloom, unable to scrutinize the past, incompetent to explore the future fain would he say, THY WILL BE DONE? And, Oh, that it might be consistent with that HIGH WILL to call thin atom from a dungeon of wretchedness, to worlds of light and glory, where his only CONSOLATION is gone." Thus prayed the heart-broken Alonzo. It was in deed 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 re paired to his lodging. One determination only he had now fallen upon to bury himself and his griefa from all with whom he had formerly been acquaint ed. Why should he return to the scenes of his former bliss and anxiety, where every door would be inscrib ed with a memento mori, and where every object would be shrouded in crape ? He therefore turned his attention to the army ; but the army was far distant, and he was too feeble to prosecute a journey of such an extent. There were at that time preparations for fitting out a convoy, at private expense, from various parts of the United States, for the protection of our European trade ; they were to rendezvous at a certain 112 AL.OXZO AND MELISSA station, and thence proceed with the merchantmen under their care, to the ports of Fra:ice and Hoi land, where our trade principally centered, and re turn as coMvoy to some other mercantile fleet. One of these ships of war was then nearly fitted out at New London. Alonzo offered himself to the captain, who, pleased with his appearance, gave him the station of commander of marines. Alonzo prepared himself with all speed for the voyage. .He sought, he wished no acquaintance His only place of resort, except to his lodgings and the ship, was to Melissa s favorite rock ; there he bowed as to the shrine of her spirit, and there he consecrated his devotions. As he was one day passing through the town, a gentleman stepped out of an adjoining house and accosted him. Alonzo immediately recognized him to be the cousin of Melissa, at whose house he had first seen her. He was dressed in full mourning, which was a sufficient indication that he was appris ed of her death. He invited Alonzo to his house, and he could not complaisantly refuse the invitation. He therefore accepted it, and passed an hour with him, from whom he learnt that Melissa had been sent to her uncle s at Charleston, for the recovery of her health, where she died. " Her premature death," said her cousin, " has borne so heavily upon her aged father, that it is feared he will not long survive." "Well may it wring his bosom," thought Alonzo: "his conscience can never be at peace." Whether Melissa s cousin had been informed of the particulars of Alonzo s unfortunate attachment, was not known, as he instituted no conversation on the subject. Neither did he enquire into Alonzo s pros pects ; he only invited him to call again. AJonzo thanked him, but replied it would be ALONZO AND MELISSA. 113 doubtful as he should shortly leave town. He made no one a-cquainted with his intentions. The day at length arrived when the ship was to sail, and Alonzo to leave the shores of America. They spread their canvass to propitious gales ; the breezes rushed from their woody coverts, and majes tically wafted them from the harbor. Slowly the land receded ; fields, forests, hills, mountains, towns and villages leisurely withdrew, until they were mingled in one common mass. The ocean opening, expanded and widened, presenting to the astonished eyes of the untried mariner its wilder ness of waters. Near sunset Alonzo ascended the mast to take a last view of a country once so dear, but whose charms were now lost forever. The land still appeared like a semicircular border of dark green velvet on the edge of a convex mirror. The sun sunk in fleecy golden vapors behind it. It now dwindled to discolored and irregular spots, which appeared like objects floating, amidst the blue mists of distance, on the verge of the main, and immedi ately all was lost beneath the spherical, watery sur face. Alonzo had fixed his eyes, as near as his judgment could direct, towards Melissa s favorite reck, till nothing but sea was discoverable. With a he-art parting sigh he then descended. They had now launched into the illimitable world of billows, and the sable wings of night brooded over the boundless deep. A new scene was now opened to Alonzo in the wonders of the mighty deep. The sun rising from and setting in the ocean ; the wide-spread region of watery waste, now smooth as polished glass, now orged into irregular rolling hillocks, then swelled to " Blue trembling billows, topp d with foam," 114 AI.ONZO .AND MET.ISSA. or gradually arising into mountr.inous waves. would he traverse the deck amid the still hours of midnight, when the moon silvered over the liquid surface: " Bright luminary of the lonely hour," he would sav, " that now theddest thy mild and placid ray on the woe-worn head of fortune s fugitive, dost thou not also pensively shine on the sacred and silent grave of mv Melissa ?" Favorable breezes wafted them for many days over the bo?m of the Atlantic. At length they were overtaken by a violent storm. The wind began to blow strongly from the southwest, which soon in creased to a violent gale. The dirgy scud first flew swiftly along the sky ; then dark and heavy clouds filled the atmosphere, mingling with the top-gallant streamers of the ship. Night hovered over the ocean, rendered horrible by the intermitting blaze of lightnings, the awful crash of thunder, and the deaf ening roar of winds and waves. The sea was roll ed into mountains, cupped with foaming fire. Now the ship was soaring among the thunders of heaven, now sunk in the abyss of waters. The storm dispersed the fleet, so that when it a- bated, the ship in which Alonzo sailed tvas found alone; they, however, kept on their course of des tination, after repairing their rigging, which had been considerably disordered by the violence of the gale. The next morning they discovered a sail which they fondly hoped might prove to be one of their own fleet, and accordingly made for it. The ship they were in pursuit of shortened sail, and towards noon wore round and bore down upon them, when they discovered that it was not a ship belonging to their convoy. Jt appeared to be of equal force and dimensions with that :f their own; they therefore, ALONZO AND MELISSA. 115 in order to prepare for the worst, got ready with ell speed for action. They slowly approached each other, rnanoRUvering for the advantage, till the strange ship ran up British colors, and fired a gun, which was immediately answered by the other, un der the flag of the United States. It was not long before a ck>se 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.* The British had lost their captain, and one half their crew, most of the remainder be ing wounded. The Americans had lost their second officer, and their loss in men, both killed and wounded, was nearly equal to that of the enemy. While they lay in thij, 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 tooi 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 buried beneath moun tains of ponderous waves. The frigate then, with the American ship in tow, ms.de sail, and in a few days reached England. The wounded prisoners were sent to a hospital, out the others were confin ed in a strong prison within the precincts of Lon don. The American prisoners were huddled into an apartment witk Bnrish convicts of various descrip tions. Among these Alonzo observed one whose de meanor arrested his attention. A deep melancholy * The particulars of this action, in the early stag?, f the American war, are yet remembered by many. 116 ALONZO AND MELISSA. was impressed upon his features; his eye was wild and despairing; his figure was interesting, tall, ele gant and handsome. He appeared to be about twenty-five years of age. Ke seldom conversed, but when he dd, it was readily discovered that his edu cation had been above the common cast, and he possessed au enlightened and discrimuiating mind. Alonzo sympathetically sought his acquaintnr.ee, and discovered therein a unison of woe. One evening, when the prisoners were retired to rest, the stranger, upon Alonzo s request, rehearsed the following incidents of Ins life. " You express," said he, "some surprise at finding a man of my appearance in so degraded a situation; and you wish to learn the events which have plung ed me in this abject state. These, when I briefly relate, your wonder will cease. " My name is Henry Malcomb; my father was a clergyman in the west of England, and descended from one of the most respectable families in those parts. I received a classical education, and then entered the military school, as I was designed for the army, to which my earliest inclinations led. As soon as my education was considered complete, an ensign s commission was procured for me in one of the regiments destined for the West Indies. Previ ous to its departure for those islands, I became ac quainted with a Miss Vernon, who was a few years younger than myself, and the daughter of a gentle man farmer, who had recently purchased and re moved to an estate in my father s parish. Every thing that was graceful and lovely appeared center ed in her person; every thing that was virtuous and excellent in her mind. I sought her, hand. Our soula soon became united by the indissoluble bonds of sin- cerest love, and as there were no parental or other ALONZO AND MELISSA. 117 impediments to our iniion, it was agreed that as soon as I returned from the Indies, where it was expect ed that my stay would be short, the marriage solem nities should be performed. Solemn oaths of con stancy passed between us, and I sailed with my reg iment, for the Indies. " While there, I received from her, and returned Otters filled with the tenderest expressions of anx iety and regret of absence. At length the time same 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, so see the charmer of my soul. She received me with all the ardency of af fection, and even shed tears of joy in my presence. 1 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 alter. How did my heart bound at the prospect of making Miss Vernon my own! of pos sessing in her all that could render life agreeable; I hastened home to my family and informed them of my approaching bliss, who all sympathized in the anticipated joy which swelled my bosom. * I had a sister some years older than myself, who had been the friend and inmate of my angel in my absence. They were now almost every day to gether, so that I had frequent opportunities of her company. One day she had been with rny sister at my father s, and I attended her home. On my re turn, my sister requested me to attend her in a pri vate room. We therefore retired, and when we were seated she thus addressed me. * Henry, you know that to promote yeur peace, your welfare, and your happiness, has ever been the pride of my heart. Nothing except this could ex- 118 ALorrz^ AND tort the secret which I shall now oisclose, 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 sis ter, 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 consum mated with one whose soul and affections are placed upon another object." " Here she hesitated while I, with insufferable anguish of mind, begged her to proceed. "About six or eight months after your departure," she continued, "it was reported to Miss Vernon that she had a rival in the Indies; that you had there found an American beauty, on whom you lavished those endearments which belonged of right to her alone. This news made, at first, a deep impression on her rnind, 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 for ever." " Of all the plagues, of all the torments, of all the curses which tcrture the soul, jealousy of a rival in love is the worst. Enraged, confounded and ALONZO AND MELISSA. 119 tonished, it seemed as if my bosom would have in- stantaneously burst. To conceal my emotions, I left my sister s apartment, after having thanked her for her information, and proceeded to obey her in junction. I retired to my own room, and there poured out my execrations. -" Cursed woman!" I exclaimed, "is it thus you re quite my tender love! Could a vague report of my inconstancy drive you to infidelity! Did not my continual letters breathe constant adoration ? And did not yours pouitray the same sincerity of affec tion ? No, it was not that which caused you to perjure yovr plighted vows. It was that damnable passion for novelty, which more or less holds a pre dominancy over your whole sex. To a new coat, a new face, a new lover, you will sacrifice honor, principle and virtue. And to those, backed by splen did power and splendid property, you will forfeit vour most sacred engagements, though made in the presence of heaven. Thus did 1 rave through a sleepless night. " The next day I walked into the fields, and be fore the time my sister appointed had arrived, I worked up my feelings almost to the frenzy of dis traction. 1 repaired however, to the spot, and con cealed 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 ave nue, arm in arm with a young man elegantly dress ed, 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 hands of the stranger. As soon as they had passed the place of my concealment, they turned aside and seated themselves in a little arbor, a few yards distant from where I sat. The stranger clasp . 20 ALOXZO AND MELISSA. ed Miss Vernon in his arms: " Dearest angel!" ha 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 pri-vate con ference." 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 con cealed under my robe, " Die!" said I, "thou false and perjured wretch, by the hand thou hast dishon ored, a death too mild for so foul a crime!" and im mediately shot Miss Vernon through the head, who fell lifeless at my feet! Then suddenly drawing my sword, " And thou, perfidious contarninator and de stroyer of my bliss!" cried I "go! attend thy com panion in iniquity to the black regions of everlasting torment!" So saying, I plunged the sword into his bosom. A screech of agony, attended by the ex clamation, " Henry, your wife ! your sister!" awoke me, too late, to terrors unutterable, to an guish unspeakable, to woes irretrievable, and insup portable despair! It was indeed my betrothed wife, it was indeed my affectionate sister, arrayed in man s habit. The one lay dead before me, the other wel tering in her blood! With a feeble and expiring voice, my sister informed me, that in a gay and in considerate moment they had concerted this plan, to try my jealousy, determining to discover themselves as soon as they had made the experiment. " I for give you Henry," she said, " I forgive your mis take," and closed her eyes forever in death! What a scene for sensibilities like mine! To paint or de scribe it, exceeds the power of language or imagina tion. I instantly turned the sword against my own ALO1TZO AITD MELISSA. 121 , an unknown hand arrested it, and prevented its entering my heart. The report of the pistol, and the dying 1 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 (he last assizes. I made no defence; and was condemned to death. My execution will take place in eight weeks from to-rnorrow. I shall cheerfully meet my fate ; for who would endure lift; when ren dered so peculiarly miserable!" The wretched Malcomb here ended his tale of woe. No tear moistened his eye his grief was too despairing for tears; it preyed upon his heart, drank the vital streams of life, and burst in convulsive sighs from his burning bosorn. Alonzo seriously contemplated on the incidents md events of the tragical story. Conscience whis pered him, are not Malcomb s miseries superior to thine ? Candor and correct reason must have an swered yes. " Melissa perished," said Alonzo, "but not by the hand of her lover: she expired, but not through the mistaken frenzy of him who adored her. She died, conscious cf the unfeigned love I bore her." Alonzo and his fellow prisoners had been robbed, when they were captured, of every thing except the clothes they wore. Their allowance of provisions was scanty and poor. They were confined in the third story of a lofty prison. Time rolled away; no prospects appeared of their liberation, either by exchange or parole. Some of the prisoners were removed, as new ones were introduced, to other places of confinement until not one American was left except Alonzo. 122 ALONZO AND MELISSA. 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 un changeable state on which he was soon to enter. He saw his mind softened by their advice and counsel; frequently would he burst into tears; often in the solitary hours of night was he heard ad dressing the throne of grace for mercy and forgive ness. But the grief that preyed at his heart had wasted him to a mere skeleton; a slow but deleteri ous fever had consequently implanted itself in hia 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 suf ferings of a Redeemer. Soon after this event, orders came for removing some of the prisoners to a most loathsome place ot confinement in the suburbs of the city. It fell to Alonzo s lot to be one. He therefore formed a pro ject for escaping. He had observed that the gra tings in one of the windows of the apartment were loose and could be easily removed. One night when, the prisoners were asleep, he stripped off his clothes, every article of which he cut into narrow strips, tied them together, fastened one end to one of the strongest gratings, removed the others until he had made an opening large enough to get out, and then, by the rope he had made of his clothes, let himself down into the yard of the prison. There he found a long piece of timber s which he dragged to the .ALONZO AND MELISSA. 123 wall, clambered up thereon, and sprang over into the street. His shoes and hat he had left in the prison, as a useless encumbrance without his clothes, all which he had converted into the means of es cape, 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, with out the mean? of obtaining one day s subsistence, surrounded by the darkness of night, destitute of a single aiticle of clothing, and even unable to form a resolution what step next to take. The ways of heaven are marvellous may I silently bow to its dispensations!" Alonzo passed along the street in this forlorn con dition, not knowing where to proceed, or what course to take. It was about three o clock in tho morning; the street was illuminated by lamps, and he feared falling into the hands of the watch. For some time he saw no person, at length a voice from the other side of the street called out, "Hallo, messmate! what, scudding under hare poles? You have experienced a severe gale indeed thus to have carried away every rag of sail!" Alonzo turned, and saw the person who spoke. He was a decent looking man, of middle age, dress ed in a sailor s habit. Alonzo had often heard of the generosity and honorable 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 for a few minutes. " Thy case," said he, " is a little critical, but do not despair. Had I met thee as an enemy, I should have fought thee; but as it is, compassion is the first consideration. Perhaps I may be in as bad 124 AIONZO AND MELISSA. a situation before the war is ended." Then slipping off his coat and giving it to Alonzo, " follow me," he said, and turning, walked hastily along the street followed by Alonzo; he passed into a bye-lane, entered a small house, and taking Alonzo into a back room, opened a trunk, and handed out a shirt: " there," said he, pointing to a bed, "you can sleep till morning, when we will see what can be done." The next morning the sailor brought in a very de cent suit of clothes and presented them to Alonzo. " You will make this place your home," said he, "until more favorable prospects appear. In this great city you will be safe, for even your late gaoler would not recognize you in this dress. And perhaps some opportunity may offer by which you may return to your own country." He told Alonzo that his name was Jack Brown, that he was a midshipman on board the Severn; that he had a wife and four chil dren, and owned the house in which they then were. " In order to prevent suspicion or discovery," said he, " I shall consider you as a relation from the country until you are better provided for." Alonzo was then introduced to the sailor s wife, an amiable woman, and here he remained for several weeks. One day Alonzo was informed that a number of American prisoners were brought in. He went to the place where they were landed, and saw several led away to prison, and some who were sick or dis abled, carried to the hospital. As the hospital was near at hand, Alonzo entered it to see how the sick and disabled prisoners were treated. He found that they received as much attention as as could reasonably be expected.* As he passed a- * The Americans who were imprisoned in Eng land, in the time of war, were treated with much ALOXZO AND MELISSA 125 long the different apartments he was surprised at hearing his name called by a faint voice. He turn ed to the place from whence it proceeded, and saw stretched on a mattress, a person who appeared on the point of expiring. His visage was pale and emaciated, his countenance haggard and ghastly, his eyes inexpressive and glazy. He held out his withered hand, and feebly beckoned to Alonzo, who immediately approached him. Mis features appear ed 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 contin ue in this world." Alonzo enquired how he came in the power of the enemy. " By the fate of war," he replied; " I was taken in an action on York Island, carried on board a prison-ship in New-York, and sent with a number of others for England. I had received a wound in my thigh, from a musket ball, during the action; the wound mortified, and my thigh was amputated on the voyage; since which I have been rapidly wasting away, and I now feel- that the cold hand of death is laid upon me." Here he became exhausted, and for some time remained silent. Alonzo had not before discovered that he had lost his leg: he now discovered that, it had been taken off close to his body, and that he was worn to a skeleton. When Beauman revived, he enquired into Alonzo s affairs. Alonzo related all that had happened to him after leaving New London. "You are unhappy, Alonzo," said Beauman, "in the more humanity than those who were imprisoned at Halifax and other places in America. 126 AXONZO AND MELI8SA- dcatL of your Melissa, to which it is possible I have been undesigned ly accessory. I could say much on the subject, would my strength permit; but it is needless. She is gone and I must soon go also. She was sent to her uncle s at Charleston, by her father, where I was soon to follow her. It was sup posed that thus widely removed from all access to your company, she would yield to the persuasion of her vViends to renounce you : her unexpected death, however, frustrated every design of this nature, and overwhelmed her father and family in inexpressible woe." Here Beauman ceased. Alonzo found he wanted rest: he enquired whether he was in want of any thing to make him more comfortable. Beauman re plied that he was not: " For the comforts of this life," said he, " I have no relish; medical aid is ap plied, but without effect." Alon/o then left him promising to call again in the morning. When ^Alonzo called the next morning, he perceiv ed an alarming alteration in Beaurnan. His extrem ities were cold, a chilling, clammy sweat stood upon his face, his respiration was short and interrupted, his pulse weak and intermitting. He took the hand of Alonzo, and feebly pressing it, " I am dying," said he in a faint voice. " If ever you return to America, inform my friends of my fate." This Alonzo readily engaged to do, and told him also that he would not leave him. Beauman soon fell into a stupor; sensation be came suspended; his eyes rolled up and fixed. Some times a partial revival would take place, when he would fall into incoherent muttering, calling on the names of his deceased father, his mother and Melis- ea; his voice dying away in mperfect meanings, till his lips continued to move without sound. Toward* ALONZO AND MELISSA. 127 night he lay silent, and only continued to bi eat lie with difficulty, til! 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 his head, on which Alonzo, un observed, carved the initials of the deceased s name, with the date of his death, and left him to mouider with his native dust. A few days after this event, Jack Brown informed AlonzO; that he had procured the means of his es cape. A person with whom I am acquainted, said he, and whom I suppose to be a smuggler, has agreed to carry you to France. There, by applica tion to the American minister, you will be enabled *o get. to your own country, if that is your object. About midnight I will pilot you on board, and by to morrow s sun you may be in France." At the time appointed, Jack set out, bearing a large trunk on his shoulder, and directed Alonzo to follow him. They proceeded down to a quay, and went or board a small skiff. " Here" said Jack to the capiain, "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 chan ges 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 grati tude 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 ho has a luncheon on board." He then shook Alon/o by the hand, wishi ig 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 128 ALONZO AND MELISSA. riew of returning to America; he had no relish fof revisiting the land of his sorrows, the scenes where at every step his heart must bleed afresh, though to bleed it had never coased. But he was friendless in a strange land: perhaps, through the aid of the Amer ican 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 hopes? or wished. He therefore presented himself before the doctor, whom he found in his study. To be informed that he was an America 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 attach ment to Melissa, her father s barbarity, her death in consequence, his own father s failure, with all the particulars of his leaving America, his capture, escape from prison, and arrival in France; as also the town of his nativity, the name of his father, and the particular circumstances of his family; conclud ing by expressing his unconquerable reluctance to return to his native country, which now would be to him only a gloomy wilderness, and that his present object was only some means of support. The doctor enquired of Alonzo the particular cir cumstances and time of his father s failure. Of this Alonzo gave him a minute account. Franklin then eat in deep contemplation for the space of fifteen minutes, without speaking a word. He then took his pen, wrote a short note, directed it, and gave it to Alonzo: " Deliver this," said he, " to the per son to whom it is directed; he will find you employ ment, until something more favorable may offer." Alonzo look the note, thanked the doctor, and wvsnt in search of the person to whom it was ad- ALOtfZO AND MELISSA. 12* pressed. He soon found the house, which w?s sit uated 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 man to whom the note was addressed. The gentleman informed him that he was the man. Alonzo present ed him the note, which having read, he desired him to walk in and ordered supper. After supper he in formed 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 unacquaint ed with the customary salary of clerks in that line of business. The gentleman told him that the mat ter should be arranged the next day. His name was Grafton. The next morning Mr. Grafton took Alonzo into his bookstore, and gave him his instructions. His business was to sell the books to customers, and a list of prices was given him for that pl rpo^3e. 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 atten tive and faithful." Alonzo gave his employer no reason 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 in deep mourning. He sought no company; he found consolation only in solitude, if consolation it could be called. As he was walking out early one morning, he dis covered something lying in the street, which he at (JR*. supposed to be a small piece of wlk: he took it * 180 ALONZO AWD MELTSBA. up and found it in be a curious wrought purse, con taining a few guineas with some small pieces of sil ver, and something at the bottom carefully wrapped in a pwce of paper; he unfolded it, and was thun derstruck at beholding an elegant miniature of Me lissa . Her sweetly pensive features, her expressive countenance, her soul-enlivening eye! The shock was almost too powerful for his senses. Wildered in a maz.e of wonders, he knew not what to conjec ture. Melissa s minature found in the streets of Paris, after she had sometime been dead! He view ed 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 provi dential miracle am I possessed of the likeness, when the original is no more ? What benevolent angel has taken pity on my sufferings, and conveyed to me this inestimable prixe ?" But though he had thus become possessed of what he esteemed most valuable, what right had he to withhold it from the lawful owner, could the owner indeed be found ? Perhaps the person who had lost it would part with it: perhaps the money contained in the purse was of more value to that person than the miniature. At any rate, justice re quired that he should endeavor to find to whom it belonged: this he might do by advertising, which he immediately concluded upon, resolving, should the owner appear, to purchase the miniature, if possibly within his power. Passing into another street, he saw several hand- billi* stuck up on the walls of houses: stepping up to >n he read as follows: Lost, between the hours of nine and ten last evening in the Rue de Loir, a small silk purse, con- a few pieces of money, and a lady s rninia- ALONZfl AND MELISSA. 181 ure. One hundred crowns will be given to the per- eon who may have found it, and will restore it to the owner at the American Hotel, near the Louvre, Room No. 4." It was printed both in the French and English languages. By the reward here offered, Alonzo was convinced that the miniature belonged to some per- eon who set a value upon it. Determined to expli cate the mystery t 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 an swered him in French, which Alonzo did not under stand- 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 per son was therein except the gentleman and servant before mentioned, and a person who sat writing in a corner of the room, with his back towards them. Alonzo informed the gentleman that he had called according to the direction in a bill of advertisement to enquire for the person who the preceding night, had lost a purse and miniature. The person who was writing had hitherto taken no notice of what passed; but at the sound of Alonzo s voice, after he had entered the room, he started and turned about, and at the 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 recollec tion 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 Aionzo th 132 ALONZO AND MELISSA. : brother of Melissa! In an instant they \vere in each other s arms. Edgar and Alonzo retired to a separate room. Edgar informed Alonzo that the news of Melissa s death reached him, by a letter from his father, while with the army; that he immediately procured a fur lough, and visited his father, whom, with his mother, he found 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 Ed gar; for some time he could proceed no farther, and Alonzo, with bursting bo?om, mingled his tears. " My father, resumed Edgar, bent on uniting her to Beaun an 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 cither suspected, or really discovered that you had recourse to her w hile 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 restor ing 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 wile of Beau man. But change of climate only increased the load of sorrows, and she soon sunk beneath them, The letter mentioned nothing of her troubles : po ALOKZO AND MELISSA. 1S3 sibly my uncle s family knew nothing of them to them, probably, " She never told her love, But sat like Patience on a monument Smiling at grief; while sad concealment, Like a worm in the bud, Fed on her damask cheek. " My father s distress was excessive: often did he accuse himself of barbarity, and he once earnestly expressed a wish that he had consented to her union with you. My father, I know, is parsimonious, but he sincerely loved his children. Inflexible as is his nature, the untimely death of a truly affectionate and only daughter will, I much fear precipitate him, and perhaps my mother also, to a speedy grave. "As soon as my feelings would permit, I repaired to your father s, and made enquiry concerning you. I found your parents content in their humble state, except that your father had been ill. but was recov ering. Of you they ha-d heard nothing since your departure, and they deeply lamented your absence And from Vincent I could obtain no farther informa tion. " Sick of the world I returned <o 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-mor row we are to depart for Holland. The consul is the man who introduced you into the room where you found me. " Last evening I lost the miniature which I sup pose you to have four 1: the chin to which it was 184 ALONZO ANL MELISSA. suspended around my neck, had broken while I wi walking the street, I careful y wrapped it in paper and deposited it in my purse, which I probably drop ped on replacing it in my pocket, and did not dis cover the IOFS 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 nuy professional studies in New York, I became ac quainted with a miniature painter, who look my likeness. He afterwards went into the country, and as I found he was to pass near my father s, I engag ed 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 val uable relique." All the tender powers of Alonzo s soul were call ed into action by Edgar s recital. The " days of other years." The ghosts of sepulchred blessings, passed in painful review. Added to these the pen urious condition of his parent?, his father s recent illness, and his probable inability to procure the bread of his family, all tended more deeply to sink his spirits in the gulf of melancholy and m sery. He however informed Edgar of all that had happened since they parted at Vincent s respecting the old mansion Melissa s extraordinary disappearance therefiom,the manner in v\hich 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, Me lissa s sudflen and unaccountable removal from the mansion was mysterious and inexplicable. As Edgar was to depart early the next morning, -hey neither slept nor separated that night. AL03VZO AND MELISSA. 135 * If it were not for your reluctance to revisit your nathe country," said Edgar, " I should urge you to accompany me to Holland, and thence re turn with me to America. Necessity, and duty re quire that I should not be long absent, as my parents want my assistance, and they are now child less." "Suffer me," answered Alonzo, " to bury myself in this city for the present: should I ever again awake to real life, I will seek you out if you are on the earth; but now, I can only be a companion to my miseries." The next morning as they were about to depa-rt, Alonzo took Melissa s miniature from his bosom, contemplated the picture a few moments with ardent emotion, and presented it to Edgar. " Keep it," said Edgar, " it is thine. I bestow it upon thee as I would the original, had not death become the rival of thy love, and my affection. Suffer not the sacred symbol too tenderly to renew your sorrows. Hovv swiftly, Alonzo, does this restless life fleet away! Hovv 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 "ew more suns have arisen and set, we shall meet in regions where all tears shall be eternally wiped frum every eve." With what jnspeakable sensibilities was it return ed to Alonzo s bosom! Edgar offered Alonzo pecun iary assistance, which the latter refused: * 1 am in business," said he, " which brings me a decent support, and that is suificient." They agreed to write each other as frequently as possible, and then affectionately parted: Edgar sailed for Holland, and Alonzo returned to his business at Mr. Grafton s. Some time after this Alonzo received a message 136 ALONZO AND MELISSA- from Dr. Franklin, requiring his attendance at hi* house, which summons he immediately obeyed. The doctor introduced him into his study, and after being seated, he earnestly viewed Alonzo for some time, and thus addressed him: * Young man, your views, your resolutions, and your present conduct, are totally wrong. Disap pointment, 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 vou cooly consult it, will convince you of the contrary. Do you not remember when an infant, how you cried, and teamed your nurse, or your parents, for a rattle, or some gay trinket ? Your whole soul was fixed upon the enchanting bauble; but when obtain ed, you soon cast it away, and sighed as earnestly for some other trifle, some new toy. Thus it is through life; the fancied value of an object ceases with the attainment; it becomes familiar, and its charm is lost. " Was it the splendors of beauty which enraptur ed 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 allure ments are lost, and the mind, left vacant, turns to some other source to supp y vacuum, \ " Stripped of all their intrinsic value, how poor, how vain, and how worthless, are those things we name pleasures, and enjoyments! * Besides, the attainment of your wishes might have been the death of your hopes. If my reason ing is correct, the ardency of your passion might have closed with the pursuit. An every day suit, ALONZO AND MELISSA. 137 however rich and costly the texture, is soon worn thre? dbare. On your part, indifference would con sequently succeeJ; on the part of your partner, dis- i^pointment, jealousy, and disgust. What might ;.io-.v is needless for me to name; your soul must Vjdder at the idea of conjugal infidelity! " But admitting the most favorable consequences; irn the brightest side of the picture; admitting as nuch happiness as the connubial state will allow: now might your bosom have been wounded by the sickness and death of your children, or their disorder- dorly and disobedient conduct! You must know also, that the warmth of youthful passion must soon (.ease, and it is merely a hazardous chance whether friendship will supply the absence of affection. * After all, my young friend, it will be well for you to consider, whether the all-wise dispensing hand of Providence, has not directed this matter which you esteem so great an afKictio-n, for your greatest good, and most essential advantage. And suiler me to tell you, that in all my observations on life, I have always found that those connections which were formed from inordinate passion, or what some would call pure affection, have been ever the most unhappy. Exami^o the varied circles of so ciety, you will there see this axiom demonstrated you will there see how few among the sentimentally refined are even apparently at ease; while thost, in susceptible of what you name tender attachments, or who receive them only as things of course, plod on through life, without even experiencing the least inconvenience from a want of the pleasures they are supposed to bestow, or the pains they sure to create. Beware, then, my son, beware of yielding the heart to the effeminacies of passion. Exquisite sensibili- tie are evtr subject to exquisite inquietudes. Coun- 138 ALONZO AND MELISSA. sel with correct reason, place entire dependence on the SUPREME, and the triumph of fortitude and re signation will be yours." Franklin paused. His reasonings, however they convinced the understanding, could not heal the wounds of Alonzo s bosom. In Melissa he looked (or as as much happiness as earth could afford, noi could he see any prospect in life which could repaii the loss he had sustained. " You have," resumed the philosopher, "deserted an indulgent father, a fond and tender mother, who must want your aid; now, perhaps, unable to toil for bread; now, possibly laid upon the bed of sick ness, calling, in anguish or delirium, for the filial hand of their only son to administer relief." All the parental feelings of Alonzo were now called into poignant action. " You have left a country, bleeding at every pore, desolated by the ravages of war, wrecked by the thunders of battle, her heroes slain, her children captured. This country asks she demands you owe her your services: God and nature call upon you to defend her, while here you bury yourself in inglorious inactivity, pining for a hapless object, which, by all your lamentations, you can never bring back to the regions of mortality." This aroused the patriotic flame in the bosom of Alonzo, and he voluntarily exclaimed, " I will go to the relief of my parents I will fly to the defence ot my country!" " In former days," continued Franklin, " I was well acquainted wilh your father. As soon as you informed me of his failure, I wrote to my correspon dent in England, and found, as I expected, that he had been overreached by swindlers and sharpers. . The pretended failure of the merchants with whom he was in company, was all a sham, as, also ALONZO AJVD MELISSA. 139 the reported loss of the ships in their employ. The merchants fled to England: I have had them arrest ed, and they have given up their effects to much more than the amount of their debts. I have there fore procured a reversion of your father s losses, which, with costs, damages, and interests, when legally stated, he will receive of my agent in Phila delphia, to whom I shall transmit sufficient docu ments by you, and I shall advance you a sum equal to the expenses of your voyage, which will he liqui dated by the said agent. A ship sails in a few days from Havre, for Savannah in Georgia: it would, in deed, be more convenient were she bound to some more northern port, but I know of no other which wil! sail for any part of America for some time. In her therefore I would advise you to take passage: it is not very material on what part of the continent you are landed; you will soon reach Philadelphia, transact your business, restore your father to his property, and be ready to serve your country." If any thing could have given Alonzo consolation, it must have been this noble, generous and disinter ested conduct of the great Franklin in favor of hig father, by which his family were restored to ease and to independence. Ah! had this but happened in time to save a life far dearer than his own! Tho reflection was too painful. The idea, however, of giving joy to his aged parents, hastened his depart ure. Furnished with proper documents and creden tials from Franklin, his benefactor, he took leave of him, with the warmest expressions of gratitude, as also of Mr. Grafton, and sailed for Savannah, where he arrived in about eight weeks. Intent on his purpose, he immediately purchased a carriage and proceeded on for Philadelphia. As he approached Charleston, his bosom swelled with 140 ALONZO AND MELISSA. mournful recollections. He arrived in that city in the aftornoon, 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 :>f the old lady, if Col. D , (Melissa s uncle) did not live near the city. She informed him that he resided about a mile from the town, where he had an elegant scat, and that he was very rich. "Was there not a young lady," asked Alonzo, ** who died there about eighteen months ago ?" " La me!" said she, " did you l:no\v her ? Yes ; and a sweeter or more handsome lady the sun never shined on. And then she was so good, so patient in her sickness. Poor, dear distressed girl, she pined away to skin and bones before she died. She was not Col. D s daughter, only somehow related: she came here in hopes that a change of air might do her good. She came from la me! I cannot think of the name of the place; it is a crabbed name though. " "Connecticut, was it not ?" said Alonzo. " 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 hun dred people, I dare say, with eight young iadies for pall-bearers, all dressed in white, with black ribbons, and all the bells tolling." " Where we.s she buried ?" enquired Alonzo. ** In the church-yard right before our door," she answered. " My husband is the sexton; he put up ner large white marble tomb-stones; they are .he largest and whitest in the whole bury ing-ground, A.LDNZO AND MELISSA. 141 End so, indeed, they ought to be, for never was there a person who deserved them more." Tired with the old woman s garrulity, and with a bosom bursting with anguish, Alonzo paid for his ale without drinking it, bade her good night and slowly proceeded to the church-yard. The moon, in full lustre, shone with solemn, silvery ray, on the sacred piles, and funeral monuments of the sacred dead the wind murmured mournfully among the weeping willows; a solitary nightingale* sang plaintively in the distant forest; and a whippoorwill, Melissa s fa vorite bird, whistled near the portico of the church. The large white tomb-stones soon caught the eye of Alonzo. He approached them with tremulous step, and with feelings too agitated for description. On the head-stone he read as follows: SACRED To the Memory of inestimable departed Worth; To unrivalled Excellence and Virtue. MISS MELISSA D , Whose remains are deposited here, and whose ethereal part became a seraph, October 26, 1776. In the 18th year of her age. Alonzo bent, kneeled, he prostrated himself, he clasped the green turf which enclosed her grave, ha watered it with his tears, he warmed it with his sighs. Where art thou, bright beam of heavenly light!" he said. "Come to my troubled soul, blessed spirit! Come, holy shade! come in all thy native loveliness, and cheer the bosom of wretchedness by thy grief dispersing smile! On the ray of yon eve- * This bird, though not an inhabitant of the northern states, is frequently to be met with in Georgia and the Carolinas. 142 AL.ONZO AND MELISSA. ning star descend. One moment leave the celestial regions of glory leave, one moment, thy sister be atitudes, aid glide, in entrancing beauty, before me! \vave, benignly wave, thy white hand, and assuage the anguish of despairing sorrow! Alas! in vain my invocation! A curtain, impenetrable, is drawn betwixt me arid thee, only to be disclosed by the dissolution of nature." He arose and walked away: suddenly he stopped. "Yet," said he, " if spirits departed lose not the power of recollection; if they have knowledge of present events on earth, Melissa cannot have for gotten me she must pity me." He returned to the grave; he took her miniature from his bosom; he held it up, and earnestly viewed it by the moon s pale ray. "Ah, Franklin!" he exclaimed, "how tenderly does she beam her lovely eye upon rne! How often have I drank delicious ecsiacy from the delicacy of those unrivalled charms! How often have they taught me to anticipate superlative and uninterrupted bliss! Mistaken and delusive hope! [returning the minia ture to his bosom. ] Vain and presumptuous assur ance. Then [pointing to the grave] there behold how my dearest wishes, my fondest expectations are realized! Hallowed turf! lie lightly on her bo som! Sacred willows! sprinkle the dews gently over her grave, while the mourning breezes sigh sadly amid your branches! Here may the <; widow ed 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, nay our meeting spirits join in beatille ALONZO AND MELISSA. 148 transport! May my enraptured ear catch the first holy whispers of her consecrated lips." Alonzo having thus poured out the effusions of an overcharged heart, pensively returned to the inn, which he entered and seated himself in the common room, in deep contemplation. As usual at public inns, a number of people were in the room, among whom were several officers of the American army Alonzo was too deeply absorbed in melancholy re flection, to notice passing incidents, until a young officer came, seated himself by him, and entered mto conversation respecting the events of the war. He appeared to be about Alonzo s age; his person was interesting, his manners sprightly, his observa tions correct. Alonzo was, in some degree, aroused from his abstractedness; the manners of the stran ger pleased him. His frankness, his ease, his under standing, his urbanity, void of vanity, or sophistica tion, sympathetically caught the feelings of Alonzo, and he even felt a sort of solemn regret when the stranger departed. He soon retired to bed, deter mining to proceed early the next morning. He arose about daylight; the horizon was over cast, and it had begun to rain, which before sun rise had increased to a violent storm. He found therefore that he must content himself to stay until it was over, which did not happen till near nigrt and too late to pursue his journey. He was inform ed by the inn-keeper, that the theatre, which had been closed since the commencement of the war, was to be opened that night only, with the tragedy of Gustavus, and close with a representation of Burgoyne s capture, and some other recent events of the American war. To " wing the hours with wifter speed," Alonzo determined to go to the theatre,and at the hour appointed he repaired thither 144 AJ^ONZO AND MELISSA. As ho was proceeding to take his seat, he passed tUe box where sat the young officer, whose manners had so prepossessed him the preceding evening at the inn. He immediately arose: they exchanged salutations, and Alonzo walked on and took his seat. The evening was warm, and the house exceedingly crowded. After the tragedy was through, and be fore the afterpiece commenced, the young officer cam*" lo Alonzo s box, and made some remarks on tne merit of the actors. While they were discours ing, 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 inquiry, * what s the matter ?" it was answered, that "& lady had fainted." She was led out, and the tumult subsided. As soon as the after-piece was closed, Alonzo re turned to the inn. As he passed along he cast his eyes toward the church-yard, where laid the " with- er d blessings of his richest joys." Affection, pas sion, inclination, urged him to go and breathe a farewell sigh, to drop a final tear over the grave of Melissa. Discretion, reason, wisdom forbade it forbade that he re-pierce the ten thousand wounds of his bosom, by the acute revival of unavailing sorrows, he hurried to his chamber. As he prepared to retire to rest, he saw a book lying on the table near his bed. On taking it up he found it to be Young s Night Thoughts, a book which, in happier days, had been the solace of many a gloomy, many a lucid hour. He took it up and the first lines he cast his eyes upon were the follow* ing: " Song, beauty, love, virtue, joy: this group Of bright ideas flowers of Paradise, ALOXZO AND MEMSS i. 145 As yet a forfeit! in one blaze we bind. Kneel, and present it to the skies; as all We guess of heaven! And these were all her own. And she was mine, and I was was most blest Like blossom d trees, o erturned bv vernal storm, Lovely in death the beauteous ruin lav Ye that e er lost an angel, pity me." His tears fell fast upon the book . He replaced it and flung himself into bed. Sleep was far from him; he closed not his eyes till the portals of light were unbarred in the east, when he fell into interrupted clumbers. 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 favorite stranger, the young officer, was in waiting, and requested a private interview. They immediately retired to a separate room, when tho stranger thus addressed Alonzo: " From our short acquaintance, you may sir, con sider it singular that I should attempt to scrutinize your private concerns, and more extraordinary you may esteem it, when I inform you of my reasons for so doing. Judging, however, from appearances, I have no doubt of your candor. If my questions should be deemed improper, you will tell me so." Alonzo assured him he would treat him candidly. * This I believe," said the young officer; " I take the liberty therefore to ask if you are an American?" " I am," answered Alonzo. " I presume," said the stranger " the question is a delicate one I presume your family is respectable ?" " Sacredly BO," replied Alonzo. " Are you married, sir ?" ** I am not, and have ever been single." * Have you any prospects of connecting in marriage?" * I 146 ALONZO AND MELISSA. have not, sir." " I may then safely proceed," paid the stranger; " I trust you will hear me attentively; you will judge maturely; you will decide correctly, and I am confident that you will answer me sin cerely. " A young lady of this city, with whom I am [I well acquainted, and to whom, indeed, I am distant ly related, whose father is affuent, whose connec tions are eminently respectable, whose manners are engaging 1 , whose mind is virtue, whose elegance ot form and personal beauty defy competition, is the cause, sir, of this mission. Early introduced into the higher walks of life, she has passed the rounds of fashionable company; numberless suitors sighed for her hand, whom she complaisantlv dismissed without disobliging, as her heart had not yet been touched by the tender passion of love. Surprising as it may, however, seem, it is now about six months since she saw in her dream the youth who possessed the power to inspire her with this passion. In her dream she saw a young gentleman whose interesting manners and appearance, impressed her so deeply that she found she must be unhappy without him. She thought it was in a mixed company she saw him, but that she could not get an opportunity to speak to him. It seemed that if she could but speak to him, all difficulties would at once be removed. At length he approached her, and just as he was a- bout to address her, she awoke. " This extraordinary dream she had communica ted to several of her acquaintance. Confident that she should some time or other behold the real per son 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, ono bceidu herauJf, being dotiagly fond of her, has proui* * ALONZO AND MELISSA. 147 ised that if ever she meets this unknown stranger, he will not oppose their union, provided he is re spectable, and that, if worthy of her hand he will make him independent. On my return from the inn the evening I first saw you, I told my sister I beg pardon, sir I was wandering from my subject after I first met you at the inn, I fell in company with the lady, and in a rallying way told her that I had seen her nivisible beau, as wo used to call the gentleman of the dream. I superficially described your person and descanted a little on the embellishments of your mind. She listened with some curiosity and attention; but I had so often jested with her in this manner, that she thought little of it. At the play last night, I had just been speaking to her when I came to your box; her eyes f >llowcd me, but no sooner had they rested on you, than she fainted! This was the cause ot my leaving you so abruptly, and not returning. We conveyed her home, when she informed me that you was the person she had seen in her dream! " To me only, she preferred disclosing the cir cumstance at present, for reasons which must be obvious to your understanding. Even her father and mother are not informed of it, and should my mission prove unsuccessful, none except you, sir, she and myself, I hope and trust, will ever know any thing of the matter. * Now, sir, it is necessary farther to explain. As sinrular as the circumstances which I have related may appear to you, to me they uiust appear as strange. One valuable purpose is, however, answer ed thereby; it will exclude the imputation of capri- ciousness the freakish whim of love at first sight, which exists only in novels and romances. You, sir, are young, unmarried, unaffianced, your affections 148 ALOIV/O AND MELISSA. free: such is the condition of the lad* 3he inquires not into the state of your property . .sfte asks not riches : if she obtains the object of her choice, on him, as 1 have told you, will her father bestow af fluence. Whatever, sir, may be your preten sions to eminence, and they may be many, the lady is not your inferior. Her education also is such aa would do honor to a gentleman of taste. * I will not extend my remarks; you perfectly understand me what answer shall I return?" Alonzo sighed: for a few moments he was silent. ** Perhaps, said the stranger, you may consider the mode of this message as bearing the appear ance of indecorum. If so, I presume, on reviewing the incidents which to which enforced it, as the most safe, the only means of sure communication, you will change your opinion. Probably you would not wish finally to decide until you have visited the lady. This was my expectation, and I am, therefore, ready to introduce you to her presence." " No, sir," said Alonzo, " so far from considering the message indecorous, I esteem it a peculiar honor, 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 con fidence in your integrity is such as to require no cor roborating facts to establish your declaration. But, sir, there are obstacles insuperable obstacles, to the execution of the measures you would propose. * Your frankness to me, demands, on my part, equal candor. 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 aifeo ALOXZO AND MELISSA. 149 lions were engaged, unaiienably engaged, to an ob ject which is now no more. Perhaps you may es teem it sirjgular; perhaps you will consider it enthu siasm; but, sir, it is impossible that my heart should admit a second and similar impression.* The stranger paused. " Recent disappointments of this nature," he replied, * commonly leave the mind under such gloomy influences. Time, how ever, the soother of severest woes, will, though slowly, yet surely, disperse the clouds of anguish, and the rays of comfort and consolation will beam upon the soul. I wish not to be considered impor tunate, but the day may arrive when you may change your present determination, and then will you not regret that you refused so advantageous an over ture >" " That day will never arrive, sir," answered Alonzo: " I have had time for deliberate reflection since the melancholy event took place. I have ex perienced a sufficient change of objects and country; the effect is the same. The wound is still recent, and so it will ever remain: indeed I cannot wish it otherwise. There is a rich and sacred solemnity in my sorrows, sir, which I would not exchange for the most splendid acquirements of wealth, or the most dignified titles of fame." The young officer sat for some time silent. " Well sir," he said, " since it is thus, seeing that these things are so, I will urge you no farther. You will pardon me respecting the part I have taken in this business, since it was with the purest designs. May consolation, comfort, and happiness, yet be yours." "To you and your fair friend," said Alonzo, " I consider myself under the highest obligations. The gratitude I . eel, I car, but feebly express. Believe me 150 ALOJTZO AND MELISSA. sir, when 1 tell you, (and it is all I can say,) that your ingenuous conduct has left impressions in my bosom which can never be obliterated." The stranger held out his hand, which Alonzo ardently grasped. They were silent, but their eyes spoke sympathy, and they parted. Alonzo immediately prepared, and was soon ready to depart. As he was stepping into l.is carriage, he saw the young officer returning. As he came up, 11 I must detain you a few moments longer," he said, * and I will give you no farther trouble. You vvilf recollect that the lady about whom I have so much teazed you, when she became acquainted with you in her dream, believed that if she could speak with you, all difficulties would be removed. Conscious that this may be the case, (for with all her accom plishments 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 tin s re quest, but wished me to introduce you, as it were by stratagem. Confident, however, that you would thus far yield to the caprice of a lady, I chose to tell you the truth. She resides near by, and it will not hinder you long." ** It is capriciousness in the extreme," thought Alonzo; but he told the stranger he would accom pany him who immediately stepped into the car riage, 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 tho stranger a note, which he hastily looked over: "Tell the gentleman I will wait on him in a moment," paid he to the servant, who instantly withdrew. Turning to Alonzo, " a person is in waiting," said A.LONZO AND MELISSA.. 151 he, " on urgent business; excuse me, therefore, if it is with reluctance; I retire a few moments, after I have announced you; I will soon again be with you." They then ascended a flight of stairs: the stran ger opened the door of a chamber " The gentle man I mentioned to vou, madam," he said. Alonzo entered; the stranger closed the door and retired. The lady was sitting by a window at the lower end jf the room, but arose as Alonzo was announced. She was dressed in sky-blue silk, embroidered with spangled lace; a gemmed tiara gathered her hair, from which was suspended a green veil, according to the mode of those times; a silken girdle, with dia mond clasps, surrounded her waist, and a brilliant sparkled upon her bosom. The stranger s de scription was not exaggerated, thought Alonzo; for, except one,I have never seen a more elegant figure: and he almost wished the veil removed, that he might behold her features. " You will please to be seated, sir," she said, "I know not how I feel an inconceivable diffidence in making an excuse for the inconveniences rny silly caprices have given you." Enchanting melody was in her voice! Alonzo knew not why, but it thrilled his bosom, electrified his soul, and vibrated every nerve of his heart. Con fused and hurried sensations, melancholy, yet pleas- .ng; transporting as the recurrence of youthful joys, enrapturing as dreams of early childhood, passed in rapid succession over his imagination! She advanced towards him and turned aside her 1 veil. Her eyes were suffused, and tears streamed down her cheeks, Alonzo started his whole frame shook be gasped for breath! ** Melissa!" he con- 152 ALONZO AND MELISSA. vulsively exclaimed, God of infinite wonders, it is Melissa!" Again will the incidents of our history produce a pause. Our sentimental readers will experience a recurrence of sympathetic sensibilities, and will at tend more eagerly to the final scene of our drama. " Melissa alive!" may they say " impossible ! Did not Alonzo see her death in the public prints ? Did not her cousin at New London inform him of the circumstances, and was he not in mourning ? Did not the dying Beauman confirm the melancholy fact ? And was not the unquestionable testimony of her brother Edgar sufficient to seal the truth of all this ? Did not the sexton s wife who knew not Alonzo corroborate it ? And did not Alonzo finally read her name, her age, and the time of her death, on her tomb-stone, which exactly accorded with the publication of her death in the papers, and his own knowledge of her age ? And is not this sufficient to prove, clearly and incontestibly prove, that she ia dead ? And yet here she is again, in e.ll her primi tive beauty and splendor! No, this surely can never be. However the author may succeed in his de scription, in painting reanimated nature, he is no magician, or if he is, he cannot raise the dead. f- " Melissa has long since mouldered into dust, and he has raised up some female Martin Guerre, or Thomas Hoag some person, from whose near re semblance to the deceased, he thinks to impose up on us and upon Alonzo also, for Melissa. But it will not do; it must be the identical Melissa herself, or it might as well be her likeness in a marble statue. What! can Alonzo realize the delicacies, the tender ness, the blandishments of Melissa in another ? Can her substitute point him to the rock on New London k tjaeh, the bower of her favorite hill, or so feelingly ALONZO AND MELI4SA. 15S 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 af fections of his soul ? Impossible! Or could the author even make it out that Alonzo was deceived by a person so nearly resembling Melissa that he could not distinguish the difference, yet to his read ers he must unveil the deception, and, of course, the story will end in disappointment; it will leave an un pleasant and disagreeable impression on the mind of the reader, which in novel writing is certainly wrong. It is proved, as clearly as facts can prove, that he has suffered Melissa to die; and since she is dead, it is totally beyond his power to bring her to life and so his history is intrinsically good for nothing." Be not quite so hasty, my zealous censor. Did we not tell you that we were detailing facts ? Shall we disguise or discolor truth to please your taste ? Have we not told you that disappointments are the lot of life ? Have we not, according to the advice of the moralist, led Alonzo to the temple of philoso phy, the shrine of reason, and the sanctuary of re ligion ? 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, Me lissa will come to his relief will pour the balm of consolation over his anguished soul, cynical critic, can the author help it ? It was indeed Melissa, the identical Melissa, whom Alonzo ascended a tree to catch a last glimpse of, as she walked up the avenue to the old mansion, after they had parted at the draw-bridge, on the morning of the day when she was so mysteriously removed. 154 ALCNZO AN1> MEi,ISSA. Melissa!" " Alonzo!" were all they could articulate: and frown not, my fair readers, if we tell you that she was instantly in his arms, while he pressed his ardent lips to her glowing cheek. Sneer not, ye callous hearted insensibles, ye fas tidious prudes, if we inform you that their tears fell in one intermingling shower, that their sighs wafted in one blended breeze. The sudden opening of the door, aroused them to a sense of their improper situation; for who but must consider it improper to find a young lady lock ed 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 po sition: not so hastily, however, but that the young officer who then entered the room had a glimpse of their situation. " Aha!" said he, " have I caught you ? Is my philosophic Plato so soon metamor phosed to a bon ton enamarato ? But a few hours ago, sir, and you were proof against the whole arena of beauty, and all the artillery of the graces; but no sooner are you for one moment tetc a tete with a fashionable belle, than your heroism and your resolutions are vanquished, your former ties dissolved and your deceased charmer totally forgotten or neg lected, by the virtue of a single glance. Well, so it. is: Jlmor vincit omnia is my motlo; 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 roore intrinsic value than two dead ones. Indeed, sir, I cannot but applaud your determination." " The laws of honor," said Alonzo, " smiling, compel me to submit to become the subject of your raillery and deception; I am in your power." " I acknowledge," said the officer, * that I hav ALONZO AND MELISSA. 155 a little deceived you, my story was fiction founded on truth the novel style: hut for the deceptive part, you may thank your little gipsey of a nymph there, pointing to Melissa; she planned and I executed." " How ready you gentlemen are," replied Melissa, " when accused of impropriety to cast the blame on the defenceless! So it was with our first parents, and so it is still. But you must remember that A lonzo is yet to hear my story; there, sir, I have the advantage of you." " Then I confess," said he, looking at Alonzo, " you will be too hard (or me, and so I will say no more about it." Melissa then introduced the young officer to A lonzo, by the appellation of Capt. Wilmot. " He is the son of my deceased uncle," said she, " a cousin to whom I am much indebted, as you shall hereafter know." A coach drove up to the door, which Melissa in formed Alonzo was her uncle s and was sent to con vey Alfred and her home. " You will have no ob jection to breakfast with me at my uncle s," said Alfred, " if it be only to keep our cousin Melissa in countenance." Alonzo did not hesitate to accept the invitation They immediately therefore entered the coach, a servant took care of Alonzo s carriage, and they drove to the seat of Col. D , who, with his fam ily, received Alonzo with much friendship and po liteness. Alfred had apprized them of Alonzo s arrival in town, and of course he was expected. Col. D was about fifty years old, his manners were majestically grave and commanding, yet pol ished and polite. His family consisted of an amiable wife considerably younger than himself, and three children j the eldest son, about ten years rf age, and 156 ALONZO AND MELISSA. two daughters, one seven, the other four years old. Harmony and cheerfulness reigned in his family, which diffused tranquility and ease to its members and its guests. It was agreed that Alonzo should pass a few days at the house of Melissa s uncle when Melissa Vvas 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 con stantly at his uncle s, though he was principally there while Alonzo staid: but being absent the day after his arrival, Melissa and Alonzo having retired to a room separate from the family, she gave him the following account of what happened after they had parted at the old mansion. "The morning after you left me," she said, "John came to the bridge and called to be let in: 1 im mediately went to the gate, opened it, and letdown 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 man sion 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, insinu ating that I had obtained them from John by impo sition, 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 con* science,under present circumstances approved them, and I refused to give her the keys. She then order ALONZO AND MEL.ISSA. 157 cd me to prepare to leave the mansion, and accom pany her to her residence at the house of John. 1 told her that I had been placed there by my father, and should not consent to a removal unless by his express orders. She then left me, intimating that she would soon let me know that her authority \vaa not to be thus trampled upon with impunity. " I immediately raised the bridge, and made fast the gate, determining, on no consideration?, to suf fer it to be opened until evening. The day passed away without any occurrence worthy of note, and as soon as it was da"rk, I went, opened the gate, and cautiously let down the bridge. I then returned to the mansion, and placed the candle, as we had con certed, at the window. Shortly after I heard a car riage roll over the bridge and proceed up the ave nue. My heart fluttered; I wished I hardly knew what I did wish; but I feared I was about to act im properly, as I had no other idea but that it was you, Alonzo, who was approaching. The carriage stop ped near the door of the mansion; a footstep ascen ded 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 man sion which command, with the assistance of the servants, I obeyed with a heart too full for utterance. " As soon as I was ready, we entered the carriage which drove rapidly away. As we passed out of the gate, I looked back to the mansion, and saw the light of the candle which I had forgotten to re move, streaming from the window and it was by an extraordinary effort that I prevented myself from fainting. ** The carriage drove, as near as I could judge, about ten miles, when we stopped at aa inn for th 158 ALONZO AND MELISSA. night, except my lather, who returned home on horseback, leaving me at the inn in company with the servants, where the carriage also remained. The maid was a person who had been attached to me from my infancy. I asked her whether she could explain these mysterious proceedings. ** All I know, Miss I will tell you," said she. Your father received a letter to-day from your aunt, which put him in a terrible fluiter: he immediately ordered 1 is 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 I must go with you. And to tell you the truth, Miss, I was not displeas ed with it: for your father has grown so sour of late that we have but. little peace in the house." " By this I found that my fate was fixed, and 1 gave myself up for some time to unavailing sorrow. The maid informed me that my mother was well, which was one sweet consolation among my many troubles; but she knew nothing of my father s late conduct. "The next morning we proceeded, and I was hur ried on by rapid stages to the Chesapeak, where, with the maid and one man servant, I was put on board a packet for Charleston, at which place we arrived in due time. "My uncle and his family received me with much tenderness: the servant delivered a package of let teru to my uncle from my father. The carriage with one servant (the driver) had returned from the Chesapeak to Connecticut. " My father had but one brother and two sisters, 1 ALONZO ATD MELISSA. 15i> of which my uncle here is the youngest. One 01 my aunts, the old maid, \vho was my protectress at the old mansion, you have seen at my father s. The other was the mother of Alfred: she married very young, to a gentleman in Hartford, of the name of Wilmot, who fell before the walls of Louis- burg in the old French war. My aunt did not long survive him; her health, which had been for some time declining, received so serious a shock by this catastrophe, that she died a few months after the melancholy tidings arrived, leaving Alfred their only child then an infant, to the protection of his rela tions, who at soon as he arrived at a suitable age, placed him at school. " My grandfather, who had the principal manage ment 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 grand father was informed of this attachment, he, in a very peremtory manner, ordered my uncle to break off the connection on pain of his highest displeasure. But such is the force of early impressions, (Melissa sighed) that my uncle found it impossible to submit to these firm injunctions; a clandestine marriage ensued, and my grandfather s malediction in conse quence. The union was however, soon dissolved; my uncle s wife died in about twelve months after their marriage, and soon after the birth of the first child, which was a daughter. Inconsolable and comfortless, rny uncle put the child 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 I 160 ALONZO AND MELISSA married to an amiable woman, whose tenderness t though it did not entirely remove, yet greatly alle viated the pangs of early sorrow; and this, added to the little blandishments of a young family, fixed him in a state of more contentedness than he once ever expected to see. ** His daughter by his first wife, when she became of proper age, was sent to a respectable boarding- school in Boston, where she remained until within about two years before I came here. ** Alfred was educated at Harvard College: as soon as he had graduated, he came here on my uncle s request, and has since remained in his family. * Soon after I arrived here; my uncle came into my chamber one day, " Melissa," said he, " I find by your father s letters that he considers you 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 that way myself, in my early days; per haps my council may be of some service." " I immediately gave a correct account of every particular circumstance, from the time of my first acquaintance with you until my arrival at this house. He sat some time silent, and then told me that my father, he believed had drawn the worst side of the picture; and that he had urged him to exert every means in his power to reclaim me to obedience: That Beauman was to follow me in a few months, and that, if I still refuse 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, ALONZO AND MELISSA. 161 but something must be dene. I will immediately write to jour father, desiring him not to proceed too rashly; in the mean time \ve must consider what measures to pursue. You must not, my niece, you must not be sacrificed." So saying, he left me high ly consoled that, instead of a tyrant, I had found a friend in my new protector. " Alfred was made acquainted with my affair, and many were the plans projected for my benefit, and abandoned as indefeasible, till an event happened which called forth all the fortitude of my uncle to support it, and operated in the end to free me from persecution. " My uncle s daughter, by his first wife, was of a very delicate and sickly constitution, and her health evidently decreasing. After she came to this place, she was sent to a village on one of the high hills of Pedee, where she remained a considerable tin;e; 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 accompan ied 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 pur pose to the restoration of her health; a confirmed hectic carried her off in the bloom of youth. " I was but a few months older than she; her name was Melissa, a name which a pious grand mother had borne, and \vas therefore retained in the family. Our similarity of age, and in some measure of appearance, our being so little known in Charles ton, and our names being the same, suggested to Al fred the idea of imposing on my father, by passing off my cousin s death as my own. This would, a* least, deter Beauman from prosecuting his intended journey to Charleston; it would also give time for 162 ALC.KZO AXV MELISSA fartlier deliberation, and might so operate on in) father s feelings, as to soften that obduracy of tem per, which deeply disquieted himself and others, and thus finally be productive of happily effecting the designed purpose. " My uncle was too deeply overwhelmed in grief to be particularly consulted on this plan. He how ever 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 w as generally supposed that it was the niece, ami not the daughter of Col. D --- , who had died. This imposition was likewise practiced upon the i-exton, who keeps the register of deaihs.* Alfied then wrote a letter to my father, in my uncle s name, stating the particulars of my cousin s death and ap plying them to me. The epitaph on her tom-b-stone was likewise so devised that it would with equal propriety apply either to her or to me. " To undeceive yo^, Alonzo," continued Melissa, " was the next object. I consulted with Alfred how this should be done. * My sister, he said, (in our private circles he always called me by the tender name of sister,) I am determined to see you happy before I relinquish the business I have undertaken: letters are a precarious mode of communication; I will make a journey to Connecticut, rind out Alonzo, visit your friends and see how the plan operates. I am known to your father, who has ever treated me RS a relative. I will return as speedily as possible, and we shall then know what measures are best next to pursue." * This was formerly the case. 1 ALONZO AND MELISSA. 163 * 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. * lie soon departed, and returned in about tw months He found my father and mother in extreme distress on account of my supposed death: my mother s grief had brought her on the bed of sick ness; but when Alfred had undeceived her she rap idly revived. My father told Alfred that he serious ly regretted opposing my inclinations, and that, were it possible he could retrace the steps he had taken, he should conduct in a very different manner, as he was not only deprived of me, but Edgar also, who had gone to Holland in an official capacity, soon after receiving the tidings of my death. I am now childless, said my father in tears. Alfred s feelings were moved, and could he then have found you, he would have told my father the truth; but lest he ghould relapse from present determinations, he con sidered it his duty still, with him, to continue the deception. " On enquiring at your father s, at Vincent s, and at Mr. Simpson s, he could learn nothing of you, ex cept that you had gone to New London, judging possibly that you would find me there. Alfred there fore determined to proceed to that place immediate ly. He then confidently 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 igno rance. " Alfred proceeded immediately to NP-, -London: from my cousin there he was informed of your in terview with him; but from whence you then came, or where you went, be knew not; and after making 164 ALONZO AND MELISSA. II the strictest enquiry, he could hear nothing more oi you. By a vessel in that port, bound directly for Holland, he wrote an account of the whole affair to Edgar, mentioning his unsuccessful search to find you; and returned to Charleston. " Alfred learnt from rnv friends the circumstances which occasioned my sudden removal from the old mansion. The morning you left me you was discov ered by my aunt, who was passing the road in a chair with a gentleman, whom she had then but recently become acquainted with. My aunt knew you. They immediately drove to John s hut. On finding that John had left the keys with me, she sent him for them; and on my refusing to give them up, she came herself, as I have before related; and as she succeeded no better than John, she returned, dis patched a message to my father, informing him of the circumstances, and her suspicions of your hav ing 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 rny escape. " Alarmed at this information, my father immedi ately ordeied his carriage, drove to the mansion, and removed me, as I have before informed you. " I ought to have told you, that the maid and man servant who attended me to Charleston, not liking the country, and growing sickly, were sent back by my uncle, after they had been there about two months." Alonzo found by this narrative that John had de ceived -<ira, when he made his inquiries of him con cerning h./ knowledge of Melissa s removal. But this was not surprising: John was tenant to Melissa s aunt, and subseivient to all her views; she hadun* Joubtedly given him instructions bow to act. ALONZO AND MELISSA. 165 ** But who was the strange gentleman with your aunt ?" inquired Alonzo. " This I will also tell you answered Melissa, tho it unfolds a tale which re flects no great honor to my family. " Hamblin was tho name which this man assumed: he said he had been an eminent merchant in New York, a-nd 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 ac quaintance, and ingratiated himself into her favor by art and insidiousness. He accompanied her on her visits to her tenants, and assisted her in collect ing 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 res idence to remain during the war. To cut the story as short as possible, he initialed himself so far in my aunt s favor that she accepted his hand, and con trary to my father s opinion, she married him, and he soon after persuaded her to sell her property, under pretence of removing to some populous town, and living in style. Her property, however, was no sooner sold (which my father bought for ready cash, at a low price) than he found means to realize the money, and absconded. " It was afterwards found that his real name was Brenton; that he had 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 scarce ly 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 finallv stv*. 166 ALONZO AND MELISSA. bed by a soldser in a fracas, and died the next day. He was about thirty-five years old. " All these tro ibles bore so heavily upon my auntj that she went into a decline, and died about six months ago. " After Alfred returned from Connecticut, he wrote frequently to Vincent and Mr. Simpson, but could obtain no intelligence concerning you. It would be needless Alonzo, to describe my conjec tures, my anxieties, rny feelings! The death of my cousin and aunt had kept me in crape until, at the instance of Alfred, I put it off yesterday morning at my uncle s house, which Alfred had proposed for the scene of action, after he had discovered the cause my fainting at the theatre. I did not readily come into Alfred s plan to deceive you: * Suffer me, he said, to try the constancy of your Leander; 1 doubt whether he would swim the Hellespont for you. This aroused my pride and confidence, and I permitted him to proceed." Alonzo then gave Melissa a minute account of all that happened to him from the time of their parting at the old mansion until he met with her the day be fore. At the mention of Beauman s fate Melissa sighed. ** With how many vain fears," said she, "was I perplexed, lest, by some means he should discover my existence and place of residence, after he, alas, was silent in the tomb!" Alonzo told Melissa that he had received a letter from Edgar, after he arrived in Holland, and that he had written him an answer, just as he left Paris, informing him of his reasons for returning to Amer ica. 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, 4.LONZO AND MELISS i.. 167 where an affectionate parting took place: The lattef returned to Charleston, and the former proceeded on their journey. Philadelphia was now in possession of the British troops. Alonzo found Dr. Franklin s agent at Ches ter, transacted his business, went on, arrived at Vincent s where he left Melissa, and proceeded im mediately to his father s. The friends of Alonzo and Melissa were joyfully surprised at their arrival. Melissa s mother was sent for to Vincent s. Let imagination paint the meeting! As yet however they were not prepared to undeceive her father. Alonzo found his parents in penurious circumstan ces; indeed, his father having the preceding summer, been too indisposed to manage his little farm with attention, and being unable to hire laborers, his crops had yielded but a scanty supply, and he had been compelled to sell most of his stock to answer pressing demands. With great joy they welcomed Alonzo, whom they had given up as lost. " You still find your father poor, Alonzo," said the old gentleman, " but you find him still honest. From my inability to labor, we have latterly been a liitlo more pressed than usual; but having now recovered my health, I trust that that difficulty will soon be re moved." Alonzo asked his father if he ever knew Dr. Franklin. " We were school-mates," he replied, " and were intimately acquainted after we became young men in business for ourselves. We have done each other favors; 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." A onzo then related to his father all the incident* 168 ALONZO AND MELISSA. of his travels, minutely particularizing the disinterest ed conduct of Franklin, and then presented his father with the reversion of his estate. The old man fell on his knees, and with tears streaming down his withered cheeks, offered devout thanks to the great Dispenser of all mercies. Alonzo then visited Melissa s father, who received him with much complacency. " I have injured," paid he, ** my young friend, deeply injured you; but in doing this, I have inflicted a wound still deeper in my own bosom." Alonzo desired him not to renew his sorrows. " What is past," said he, " is beyond recal; but a subject of some importance to me, is the object of my present visit. True it is, that your daughter wag the object of my earliest affection an affection which my bosom must ever retain: but. being separ ated by the will of Providence for I view Provi dence as overruling all events for wise purposes I betook myself to travel. Time, you know it is said, sir, will blunt the sharpest thorns of sorrow. [The old man sighed] -In my travels I have found a lady so nearly resembling your daughter, that I was induced to sue for her hand, and have been so hap py as to gain the promise of it. The favor I have to ask of you, sir, is >nly 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 honor me by giving the lady away In receiving her from your hands, I shall in some measure realize former an ticipations; I shall receive her in the character of Melissa." "Ah!" said Melissa s father, " were it in my pow er could I give you the original; But how vain that wish! Yos my young friend, your request shall be ALOXZO AWD MELISSA. 169 punctually complied with: I will take upon myself the preparations. Name your day, and if the lady is portionless, in that she shall be to me a Melissa." Alonzo bowed his head in gratitude; and after ap pointing that day week, he departed. Invitations were once more sent abroad for the wedding of AJonzo and Melissa. Few indeed knew it to be the real Melissa, but they were generally in formed of Alonzo s reason, for preferring the cele bration at her father s. The evening before the day on which the marriage was to take place, Alonzo and Melissa were sitting with the Vincents in an upper room, when a person rapped at the door below. Vincent went down, and immediately returned, introducing, to the joy and surprise of the company, Edgar! Here, again, we shall leave it for the immagina- tion 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 .nto 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 a Boston, came to New Haven, took orders in the ministry, and had reached home that day: He informed them that Mr. Simpson and family had arrived at his father s and some relatives whom his mother had invited. The next morning ushered in the day in which the hero and heroine of our story were to consummate their felicity. No cross purposes stood ready to in tervene their happiness, no obdurate father, no watch ful scowling aunt, to interrupt their transports. It was the latter er*i of May; nature was arrayed in 170 ALONZO ANT* MELISSA. her richest ornaments, and adorned with her sweetest perfumes. The sun blended its mild lustre with the landscape s lovely green; silk-winged breezes frol icked amidst the flowers; the spring birds earroled in varying strains: * The air was fragrance, and the world was love. Evening was appointed for the ceremony, and Ed gar was to be the officiating clergyman, To tie those bands which nought but death can sever." When the hour arrived, they repaired to the house of Melissa s father, where numerous guests had as sembled. Melissa was introduced into the bridal apartment, and took her seat among a brilliant circle of ladies. She was attired in robes " white as the southern clouds," spangled with silver, and trimmed with deep gold lace; her hair hung loosely upon her shoulders, encircled by a wreath of artificial flowers. She had regained all her former loveliness; the ro?e and the lily again blended their tinges in her cheek; again pensive sprightliness sparkled in her eye. Alonzo was now introduced, and took his seat at the side of Melissa. His father and mother came next, who were placed at the right hand of the young couple: Melissa s parents followed, and were sta tioned at the left. Edgar then came and took his 0eat in front; after which the guests were summoned who filled the room. Edgar then rising, mentioned 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 emotio is that scarcely suffered him to articulate. * Do you, sir," said he, ** give this lady to that gentleman " A soleom silence prevailed in the AT.ONZO AND MELISSA. 171 room. Melissa was extremely agitated, as her father slowly rising, and with down-cast eyes, " Where tides of heavy sorrow swell d," took her trembling hand, and conveying it into A- lonzo s, " May the smiles of heaven rest upon you, he said; may future blessings crown your present happy prospects; and may your latter days never be embittered by the premature loss of near and dear ______ Pungent grief here choaked his utterance, and at this moment Melissa, falling upon her knees, "Dear father! she exclaimed, bursting into tears, pardon de ception, acknowledge your daughter your own Melissa!" Her father started he ga/ed at her with scrutini zing attention, and sunk back in his chair. My daughter!" he cried, ** God of mysterious mercy ! it is my daughter!" The guests caught the contagious sympathy; con vulsive sobs arose from all parts of the room. Me lissa s father clasped her in his arms " And I re ceive thee as from the dead ." he said. " I am anx ious to hear the mighty mystery unfolded. But first let the solemn rites for which we are assembled be concluded; let not an old man s anxiety interrupt the ceremony." * Uut you arc apprised, sir,* said Alonzo, " of my inability to support your daughter according to her deserts." " Leave that to me my young friend," replied her father. " I have enough.: my children are restored and I am happy." Melissa soon resumed her former station. The indissoluble knot was tied: they sat down to tha 1T2 ALOITZO AND MELISSA. wedding feast, and mirth and hiliarity danced in cheerful circles. Before the company retired, Edgar related the most prominent incidents of Alonzo and Melissa s history, since they had been absent. The guests listened with attention, they applauded the conduct of onr new bride and bridegroom, in which Melissa s father cordially joined. They rejoiced to find that Alonzo s father had regained his fortune, and copi ous libations were poured forth in honor of the im mortal Franklin. And now, reader of sensibility, indulge the pleas ing sensations of thy bosom, for Alonzo and Melissa are MARRIED. Alonzo s father was soon in complete repossession of his former property. The premises from which ho had been driven by his unfeeling creditors, were yielded up without difficulty, and to which he im mediately removed. He not only recovered the prin cipal of the fortune he had lost, but the damages and the interest; so that, although like Job, he had seen afflictions, like him his latter days were better than his beginning. But wearied with the business of life, he did not again enter into the mercantile business, but placing his money at interest in safe hands, lived retired on his little farm. A few days after the wedding as Melissa was sit ting with Alonzo, Edgar and her parents, she ask ed her father whether the old mansion was inhab ited. Not by human beings," he replied! " Since it has fallen into my hands I h ive leased it to three of four different families, who all left it under fool ish pretence or impiession of hearing noises and see ing frightful objects, and such is the superstition of the people that no one now, will venture to try it AI.ONZO AND MELISSA. 173 again, though I suppose its inhabitants to consist only of rats and mice." Melissa then informed them of all that had hap pened 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 de ceived her. Exceedingly astonished at her relation, it was agreed that Edgar and Alon7.o, properly at- j tended, should proceed to the mansion, in order to find whether any discoveries could be made which might tend to the elucidation of so mysterious an affair. For this purpose they chose twenty men armed them with muskets and swords, and proceeded to the place, where they arrived in the dusk of the evening, having chosen that season as the most fa vorable to their designs. They found the draw-bridge up, and the gate lock ed, 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 un locked the door, and proceeded to the chamber where they struck a fire and lighted candles, which they brought with them. It was then agreed to plant fifteen of the men at suitable distances around the mansion, and retain five in the chamber with A- lon/.o and Edgar. The men who were placed around the house, were stationed behind trees, stumps or rocks, and where no object presented, lay fiat on the ground, with or ders not to stir, or discover themselves, let what would ensue, unless some alarm should be given from the house. Alonzo and Edgar were armed with pistols aid side arms, and posted themselves with the five men in the chamber, taking care that the lights should 174 ALONZO AND MELISSA, not shine against, the window shutters, 8) that nothing could be discovered from without. Things thus arranged, they observed almost implicit silence, no one being allowed to speak, except in a low whisper. For a long time no sound was heard except the hollow roar of the winds in the neighboring forest, their whistling around the angles of the mansion, or the hoarse murmurs of the distant surge. The night was dark, and only illuminated by the feeble twink ling of half clouded stars. They had watched until about midnight, when they were alarmed by noises in the rooms below, among which they could distinguish footsteps and human voices. Alonzo and Edgar, then taking each a pistol in one hand, and a drawn sworn in the other, ordered their men to follow them, prepared for ac- tron. Coming to the head of the stairs, they saw a brilliant Nght streaming into the hall; they therefore concluded to take no candles, and to prevent discov ery they took off their shoes. When they came into the hall opposite the door of the room from whence the liijht and noises proceeded, they discovered ten men genteellv dressed, sitting around a table, on which was placed a considerable quantity of gold and silver coin, a number of glasses and several de canters of wine. Alonzo and his party stood a few minutes, listening to the following discourse, which took place among this ghostly gentry. "Well, boys, we have made a fine haul this trip." "Yes, but poor 15ob, tho igh, was plumped over by the d d skulkers!" "Aye, and had we not tugged bravely at the oars, they would have hooked us." " Rascally cow-boys detained us too long." "Well, never mind it; let us knock around the wine, and then divide the spoil." ALONZO AND MELISSA. 175 At this moment, Alonzo and Edgar, followed by the five men, rushed into the room, crying, " Sur render, or you are all dead men!" In an instant the room was involved in pitchy darkness; a loud crash was heard, tnen a scampering about the floor, and a noise as if several doors shut too with violence. They however gave the alarm to the men without by loud.y shouting "Look out;" and immediately the discharge of several guns was heard around the mansion. One of the men flew up stairs and brought a light; but, to their utter amazement no person was to be discovered in the room except their own party. The table with its apparatus, and the chairs on which these now invisible beings had sat, had disap peared, not a bingle trace of them being left. While they stood petrified with astonishment, the men from without called for admittance. The door being unlocked, they led in a stranger wounded, whom they immediately discovered to be one of those they had seen at the table. The men who had been stationed around the man sion 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 be ing disregarded, they fired upon them, one of whom they brought down which vas the wounded man they had brought in. The others, though they pur sued them, got off. The prisoner s wound was not dangerous; the ball had shattered his arm, and glanced upon his breast. They dressed his wound as well as they could, and then requested him to unfold the circumstances oi the suspicious appearance in which he was involved. 176 ALONZO AND MELISSA " First promise me, on your honor,* 5 said tht stranger, " that you will use your influence to pre vent my being punished or imprisoned. This they readily agreed to, on condition that he would conceal nothing from them and he gave them the following relation: That they were a part of a gang of illicit traders; men who had combined for the purpose of carrying on a secret and illegal commerce with the British army on Long Island, whom, contrary to the exist ing laws, they supplied with provisions, and brought off English goods, which they sold at very extortion ate prices. But this was not all; they also brought over large quantities of counterfeit continental mon ey, which they put off among the Americans for live stock, poultry, produce, &c. which they carried to the Island. The counterfeit money they pur chased by merely paying for the printing; the Brit ish having obtained copies of the American emission. Struck immense quanties of it in New-York, and in sidiously sent it out into the country, in order to sink our currency. This gang was likewise connected with the cow boys, who made it their business to steal, not only milch cows, and other cattle, but also hogs and sheep, which they drove by night to some conven ient place on the shores of the Sound, where these thief -partners received them and conveyed them to the British. " In our excursions across the Sound, continued the wounded man, we had frequently observed th:g mansion, which, from every appearance, we were convinced was uninhabited we therefore select t as a suitable place for our future rendezvous, wluch had heretofore been only in the open woods To cioss the moat we dragged up an old canoe from ALONZO AND MELISSA. 177 the sea shore, which we concealed in the bushes as soon as we recrossed from the old mansion. To get over the wall we used ladders of ropes, placing a flat of thick board on the top of the spikes driven into the wall. We found more difficulty in getting into the house: we however at length succeeded, by tearing away a part of the back wall, where we fitted in a door so exactly, and so nicely painted it, that it dould no-t be distinguished from the wall itself. This door was so constructed, that on touching a spring, it would fly open, and when unrestrained, would shut too with violence. Finding the apart ment 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 aa emergency we could traverse every apartment with out access to the known doors. Trap-doors on a similar construction, communicated with the cellar: the table, which you saw us sitting around, stood on one of those, which, on your abrupt appearance, as soon as the candles were extinguished, was with its contents, precipitated below, and we made our escape by those secret doors, judging, that although you had seen us, if we could get off, you would be unable to find out any thing which might lead to our discovery. " A circumstance soon occurred, which tended to embarrass our plans, and at first seemed to menace their overthrow. Our assembling at the mansion was irregular, as occasion and circumstances requir ed; often not more than once a week, but sometimes more frequent, and always in the night. Late one night, as we were proceeding to the mansion, and had arrived near it suddenly one of the chamber windows was opened, and a light issued from within. 178 ALONZO AND MELISSA We entered the house with caution, and soon dis covered 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 ou. secret doors, and to our inexpressable sur prise, oeheld a beautiful young lady asleep on the only bed in the room. We cautiously retired, and reconnoitering all parts of the mansion, found that she was the only inhabitant except ourselves. The singularity of her being there alone, is a circumstance we have never been aile to discover, but it gave us fair hopes of easily procuring her ejectment. We then immediately withdrew, and made preparations to dispossess the fair tenant of the premises to which we considered ourselves more properly entitled, as possessing a prior incumbency. " We did not effect the completion of our appara tus under three or four days. As soon as they were prepared, we returned to the mansion. As we ap proached the house, it appears the lady heard us, for again she suddenly flung up a window and held out a candle: we skulked from the light, but feared she had a glimpse of us. After we had got into the house we were still until we supposed her to be asleep, which we found to be the case on going to her chamber. " We then stationed one near her bed, who, by a loud rap on the floor with a cane, appeared to arousfc 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 de sign to lay his hand, on which he had drawn a thin beet-lead glove, across her face; but discovering AL.ONZO AND MELISSA. 179 her arm on Lie out side of the bed-clothes, he &rasp ed it she screamed and sprang up in the bed; the man then left the room. * As it was not our intention to injure the lady but only to drive her from the L_use, we concluded we had sufficiently alarmed her, and having extin- guished the lights, were about to depart, when we / heard her descending the stairs. She come down and examined the doors, when one of our party, inf a loud whisper, crying " away away," she darted up stairs, and we left the house. " We did not return the next night, in order -to give her time to get off; but the night after we a- gain repaired to the mansion, expecting that she had gone, but we were disappointed. As it was late when we arrived, she was wrapped in sleep, and we found that more forcible measures must be resorted to before we could remove her, and for such meas ures we were amply prepared. The stranger then unfolded the mysteries of that awful night, when Melissa was so terrified by horri ble appearances. One of the tallest and most ro bust 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, conceal ed under his robe. On his head and face he wore a mask, with glass eyes the mask was painted to suit their purposes. The bloody dagger was of wood, and painted. Thus accoi *.red, 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 awaksned her, a train of powder was fired 180 A.LONZO AND MELISSA. in the adjoining room opposite the secret door, vshlck was left open, in order that the flash might illuminate her apartment; then several large cannon balls were rolled through the rooms over her head, imitative of thunder. The person in her room then uttered a horrible groan, and gliding along by her bed, took his stand behind the curtains, near the foot. The noises below, the cry of murder, the firing of the second pistol, and the running up stairs, were all corresponding scenes to impress terror on her im agination. The pretended ghost then advanced in front of her bed, while lights were slowly introduc ed, which first shone faintly until they were ushered into the room by the private door, exhibited the per son 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, pass ed again to the foot of the bed, shook it violently, and made a seeming attempt to get upon it, when, perceiving her to be springing up, he fled out of the room by the secret door, cautiously shut it, and join ed his companions. The operators had not yet completed their farce, or rather, to Melissa, tragedy. They had framed an image of paste-board, in human shape, arrayed it in black, its eyes being formed of large pieces of what is vulgarly called fox-fire,* made into the like ness of human eyes, some material being pkiced in its mouth, around which was a piece of the thinest scarlet tiffany, in order to make it appear of a flame color. They had also constructed a large combusti- * A sort of decayed or rotten wcod, which in the night looks like coals of fire, of a bright whitish color. It emits a faint light. ALONZO AND MELISSA. 181 bio 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, be fore her hed; while in that position, the ball was to be rubbed over with phosphorus, the match set on 6re, and rolled across her chamber, and when it burst, the image was to vanish by being suddenly conveyed out of the private door, which was to close the scene for that night. But as Melissa had now arisen and lighted candles the plan was defeated. While they were consulting how to proceed, they heard her unlock her chamber door, and slowly de scend the stairs. Fearing a discovery, they retired with their lights, and the person who had been in her chamber, not having stripped off his ghostly ha biliments; laid himself down on one side of the hall. The man who had the image, crowded him self with it under the stairs she was descending. On her dropping the candle, when she turned to flee to her chamber from the sight of the same object which had appeared at her bed-side, the person under the stairs presented the image at their foot, and at the same instant the combustible ball was prepared, and rolled through the hall; and when on its bursting she fainted, they began to grow alarmed; but on finding that she recovered and regained her cham ber, they departed, for that time, from the house. "Our scheme," continued the wounded man, "had the desired effect. On returning a few evenings after, we found the lady gone and the furniture removed. Several attempts were afterwards made to occupy the house, but we always succeeded in soon fright ening the inhabitants away. Edgar and Alonzo then requested their prisoner to show them the springs of the secret doors, and how they were opened. The springs were sunk in the 182 A1ONZO AND MELISSA. wood, which being touched by entering a gimlei 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 too. 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 <ave, ivs mouth covered with boards and earth here the company kept their fur niture, and to this place would they have removed it, had they not been so suddenly frightened away. The canoe they found secreted in the bushes beyond the canal. It was then agreed that the man should go before the proper authorities in a neighboring town, and there, as state s evidence, make affiadavit 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 inquired to what town they were to go, which, when they had informed hir , " 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 assassina ted by some of those who will be implicated in the transaction I have related." He then informed them, that while he, with the gang was prosecuting the illicit trade, a British ship came and anchored in the Sound, which they sup plied with provisions, but that having at one time a considerable quantity on hnnd, 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 5n board the boat," continued the man, ALONZ3 AND MELISSA. 183 ** a party of Americans fired upon us, and wounded the officer in the thigh, who fell: " I shall be made prisoner," said he, taking out his purse; keep this, and if I live and regain my liberty, perhaps you may have an opportunity of restoring it: alarm the boat s crew, and shift for yourselves." The boat was al armed, returned to the ship, and we saved ourselves by flight. " This happened about four months ago: the ship soon after sailed for New York, and the officer was imprisoned in the gaol of the town to which we are to go; I can therefore restore him his purse." The man farther informed them, that they had several times come near being taken, and the last trip they were fired upon, and one of their party killed "They immediately set out for the aforesaid town, after having dismissed their fifteen men; and when they arrived there, Alonzo and Edgar accompanied their prisoner to the gaol. On making the proper inquiries, they were conducted into a dark and dirty apartment of the gaol, where were several prisoners in irons. The British officer was soon distinguished among them by his regimentals. Though enveloped in filth and dust, his countenance appeared familiar to Alonzo; and on a few moments recollection, he recognized in the manacled officer, the generous midshipman, Jack Brown, who had so disinterestedly relieved him, when he escaped from the prison in London In the fervency of his feelings, Alonzc flew to him and clasped him in his arms. "What do I behold!" he cried. * My friend, my brave deliverer, in chains, in my own country!" The fortune of war, boy!" said Jack it might nave been worse. But my lad, I am heartily glad 194 ALONJO AND MELISSA. to see you; how has it fared with you since you left Old England ?" " We will talk of that by and by," said Alonzo. There were then some American officers of dis tinction in town, with whom Edgar was acquainted, to whom he applied for the relief of the noble sailor: and as there were several other British pris oners in gaol, it was agreed that a cartel should be immediately sent to New York to exchange them. Alonzo had therefore, the satisfaction to see the irons knocked off of his liberal hearted benefactor, and his prison doors opened. The man they had taken at the mansion, returned him his purse containing only twenty-five guineas of which Jack gave him ten. " There", boy, said he, * you have been honest, so I will divide with you." They then repaired to an inn, Jack whose wound was healed, was put under the hands of a barber, cleansed, furnished with a change of clothes, and soon appeared in a new attitude. He informed Alonzo, that soon after he left Eng land, his ship was ordered to 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 thetwentyfive guineas which ha-d been restored him that day. " But I have never despair ed," said he: " the great Commodore of life orders all for the best. My tour of duty is to serve my king and country, and provide for my dear Poll and her chicks, which, if I faithfully perform, I shall gain the applause of the Commander." When the cartel was ready to depart, Alonzo taking Jack apart from the company presented him with draft for five-hundred pounds sterling, on a merchant in New-York, who private. y transacted ALOWZO AND MELISSA. 185 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 bil- bws of life." The generous tar shed tears of grat itude, and Alonzo enjoyed the pleasure of seeing him depart, calling down blessings on the head of his reciprocal benefactor. The man who came with Alonzo and Edgar from the mansion, then went before the magistrate of the town, and gave his testimony and affidavit,by which it appeared that several eminent characters of Con necticut 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 immedate- ly 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 abscon ded, so that the company and their plans were broken up. When Alonzo and Edgar returned home and relat ed 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 BO many terrors. It was now that Alonzo turned his attention to future prospects. It was time to select a place for domestic residence. He consulted Melissa and she expressively mentioned the little secluded village, where " Ere fate and fortune fiown d severe," they projected scenes of connubial bliss, and plan ned the structure rf their family edifice. This intv 186 ALONZO AND MELI8SA. mation accorded with the ardent wishes of Alonzo. The site formerly marked out, with an adjoining farm, was immediately purchased, and suitable buil dings erected to which Alonzo and Melissa removed the ensuing summer. The clergyman of the village having recently dt*< in a good old age, Edgar was called to the pasU nJ charge of this unsophisticated people. Here did Melissa and Alonzo repose after the storms of t4 versity were past. Here did they realize all the na^>- piness which the sublunary hand of time apportions to mortals. Their varying seasons diversified their joys, except when Alonzo was called with the militia of his country, whrein he bore an eminent commis sion, to oppose the enemy; and this was not unfre- quent, as in his country s defence he took a very conspicuous part. Then would anxiety, incertitude, and disconsolation possess the bosom of Melissa, until dissipated by his safe return. But the happy termination of the war soon removed all cause of these disquietudes. Soon after the close of the war, Alonzo received a letter from his friend, Jack Brown, dated at an in terior parish in England, in which, after pouring forth abundance of gratitude, he infosmed, that on returning to England he procured his discharge from the navy, sold his house, and removed into the coun try, where he had set up an inn with the sign of The Grateful American. "You have made us all happy," said he; " my dear Poll blubbered like a fresh water sailor in a hurricane, when I told her of your goodness. My wife, my children, all hands upon deck are yours. We have a good run of busi ness, and are now under full sail for the Jand oi prosperity." Edgar married t-o one of the Miss Simpsons,whosa ALOIfZO AND MELISSA. 18? 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, untiJ at length he married and settlea in the mercantile business in Charleston, South Caro lina. To our hero and heroine, the rural charms of their secuided vil age were a source of ever pleasing va riety. Spring, with its verdured fields, flowery meads, and vocal groves, its vernal gales, purling rills, and its evening whippoorwill; summer, with its embower ing shades, reflected in the glassy lake, and the long, pensive, yet sprightly notes of the solitary strawber ry-bird;* its lightning and its thunder: autumn, with its mellow fruit, its yellow foliage and decaying ver dure; winter, with its hoarse, rough blasts, its icy neard and snowy mantle, all tended to thrill, with sensations of pleasing transition, the feeling bosoms of ALONZO AND MELISSA. *A bird which.in the New-England States, makes its first appearance about the time stawberries begin to ripen. Its song is lengthy and consists of a vari- nty of notes, commencing sprightly, but ending plaintively and melancholy. 14 DAY USE RETURN TO )M WHICH BORROWED CO <N iO O ^5 11 oi 1 ^ U.C. BERKELEY LIBRARIES