THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES OF ^/j///. ^;/'" /, ^-. ALONZO AND MELISSA; THE UNFEELING FATHER got gimerkan: Kale. "In every varied posture, place, and hour, How widowed every thought of every joy!" YouNa. BY DANIEL JACKSON, JR. PHILADELPHIA: CLAXTON, EEMSEN & HAFFELFINGEE, 624, 626 & 628 MARKET STREET. 1879. :-. PS 3\c PREFACF. J6a. WHETHER the story of Alonzo and Me- lissa will generally please, the writer knows riot, if, however, he is not mistaken, it ia not unfriendly to religion and to virtue. One thing was aimed to be shown, that a firm reliance on Providence, however the affections might be at war with its dispen- sations, is the only source^of consolation in the gloomy hours of affliction ; and that gen- erally such dependence, though crossed by difficulties and perplexities, will be crowned with victory at last. It is also believed that the story contains no indecorous stimulants; nor is it filled with unmeaning and mexplicated incidents sounding upon the sense, but imperceptible to the understanding. When anxietiet have been excited by involved and doubtfu events, they are afterwards elucidated b the consequences. 1560475 The writer believes that generally he has copied nature. In the ardent prospects raised in youthful bosoms, the almost con- summation of their wishes, their sudden and unexpected disappointment, the sorrows of separation, the joyous and unlocked for meeting in the poignant feelings of Alon- zo, when, at the grave of Melissa, he poured the feelings of his anguished soul over her miniature by the "moon's pale ray;" when Melissa, sinking on her knees before her father, was received to his bosom as a beloved daughter risen from the dead. If these scenes are not imperfectly drawn, they will not fail to interest the refined sen- sibilities of the reader. ALONZO AND MELISSA, A TALE. IN the time of the late revolution, two young gentlemen of Connecticut, who had formed an indissoluble friendship, graduated at Yale College in New-Haven : their names were Edgar and Alonzo. Edgar was the son of a respectable farmer. Alonzo's father was an eminent merchant. Edgar was de- signed for the desk, Alonzo for the bar; but as they were allowed some vacant time after their graduation before they entered upon their professional studies, they improved this interim in mutual, friendly visits, mingling with select parties in the amusements of the day, and in travelling through some parts cf the United States. Edgar had a sister who, for some time, had resided with her cousin at New-Lon- lon. She was now about to return, and it was designed that Edgar should go and at- tend her home. Previous to the day on which he was to set out, he was unfortu- nately thrown from his horse, which so much injured him as to prevent his prose- 1 * 6 ALONZO AND MELISSA. cuting his intended journey : he therefore invited Aionzo to supply his place ; which invitation he readily accepted, and on the day appointed set out for New-London, where he arrived, delivered his introductory letters to Edgar's cousin, and was received with the most friendly politeness. Melissa, the sister of Edgar, was about six- teen years of age. She was not what is es- teemed a striking beauty, but her appearance was pleasingly interesting. Her figure was elegant; her aspect was attempered with a pensive mildness, which in her cheerful moments would light up into sprightliness and vivacity. Though on first impression, her countenance was marked by a sweet and thoughtful serenity, yet she eminently pos- sessed 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 fe- male, excellence. Her manners were grace- ful without affectation, and her taste had been properly directed by a suitable education. Aionzo was about twenty-one years old ; he had been esteemed an excellent student. His appearance was manly, open and free. His eye indicated a nobleness of soul; al- though his aspect was tinged with melan- choly, yet he was naturally cheerful. His disposition was of the romantic cast ; ALONZO AND MELISSA. 7 For far beyond the pride and pomp of power, He lov'd the realms of nature to explore ; With lingering gaze Edinian spring survey'd ; Morn's fairy splendours ; night's gay curtained shade} The high hoar cliff, the grove's benighting gloom, The wild rose, widowed o'er the mouldering tomb j The heaven embosom'd sun ; the rainbow's dye, Where lucid forms disport to fancy's eye ; The vernal flower, mild autumn's purpling glow, The summer's thunder and the winter's snow." It was evening when Alonzo arrived at the house of Edgar's cousin. Melissa was at a ball which had been given on a matri- monial occasion in\he town. Her cousin waited on Alonzo to the ball, and introduc- ed him to Melissa, who received him with politeness. She was dressed in white, em broidered and spangled with rich silver lace , a silk girdle, enwrought and tasseled with gold, surrounded her waist; her hair was unadorned except by a wreath of artificial flowers, studded by a single diamond. After the ball closed, they returned to the house of Edgar's cousin. Melissa's part- ner at the ball was the son of a gentleman of independent fortune in New-London, de was a gay young man, aged about twen- ty-five. His address was easy, his manners rather voluptuous than refined ; confident, but not ungraceful. He led the ton in fashionable circles ; gave taste its zest, and was quite a favorite with the ladies gen- erally. His name was Beauman. Edgar's cousin proposed to detain Alonzo and Melissa a few days, during which time S ALONZO AJfD MELISSA. they passed in visiting select friends and socia. parties. Beauman was an assiduous attend- ant upon Melissa. He came one afternoon to invite her to rids out ; she was indispo- sed and excused herself. At evening she proposed walking out with her cousin and his lady; but they were prevented from attending her by unexpected company. Alonzo offered to accompany her. It was one of those beautiful evenings in the month of June, when nature in those parts of A- merica is arrayed in her richest dress. They left the town and walked through fields adjoining the harbour. The moon shone in full lustre, her white beams trembling upon the glassy main, where skiffs and sails of various descriptions were passing and repassiug. The shores of Long-Island arid the other islands in the harbour, appeared dimly to float among the waves. The air was adorned with the fragrance of surround- ing flowers ; the sound of instrumental music wafted from the town, rendered sweeter by distance, while the whippoorwill's sprightly song echoed along the adjacent groves. Far if* the eastern horizon hung a pile of bra- zen clouds, which had passed from the north, over which, the crinkling red lightning mo- mentarily darted, and at times, long peak o.' thunder were faintly heard. They walked to a point of the beach, where stood a large ALONZO AND MELISSA. 9 rock whose base was washed by every tide. On this rock they seated themselves, and en- joyed awhile the splendours of the scene the drapery of nature. " To this place, said Melissa, have I taken many a solitary walk, on suth an evening as this, and seated on this rock, have I experienced more pleasing sensations than I ever received in the most splendid ball-room." The idea impressed the mind of Alonzo ; it was congenial with the feeling of his soul. They returned at a late hour, and the ntxl day set out for home. Beauman han- ded Melissa into the carriage, and he, with Kdgar's cousin and his lady, attended them on their first day's journey. They put up at night at the house of an acquaintance in Branford. The next morning they parted Melissa's cousin, his lady and Beauman, returned to ISew-Londou ; Alonzo and Me- lissa pursued their journey, and at evening arrived at her father's house, which was in the westerly part of the state. Me'issa was received with joyful tender- ness by her friends. Edgar soon recovered from his fall, and cheerfulness again assum- ed its most pleasing aspect in the family. Edgar's father was a plain Connecticut far- mer. He was rich, and his riches had been acquired by his diligent attention to busi7 ness. He had loaned money, and taken 10 ALONZO AND MELISSA. mortgages on lands and houses for securi- ties ; and as payment frequently failed, he often had opportunities of purchasing the involved premises at his own price. He well knew the worth of a shilling, and how to apply it to its best use ; and in casting interest, he was sure never to lose a far- thing. 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 con- sidered that Edgar could no where figure so well, or gain more eminence, than in the sacred desk. The time now arrived when Edgar and Alon/o were to part. The former repaired to New-York, where he was to enter upon his professional studies. The latter enter- ed in the office of an eminent attorney in his native town, which was about twenty miles distant from the village in which liv- ed the family of Edgar ami Melissa. A- lon/o was the frequent guest of this fpmily; for though Edgar was absent, there was still a charm which attracted him hither. If he had admired the manly virtues of the bro- ther, could he fail to adore the sublimer graces of the sister ? If'all the sympathises of the most ardent friendship had been drawn forth towards the former, must not the most ALONZO AND MELISSA. H tender passions of the soul be attracted by the milder and more refined excellencies of the other 1 Beauman had become the suitor of Me- lissa ; but the distance of residence render- ed it inconvenient to visit her often. He came regularly once in two or three months ; of course Alonzo and he sometimes met. Beauman had made no serious pretensions, but his particularity indicated something more than fashionable politeness. His manners, his independent situation, his family, entitled him to respect. " It is not probable therefore that he will be objec- tionable to Melissa's friends or to Melissa herself," said Alonzo, with an involuntary sigh. But as Beauman's visits to Melissa became more frequent, an increasing anxiety took place in Alonzo's bosom. He wished her to remain single ; the idea of losing her by marriage, gave him inexpressible regret. What substitute could supply the happy hours he had passed in her company 1 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 12 ALONZO AND MELISSA. debarred from the unreserved friendship ana conversation of Melissa ; And unreserved it could not be, were she not exclusively mistress of herself. But was there not something of a more refined texture than friendship in his predilection for the com- pany of Melissa ? If so, why not avow it ? His prospects, his family, and of course his pretensions might not be inferior to those of Beauman. But perhaps Beauman was preferred. His opportunities had been greater ; he had formed an acquaintance with her. Distance proved no barrier to his addresses. His visits became more and more frequent. Was it not then highly probable that he had secured her affections? Thus reasoned Alouzo, but the reasoning tended not to allay the tempest which was gathering in his bosom. He ordered his horse, and was in a short time at the seat of Melissa's father. It was summer, and towards evening when he arrived. Melissa was sitting by the window when he entered the hall. She arose and received him with a smile. " I have just been thinking of an evening's walk, said she, but had no one to attend me, and you have come just in time to per- form that office. I will order tea immedi- ately, while you rest from the fatigues of your journey." ALONZO AND MELISSA. 13 When tea was served up, a servant en- tered the room with a letter which he had found in the yard. Melissa received it. " 'Tis a letter, said she, which I sent by Beauman, to a lady in New-London, and the careless man has lost it." Turning to Alonzo, " I forgot to tell you that your friend Beauman has been with us a few days ; he left us this morning." " My friend !" replied Alonzo, hastily. "Is he not your friend?" enquired Melissa. " I beg pardon, madam," answered he, " my mind was absent." " He requested us to present his respects to his friend Alonzo," said she. Alouzo bowed and turned the conversation. They walked out and took a winding path which led along pleasant fields by a gliding stream, through a little grove and up a sloping eminence, which commanded an extensive prospect of the surrounding country ; Long Island, and the sound be- tween that and the main land, and the opening thereof to the distant ocean. A soft and silent shower had descended a thousand transitory gems trembled upon the foliage glittering the western ray. A bright rainbow sat upon a southern cloud ; the light gales whispered among the branch- es, agitated the young harvest to billowy motion, or waved the tops of the distant 2 14 ALOtfZO AND MELISSA. ieep green forest with majestic grandeur. Flocks, herds, and cottages were scattered over the variegated landscape. Hills piled on hills, receding, faded from the pursuing eye, mingling with the blue mist which hovered around the extreme verge of the heri/on. " This is a most de- lightful 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 charm- ed"^ with the rock at the point of the beach. Alun/.o. You told me of the happy hours you had passed at that place. Perhaps the "ompany 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 attend- ed me there. Vlonzo. That is a little surprising. Mel. Why surprising ? Al. Where was Beauman ? Mel. Perhaps he was not fond of soli tilde. Besides he was not always my J3nau man. Al. Sometimes. Mel. Yes, sometimes. AL And now always. Mel. Not this evening. Al. He formerly ALONZO AND MELISSA. , 15 Mel. Well. Al. And will soon claim the exclusive privilege so to do. Mel. That does not follow of course. Al. Of course, if his intentions are sin- cere, and the wishes of another should ac- cord therewith. Mel. Who am I to understand by anoth er? Al. Melissa. [A pause ensued.] Mel. See that ship, Alonzo, coming up the sound; how she ploughs through the white foam, while the breezes flutter among the sails, varying with the beams of the sun. Al. Yes, it is almost down. Mel. What is almost down? Al. The sun. Was not you speaking of the sun, madam ? Mel. Your mind is absent, Alonzo; I was speaking of yonder ship. Al. I beg pardon, madam. yes the ship it it bounds with rapid motion . over the waves. A pause ensued. They walked leisurely around the hill, and moved toward home. The sun sunk behind the western hills. Twilight arose in the east, and floated along the air. Darkness began to hover around the woodlands and vallies. The beauties ui the landscape slowly receded. "This reminds me of our walk at New-London " 16 ALONZO AND MELISSA. gaid Melissa. " Do you remember it ?" en- quired Alonzo. " Certainly I do," she re- plied, " I shall never forget the sweet pen- sive scenery of my favourite rock." "Nor I neither," said Alonzo with a deep drawn sigh. The next day Alonzo returned to his studies ; but, different from his former visits to Melissa, instead of exhilarating his spirits, this had tended to depress them. He doubt- ed whether Melissa was not already en- gaged to Beauman. His hopes would per- suade him that this was not the case ; but his fears declared otherwise. It was some time before Alonzo renewed his visit. In the interim he received a letter from a friend in the neighbourhood of Me- lissa's father ; an extract from which follows : " We are soon to have a wedding here ; you are acquainted with the parties Me- lissa D and Beauman. Such at least is our opinion from appearances, as Beau- man is now here more than half his time. You will undoubtedly be a guest. We had expected that you would have put in your claims, from your particular attention to the lady. She is a fine girl, Alonzo." " I shall never be a guest at Melissa's wedding," said Alonzo, as he hastily paced the room ; " but I must once again see her before that event takes place, when A lose ALONZO AND IELISSA. 17 her forever." The next day he repaired to her father's. He . encji ired for Melissa, she was gone with a party to the shores >' the sound, attended by Beaunia-n, At eve". in they retuined. Beau man and AJonzo addressed each other with much seeming cordiality. "You have deceived us, Alon- zo, said Melissa. We concluded you ha-i forgotten the road to this place." " Was not that a hasty conclusion ?" .re- plied Alonzo. " I think not, she answered, if your long absence should be construed into neglect. But we will hear your ex i;use, said she, smiling, by and by, and per- haps pardon you." He thanked her for her condescension. The next morning Beauman set out for New-London. Alonzo observed that he took a tender leave of Melissa, telling her, in a low voice, that he should have the hap- piness of seeing her again within two or three weeks. After he was gone, as Me- lissa and Alonzo were sitting in a room a- ione, "Well, said she, am I to hear yoir excuses ?" Alonzo. For what, madam ? Mel. For neglecting your friends. Alonzo. I hope it is not so considered, madam. Mel. Seriously, then, why have yoae suspen- 32 ALONZO AND MELISSA. ded, and finally appointed a day to give him and Alonzo a determinate answer, though neither knew the arrangements made with the other. Finding, however, the dilemma in which she was placed, she had previously consult- ed her parents. Her father had no objec- tion to her choosing between two persons of equal claims to affluence and reputation ; this choice she had made, and her father was considered the most proper person to pronounce it. When Beauman had urged his suit to Melissa, he supposed that her hesitations, delays and suspensions, were only the ef- fects of maiden diffidence and timidity. He nad no suspicions of her ultimately reject- ing it ; and when she finally named the day of decision, he was confident she would decide in his favour. These sentiments he had communicated to the person who had written to Alonzo, intimating that Melissa had fixed a time which was to crown his happiest wishes. He had listened therefore attentively to the words of Melissa's father, momentarily expecting to hear himself declared the fa- vourite choice of the ffinr. What then must have been his disappoint- ment when the name of Alonzo was pro- nounced instead of his own ! The highly fin- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 31* ished scene of pleasure and future prosper- ity which his ardent imagination had depic- ted, had vanished in a moment The rain- bow glories which gilded his youthful hori- zon, had faded in an instant the bright sun of his early hopes had set in mournful dark- ness. The summons of death would not have been more unexpected, or more shock- ing 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 fa- vour. 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 com- plied because she desired it, not because he expected the result would be in his favour. He had not therefore attended to the words of Melissa's father with that eagerness which favourable anticipations commonly produce. B'U when his name was mentioned; when he found he was the choice the happy favourite of Melissa's affection, every tender passion of his soul became interested, and was suddenly aroused to the refinements of sensibility. Like an electric shock, it rean- imated his whole frame, and vibrated every serve of IMS heart. The glooms which hung about his mind were dissipated, am! B 34 ALONZO AND MELISSA. the bright morning of joy broke in upon his soul. Thus were the expectations of Alonzo and Beauman disappointed how different- ly, the sequel has shown. Melissa's father retired immediately after pronouncing the declaration ; the two young gentlemen also soon after withdrew. Alon- zo saw the tempest which tore the bosom of his rival, and he pitied him from his heart. A fortnight passed, and Alonzo felt all that anxiety and impatience which a sepa- ration from a beloved object can produce. He framed a thousand excuses to visit Me- lissa, yet he feared a visit might be prema- ture. He was, however, necessitated to make a journey to a distant part of the coun- try, after which he resolved to see Melissa. He performed his business, and was return- ing. It was toward evening, and the day had been uncommonly sultry for the autum- nal season. A rising shower blackened the western hemisphere ; the dark vapour as- cended in folding ridges, and the thunder rolled at a distance. Alonzo saw he should be overtaken. He discovered an elegant seat aLout one hundred yards distant from the road ; thither he hastened to gain shel- ter from the approaching storm. The own- er of the mansion met him at the door, po- litely invited him to alight and walk in, ALONZO AND MELISSA. 35 while a servant stood ready to take his horse. He was ushered into a large room neatly furnished, where the family and several young ladies were sitting. As Alonzo glanc- ed his eyes hastily around the room, hi thought he recognized a familiar counte- nance. A hurried succession of confused ideas for a moment crossed his recollection. In a moment he discovered that it was Me- lissa. By this unexpected meeting they were both completely embarrassed. Melis- sa, however, arose, and in rather a confused manner, introduced Alonzo, as the class- mate of fyer brother, to the family of Mr. Simpson and the company. The rain continued most part of the after- noon. Alonzo was invited, and consented to stay all night A moon-light evening succeeded the shower, which invited the young people to walk in an adjoining gar- den. Melissa told Alonzo that Mr. Simp- son was a distant relative of her father ; his family consisted of his wife, two amiable daughters, not far from Melissa's age, and one son, named William, about seventeen years old. She had been invited there to pass a week, and expected to return within two days. And she adde^l, smiling, " per- haps, Alonzo, we may have an opportunity once more to visit the bower on my pros- pect hill, before winter entirely destroys the 36 ALONZO AND MELISSA. remaining beauties of the summer." Abn- zo felt all the force of the remark. He re- collected the conversation when they were last at the place she mentioned; and he well remembered his feelings on that occa- sion. " Great changes, indeed, he replied, have taken place since we were last tbere : that they are productive of unexpected and unex- ampled happiness to me, is due, Melissa, to you alone." Alonzo departed the next morning, appointing the next week to visit Melissa at her father's house. Thus were the obstacles removed which presented a barrier to the united wishes of Alonzo and Melissa. They Lad not, it is true, been separated by wide seas, unfeeling parents, or the rigorous laws of war ; but troubles, vexatious, doubts and difficulties, had thus far attended them, which had now disappeared, and they calculated on no un- propitious event which might thwart their future union. All the time that Alonzo could spare from his studies was devoted to Melissa, and their parents began to calculate on joining their hands as soon as Alonzo's professional term of study was completed. The troubles which gave rise to the dis- severation of England from America had al- ready commenced, which broke out the en- suing spring into actual hostilities, by thj ALONZO AND MEL'SSA. 37 battle at Lexington, followed soon after by the battle at Bunker Hill. The panic and general bustle which took place in Ameri- ca on these events, is yet well remembered by many. They were not calculated to im- press the mind of Melissa with the most pleasing sensations. She foresaw that the burden of the war must rest on the Ameri- can youth, and she trembled in anticipation for the fate of Alonzo. He, with others, should the war continue, must take the field, in defence of his country. The effects of such a separation were dubious and gloo- my. Alonzo and she frequently discoursed, and they agreed to form the mystic union previous to any wide separation. One event tended to hasten this resolu- tion. The attorney in whose office Alonzo was clerk, received a commission in the new raised American army, and marched to the lines near Boston. His business was therefore suspended, and Alonzo returned to the house of his father. He considered that he could not long remain a mere spectator of the contest, and that it might soon be his duty to take the field ; he therefore con- cluded it best 10 hasten his marriage with Melissa. She consented to the proposition, and their parents made the necessary ar- rangements for the event. They had even fixed upon the place which was to be the 4 38 ALONZO AND MELISSA. future residence of this happy couple. It was a pleasantly situated village, surround- ed by rugged elevations, which gave an air of serenity and seclusion to the valley they encircled. On the south arose a spacious hill, which was ascended by a gradual ac- clivity ; its sides and summit interspersed with orchards, arbours, and cultivated fields. On the west, forests unevenly lifted their rude heads, with here and there a solitary field, newly cleared, and thinly scattered 'with cottages. To the cast, the eye extend- ed over a soil, at one time swelling into craggy elevations, and at another spreading itself into vales of the most enchanting ver- dure. To the north it extended over a vast succession of mountains, wooded to their summits, and throwing their shadows over intervales of equal wilderness, till at length it was arrested in its excursions by the blue mists which hovered over mountains more grand, majestic and lofty.* A rivnlet which rushed from the hills, formed a little lake on the borders of the village, which beauti- fully reflected the cottages from its transpar- ent bosom. Amid.st a cluster of locusts and weeping willows, rose the spire of the church, in the ungarnished decency of Sunday neat n2ss. Fields, gardens, meadows, and pas- Some who r^a'l this description will reaiily recognize ihe ' ALONZO A.ND MELISSA. 39 t j were spread around the valley, and on thw sides of the declivities, yielding is their season the rich flowers, fruits and foli- age of spring, summer vtnd autumn. The inhabitants of this modern Auvernum were mostly farmers. They were mild, sociable, moral and diligent. The produce of their own flocks and fields gave them most of their food and clothing. To dissipation they were strangers, and the luxuries of their tables were fcw. Such was the place for the residence of Alonzo and Melissa. They had visited the spot, and were enraptured with its pensive, romantic beauties. A site was marked out whereon to erect their family mansion. It was on a little eminence which sloped grad- ually to the lake, in the most pleasant part of the village. " Here, said Alonzo one day to Melissa, will we pass our days in all that felicity of mind which the chequered scenes of life admit. In the spring we will rove among the flowers. In summer, we will gather strawberries in yonder fields, or whortleberries from the adjacent shrubbery. 1 he breezes of fragrant morning, and the sighs of the evening gale, will be mingled with the songs of the thousand various bird which frequent the surrounding groves. We will gather the bending fruits of autumn, and we will listen to the hoarse voice of 40 ALONZO AND MELISSA winter, its whistling winds, its driving snow, and rattling hail, with delight" The bright gems of joy glistened in the eyes of Melissa. With Alonzo she antici- pated approaching happiness, and her bo- som 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 cf prep- aration throughout America for defensive war. It now was found that vigorous mea- sures must be pursued to oppose the tor- rent which was preparing to overwhelm the colonies, which had now been dissevered from the British empire, by the declaration ' of independence. The continental army was now raising, and great numbers of A- merican youth volunteered in the service of their country. A large army of rein- forcements was soon expected from England to land on our shores, and " the confused noise of the warriors, and garments rolled in blood," were already anticipated. Alonzo had received a commission in a regiment of militia, and was pressed by sev- eral young gentlemen of his acquaintance, who had entered the army, to join it also. He had an excuse. His father was a man in extensive business, was considerably past the prime of life, had a number of agents ALONZO AND MELISSA, 41 and clerks under him, but began to grow unable to attend to the various and bur- thensome duties and demands of a mercan- tile life. Alon/.o 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. Alonxe stated these facts to his friends; told them that on every occasion he should be ready to ily to the post of danger when his coun- try was invaded, and that as soon as his fath- er's affairs should be settled, he would, if necessary, willingly join the army. The day now rapidly approached when Alon/o was to make Melissa his own. Pre- parations for the hymeneal ceremc ny were n>aking, and invitations had already gone abroad. Edgar, the brother of Melissa had entered the army in the capacity ol chaplain. He was soon expected home, where he intended to tarry until the con- summation of the nuptials, before he setoui lor the camp. Letters recently received, from him, informed that he expected to be at his father's in three or four days. About three weeks previous to the ap- pointed marriage day, Alonxo and Melissa one afternoon rode out to the village wlurh had been chosen for IHeir future residence. Their carriage stopped at the- only inn in the 42 AlONZD AND MELISSA. place, and from thence they walked around this modern Vaucluse, oharmtd with the se- cluded beauties of its situation. They pass- ed a iittle time at the spot selected tor theu habitation ; they projected the structure of the buildings, planned the gardens, the nr- tificiai groves, the walks, the mead, the fountains, and the green retreat of the sum- mer house, and they already saw, in antici- pation, the various domestic blessings and feli':it : es with which they were to be sur- rounded. They took tea at the inn, and prepared to return. It was at the latter end of the month of May, and nature was adorned in the bridal ornaments of spring; the sun was sunk behind the groves, which cast their sombre shades over the valley, while the retiring beams of day adorned the distant eastern eminences with yellow lustre. The birds sung melodiouslv in the groves, the air was freshened by light western bree- zes, bearing upon their wings all the en- trancing odours of the season. Around the horizon, electric clouds rsrised their brazen summits, based in the black vapour of ap- proaching night. They slowly ascended the hill south of the town, where they paused a few mo- ments to enjoy the splendours of .he even- ing scene. This hill, which con Handed a AKVNZO AISD MELISSA. 43 prospect of all the surrounding country, the distant sound, and the adjacent towns and villages, presented to the eye, on a single view, perhaps one of the most picturesqut draperies painted by nature. Alonzo at- tended Melissa to her father's, and the nex* 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 WHS connected in trade. He returned the next day after^Alonzo got home : his aspect and his conversation were marked with an assumed and unmeaning cheerful- ness. At supper he ate nothing, discours- ed much, but in an unconnected and hurri- ed manner, interrupted by long pauses, in which he appeared to be buried in contem- plation. After supper, he asked Alonzo if it were not possible that his marriage with Melissa could be consummated within a few days. Alonzo, startled at so unexpected a ques- tion, replied, that such a proposal would be considered extraordinary, perhaps impropei. besides, when Melissa had iix^d the day she mentioned that she had an uncle who lived near Charleston, in South Carolina, whose daughter was to pass the summer with Melissa, and was expected to arrive be- fore the appointed day. It would he said, 44 ALONZO AND MELISSA be a delicate point for him to requ i. t her to anticipate the nuptials, unless he could giv e some cogent reasons for so doing ; and at present he was not apprised that any such existed. His father, after a few moments hesitation, answered, " I have reasons, which, when told" here he stopped, sud- denly arose, hastily walked the room in much vissible agony cf mind, and then re- tired to his chamber. Alonzo and his mother were much amaz- ed at so strange a proceeding. They could form no conjecture of its cause or its conse- quence. Alonzo passed a sleepless night. His father's slumbers were interrupted. He would frequently start up in the bed, then sink in restless sleep, with incoherent mut- terings, and plaintive moans. In the morn' ing, when he appeared at breakfast, his countenance wore the marks of dejection and anguish. He scarcely spoke a word, and after th* table was removed, he ordeied all to with- draw except his wife and Alonzo ; when, with emotions that spoke the painful feel- ings of his bos^m, he Jius addressed them: " For moie than forty years I have toiled early and late to acquire independence and ease for myself and my family. To accom- plish this, I became connected with some English importing merchants in a seaport ALONZO AND MELISSA. *5 town, and went largely into the English trade. Success crowned our endeavours ; on balancing our accounts two years ago, we found that our expectations were an- swered, and that we were now sufficiently wealthy to close business, which some pro- posed to do ; it was, however, agreed to make one effort more, as some favourable circumstances appeared to offer, in which we adventured very largely, on a fair calcu- lation of liberal and extensive proceeds. " Before returns could be made, the war came on, embarrassments ensued, and by indubitable intelligence lately received, we find that our property in England has been sequestered ; live of our ships, laden with English goods, lying in English harbours, and just ready to sail for America, have been seized as lawful prizes. Added to this, three vessels from the Indies, laden with is- land produce, have been taken on their homeward bound voyage, and one lost on her return from Holland. This wreck of fortune I might have survived, had I to sus- tain only my equal dividend of the loss : but of the merchants with whom I have been connected, not one remaics to share the fate of the event; all have absconded or secret- ed themselves. To attempt to compound with my creditors would be of little avail ; my whole fortune will not pay one fourth 46 ALONZO AND MZLISS.1. of the debts ; so that, compound or not, tlift consequence to me is inevitable ruin. " To abscond would not secure me, as most of my remaining property is vested in real estate. And even if it would, I could notconsent to it : I could not consent to ban- jsh myself from my country ; to rlee like a felon ; to skulk from society with the base view of defrauding my creditors. Xo, I have lived honestly, and honestly will I die. By fair application and long industry my wealth has been obtained ; and it shall nev- er justly be said, that the reputation of my latter days was stained with acts of base- ness and meanness. I have notified and procured a meeting of the creditors, and have laid the matters before them. Some appeared favourable to me ; others insinua- ted that we were all connected in fraudu- lent designs, to swindle our creditors. This I repelled with becoming spirit, and was in consequence threatened with immediate prosecution. Whatever may be th-3 event, I had some hopes that your happiness, A- lonzo, might yet be secured. Hence I pro- posed your union with Melissa, before our misfortunes should be promulgated. Your parents are old ; a little will serve the resi- due of their days. With your acquirements you may make your way in life. I shall have no property to give you; but I woulf AL.'NZO AND MELISSA. 47 still wish yo.i to secure that which you prize far above, and without which, both honours and emoluments are unimportant and worth- less." At this moment a loud rap at the door interrupted the discourse, and tbree 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 pioperty of the for- mer, which orders they faithfully executed, by seizing the lands, tenements and furni- ture, and finally arresting the body of the old gentleman, which was soon released by his friendly neighbours becoming bail for his appearance ; but the property was soon after sold at public veridue, at less than half its value, and Alonzo's father and mother were compelled to abandon the premises, and take shelter in a little hut, belonging to a neighbouring farmer, illy and tempora- rily furnished by the gratuitous liberality of a few friends. We will not stop the reader to moralize on this disastrous event. The feelings of the family can better be conceived than de- tailed. Hurled in a moment from the lofty summit of affluence to the low and barren vale of poverty ! Philosophy came to the aid of the parents, but who can realise the feeiirgs of the son! Thus suddenly cut 43 ALON7O AND MELISSA, hort of his prospects, not only of future independence, but even of support, what would be the event of his suit to Melissa, and stipulated marriage ? Was it not prob- able that her father would now cancel the contract ? Could she consent to be his wife in his present penurious situation ; And indeed, could he himself consent to make her his wife, to make her miserable ? In this agitated frame of mind he receiv- ed a letter from his friend in Melissa's, neighbourhood, requesting him to come im- mediately to his house, whither he repair- ed the following day. This person had ever been the unchanging friend of Alonzo; he had heard of the misfortunes of his fami- ly, and he deeply sympathized in his dis- tress. He had lately married and settled in life : his name was Vincent. When Alonzo arrived at the house of his friend, he was received with the same dis- interested ardour he ever had been in the day of his most unbounded prosperity. After being seated, Vincent told him that the occasion of his sending for him was to propose the adoption of certain measures which he doubted not might be considered highly beneficial as it respected his future peice and happiness. " Your family mis- fortunes, continued Vincent, I ave reaches! the ears of Melissa's father. I know the ALONZO AND MELISSA. 49 old gentleman too well to believe he will consent to receive you as his son-in-law, under your present embarrassments. Mon- ey is the god to which he implicitly bows. The case is difficult, but not insurmounta- ble. You must first see Melissa ; she is now in the next room. I will introduce you in ; converse with her, after which 1 will lay my plan before you." Alonzo entered the room ; Melissa was sitting by a window which looked into a pleasant garden, and over verdant meadows whose tall grass waved to the evening breeze. Farther on, low vallies spread their umbrageous thickets, where the dusky shad- ows of night had begun to assemble. On high hills beyond, the tops of lofty forests, majestically moved by the billowy gales, caught the sun's last ray. Fleecy summer clouds hovered around the verge of the western horizon, spangled with silvery tints or fringed with the gold of evening. A mournfully murmuring rivulet purled at a little distance from the garden, on the borders of a small grove, from whence the American will dove wafted her sympathet- ic moaning to the ear of Melissa. She sat leaning on a small table by the window, which was thrown up. Her attention was fixed. She did not perceive Vincent and Alonzo ?.s they entered. They advanced 5 C 50 ALONZO AND MELISSA. towards her. She turned, started, and a- rose. With a melancholy smile, and tremu- lor.s voice, u I supposed, she said, that it was Mrs. Vincent who was approaching, as she has just left the room." Her counte- nance appeared dejected, which, on seeing Alonzo, lighted up into a languid sprightli- ness. It was evident she had been weeping. Vincent retired, and Alonzo and Melissa seated themselves by the window. a I have broken in upon your solitude, perhaps, too unseasonably, said Alonzo. It is however, the fault of Vincent : he invited me to walk into the room, but did not inform- me that you were alone." "Your presence was sudden and unexpected, but not unseasona- ble, replied Melissa. I hcpe that you did not consider any formality necessary in your visits, AloDzo." Alonzo. I once did not think so. Now I know not what to think I know not how to act. Ycu have heard oi the misfortunes of luy father's family, Melissa? Mel. Yes; I ha\e beard the circum- stances attending that event an event in ' which no one could be more deeply inter- ested, except the immediate sufferers, uian myself. Al. Your father is also acquainted witii my present situation ? "Mel. He is. ALONZO AND MELISSA. 51 Al. How did he receive the intelligence? Mel. With deep regret. Al. And forbade you to admit my ad- dresses any longer ? Mel. No, not absolutely. Al. If even in an unqualified or indirect manner, it is proper I should know it. Mel. Tt certainly is. Soon after we re- ceived the intelligence of your family mis- fortunes, my father came into the room where I was sitting; "Melissa, said he, your conduct has ever been that of a dutiful child; mine, of an indulgent parent. My first, my ultimate wish, is to see my chil- dren, when settled in life, happy and hon- ourably respected. For this purpose, I have bestowed on them a proper education, and design suitably to apportion my property be- tween them. On their part, it is expected they will act prudently and discreetly, es- pecially in those things which concern their future peace and welfare. The principal requisite to ensure this is a proper connex- ion in marriage." Here my father paused a considerable time, and then continued " I know, my child, that your situation is a very delicate one. Your marriage day is appointed ; it was appointed under the fair- est prospects ; by the failure of Alonzo's father, those prospects have become deeply darkened, if not totally obliterated. 52 ALONZO AND MELISSA. " To commit your fortune through life, to a person unable to support you, would be hazardous in the extieme. The marriage day can at least be suspended ; perhaps something more favourable i^ay appear. At any rate, I have too much confidence in yoar discretion, to suppose that you will, by any rash act, bring either poverty or re- proaeii upon yourself or your connexions." Thus spake my father, and immediately withdrew. " In our present dilemma, said Alonzo what is proper to be 4ne ?" It is difficult to determine, replied Me- lissa. Should my* father expressly forbid our union, he will go all lengths to carry his commands into effect. Although a tender parent, he is violent in his prejudices, and resolute in his purposes. I would advise you to call at my father's house tomorrow, with your usual freedom. Whatever may be the event, I shall deal sincerely with you. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent are now my only confidants. From them you will he ena- ble to obtain information, should I be de- barred from seeing you. I am frequently here; they told me they expected you, Vut at what day was notknowa. Mrs. Vincent has beeu my friend and associate from my earliest years. Vincent you know. In ALONZO AND MELISSA. 53 In them we can place the utmost confi- dence. My reliance on Providence, 1 trust, will never be shaken ; but my fu^ lure prospects, at present, are dark and gloomy." u Let us not despair, answered Alonzo ; perhaps those gloomy clouds which now ho- ver around us, will yet be dissipated by the bright beams of joy. Innocence and vir- tue are the cares of Heaven. There lies my hope. To-morrow, as you propose, I will call at you father's." Melissa now prepared to return home ; a whippoorwill tuned its nightly song at a little distance ; but the sound, late so cheer- ful and sprightly, now passed heavily over their hearts. When Alonzo returned, Vincent imfold- ed the plan he had projected. u No sooner, said he, was I informed of your misfortunes, than I was convinced that Melissa's father would endeavour to dissolve your intended union with his daughter. I have known him many years, and however he may dote on h's children, or value their happiness, he will not hesitate to sacriiice his other feelings to the acquirement of riches. It appeared that you had bat one resource left. You at d Melissa are now united by the most sa emn ties by every rite except those which are merely ceremonial. These ) 5* 54 ALONZO AND MELISSA. would advise you to enter into, and tru-st to the consequences. Mrs. Vincent has pro- posed the scheme to Melissa; but implicitly accustomed to filial obedience, she shudders at the idea of a clandestine marriage. But when her father shall proceed to rigorous measures, she will, I think, consent to the alternative. And this measure, once adopt- ed, her father must consent also ; or, ii not, you secure your own happiness, and, what you esteem more, that of Melissa.'' " But you must be sensible of my inabili- ty to support her as she deserves, replied Alonzo, even should she consent to it." The world is before you, answered Vin cent; you have friends, you have acquire- ments which will not fail you. In a coun- try like this, you can hardly fail of obtain- ing a competency, which, with the other requisites, will ensure y&ur independence and felicity." Alonzo informed Vincent what had been agreed upon between Melissa and himself, respecting his visiting h^T on the morrow ; " after \vhich, he said, we will discourse fur- ther on the subject." The next day Alonzo repaired to the house of Melissa's father. As he approach- ed he saw Melissa sitting in a shady recess at one end of the garden near which the road passed. She was leaning with her ALONZO AND MELISSA. 55 head upon her hand, in a pensive posture ; a deep dejection was depicted upon her fea- tures, which enlivened into a transient glow as soon as she saw Alonzo. She arose, met him, and invited him into the house. Alonzo was received with a cool reserve by all except Melissa. Her father saluted him with a distant and retiring bow, as he passed with Melissa to her room. As soon as they were seated, a maiden aunt, who had doubled her teens, outlived many of her supers, and who had lately come to reside with the family, entered, and seated herself by the window, alternately humming a tune and impudently staring at Alonzo, withou' speaking a word, except snappishly, to contra diet Melissa in any thing she advanced, which the latter passed off with only a faint smile. This interruption was not of long contin- uance. Melissa's father entered, and re- quested the two ladies to withdraw, which was instantly done. He then addressed A- lonzo as follows : "When I gave consent for you to marry my daughter, it was on the conviction that your future resources would be adequate to support her honoura- bly and independently. Circumstances have since taken place, which render this point extremely doubtful. Parental duty and affection demand that I should know four means and prospects before I sanction 56 ALONZO AND MELISSA. a proceeding which may reduce my child to penury and to want." He paused for a reply, but Alonzo was silent. He continued " You yourself must acknowledge, that to burthen yourself with the expense of a family; to transfer a wo- man from affluence to poverty, without e- ven an object in view to provide for either, would be the height of folly and extrava- gance." Again he paused, but Alonzo was still silent. He proceeded " Could you, Alonzo, suffer life, when you see the \vife of your bosom, probably your infant chil- dren, pining in misery for want of bread ? And what else have you to expect if you marry in your present situation ? You have friends and well wishers ; but which of them will advance you four or five thou- sand pounds, as a gratuity ? My daughter must be supported according to her rank and standing in life. Are you enabled to do this ? If not, you cannot reasonably suppose that 1 shall consent to your mar- rying her. You may say that your acquire- ments, your prudence, and your industry, will procure you a handsome support This well may do in single life ; but to depend on these for the future exigencies of a fam- ily, is hazarding peace, honour and reputa- tion, at a single game of chance. If, there- fore, you have no resources or expectation ALONZO AND MELISSA. 57 but such as these, your own judgment will teach you the necessity of immediately re- linquishing all pretensions to the hand ol Melissa" and immediately left the room. Why was Alonzo speechless through the v.-hole 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 pov- erty, if connected with his fortunes. The idea was not new. but it came upon him with redoubled anguish. He arose and looked around for Melissa, but she was not to be seen. He left the house, and walked s.owly towards Vincent's. At a little dis- tance he met Melissa- who had been stroll- ing in an adjoining avenue. He informed her of all that had passed; it was no more than they both expected, yet it was a shock their fortitude could scarcely sustain. Dis- appointment seldom finds her votaries pre- pared to receive her. Melissa told Alonzo, that her father's de- terminations were unchangeable ; that his sister (the oefore mentioned maiden lady) held a considerable influence over him, and dictated the concerns of the family; and that from her, there was nothing to hope in their favour. Her mother, she said, was her Triend, but could not contradict the 53 ALONZO AND MELISSA. will of her father. Her brother would be at home in a few days ; how he would act on this occasion she was unable to say : but were he even their friend he would bare but feeble influence with her father and aunt. "What is to be the end of these troubles, continued Melissa, it is impossible to foresee. Let us trust in the mercy of heaven and submit to its dispensations." Alonzo and Melissa, in their happier days, had, when absent, corresponded by letters. This method it was now thought best to relinquish. It was agreed that Alonzo should come frequently to Vincent's, where Melissa would meet him as she ^uld find opportunities. Having concluded on this, Melissa returned home, and Alonzo to the house of his friend. Vincent, after Alonzo had related the manner of his reception at Melissa's fath- er's, urged the plan he had projected of a private marriage. Alonzo replied, that even should Melissa consent to it, which he much doubted, it must be a measure of the last resort, and adopted only when all oth- ers became fruitless. The next morning Alonzo returned to the hut where his aged parents now dwelt. His bosom throbbed wi'Ji keen anguish. His own fate, unconnected with that of Melissa, he considered of little consequence. But ALONZO AND MELISSA. 59 their united situation tortured his soul. What was to become of Melissa, what of himself, what of his parents ! "Alas, said Alonzo, I now perceive what it is to want the good things of this life.'' ALonzo's father was absent when he arri- ved, but returned soon after. A beam of joy gleamed upon his withered countenance as he entered the house. "Were it not, \lonzo, for your unhappy situation, said he, we should once more be restored to peace ?nd comfort. A few persons who were in- debted to me, finding that I was to be sac- rificed by my unfeeling creditors, reserved those debts in their hands, and have n:>w paid me, amounting to something more t.h.an five hundred pounds. With this I have purchased a small, but well cultivated farm, with convenient tenements. I have enough left to purchase what stock and other materials I need ; and to spare some for your present exigencies, Alonzo." Alonzo thanked his father for his kind- ness, but told him that from his former liberality he had yet sufficient for his wants, and that he should soon find business which would amply support him. " But your af- fair with Melissa, asked his father, how is f ' at likely to terminate ?" " Favourably, I h. e, sir," answered Alonzo. He could DO! 60 ALONZO AND MELISSA. consent to disturb the tranquillity of his pa- rents by reciting his own wretchedness. A week passed away. Alonzo saw hi* parents removed to their little farm, which wa'i to be managed by his father and a hir ed man. He saw them comfortably seated, he saw them serenely blest in the calm pleasures of returning peace, and a ray ol joy illuminated his troubled bosom. " Again the youth his wonted life regain'd, A transient /parkle in his eye obtain'd, A bright, impassion'd cheering glow, express'd The pleas 'd sensation of l.is tender breast : But. soon dark glooms the feeble smiles o'erspread j Like morn's gay hues, the fat'.in? splendours fled j Returning anguish froze his feeling soul, Deep sighs burst forth, and tears began to roll." He thought of Melissa, from whom he had heard nothing since he last saw her. He thought of the difficulties which sur- rounded him. He thought of the barriers which were opposed to his happiness and the feircity of Melissa, arid he set out for the house of Vincent. Alonzo arrived at the residence of Vin- cent near the close of the day. Vincent and his lady were at tea with several young ladies who had passed the afternoon with Mrs. Vincent. Alonzo cast an active glance around the company, in hopes to tind Melissa, but she was not there. He was invited and accepted a seat at table. \fter tea Vincent led him into an adjoining ALONZo AND MELISSA. 61 rjorn. "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 Irom Beau man, in which, after men- tioning the circumstance of your father's insolvency, he hinted that the consequence would probably be a failure of her proposed marriage with you, which might essentially injure the reputation of a lady of her stand- ing in life ; to prevent which, and to place her beyond the reach of calumny, he offer- ed to marry her at any appointed day, pro- vided he had her free consent. ' As Beauman, by the recent death ol his father, had been put in possession of a splendid fortune, the proposition allured her father, who wrote him a complaisant an- swer, with an invitation to his house. He then strove to extort a promise from Melissa, that she would break off all con- nexion with you, see you no more, and ad- mit the addresses of Beauman. "To this she could not consent. She ur- ged, that by the consent of her parents she was engaged to you by the most sacred ties, That to her father's will she had hitherto yielded implicit obedience, but that hastily to break the most solemn obligation, formed and sanctioned by his approbation and di- rection, was what her conscience would not G 62 ALONZO AND MELISSA. permit her to do. Were he to command her to live single, life might be endured; but '.o give her hand to any except you, would be to perjure those principles of truth and justice which he himself had evei taught her to hold most inviolable. Hei father grew outrageous ; charged her with disobedience, with a blind inconsiderate perverseness, by which she would bring ruin upon herself, and indelible disgrace up- on her family. She answered only with her tears. Her mother interposed, and en- deavoured to appease his anger; but he spurned her from him, and rushed out of the room, uttering a threat that force should succeed persuasion, if his commands were not obeyed. To add to Melissa's distress, Beauman arrived at her father's yesteiday , and I hope, in some measure to alleviate it Edgar, her brother, came this morning. Mrs. Vincent has dispatched a message to inform Melissa of your arrival, and to desire her to come here immediately. She will undoubtedly comply with the invitation, if not prevented by something extraordinary. I should have written you had I not hourly expected you." Mrs. Vincent now carne to the door of the room and beckoned to her husband, v/ho went out, but immediately returned, leading^ Melissa after which he retiu-d. ALONZO AND MELISSA. 63 " Oh, Alonzo !" was all she could say, au3 burst into tears. Alonzo led her to a seat, gently pressed her hand, and mingled his tears with hers, but was unable to speak. Recovering at length, he begged her to mo- derate her grief. " Where, said he, is your fortitude and your firmness, Melissa, which I have so often seen triumphing over afflic- tion ?" Her extreme anguish prevented a reply. Deeply affected and alarmed at the storm of distress which raged in her bosom, he endeavoured to console her, though con- solation was a stranger to his own breast. " Let us not, Melissa, said he, increase our flood of affliction by a tide of useless sorrow. Perhaps more prosperous days are yet in reserve for us ; happiness may yet be ours." " Never, never ! she exclaimed. Oh, what will become of me !" " Heaven cannot de- sert you, said Alonzo ; as well might it de- sert its angels. This thorny and gloomy path may lead to fair fields of light and ver- dure. Tempests are succeeded by calms ; wars end in peace ; the splendours of the brightest morning arise on the wings of Slackest midnight. Troubles will not al- ways last. Life at most is short. Death comes to the relief of the virtuous wretch- ed, and transports them to another and bet- ter world, where sighing and sorrows cease, 64 ALONZO AND MELISSA. and the tempestuous passions of life are known no more." The rage of grief which had overwhelm- ed Melissa began now to subside, as the waves of the ocean gradually cease the : r 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 ha;l ea;iscd a more than usual glow upon her che 'k, whi^h faded away as she became composed, until a livid paleness spread it- self 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 haJ that evening ordered her to become the wife of Beaumau. He told her that her disobedience was no longer to be borne. " Xo longer, said he, will I tamper with your perverseness : you are determined to be poor, v/retched and contemptible. I will compel you to be rich, happy, and respect- ed. You suffer the Jack-a-lantern fancy to lead you into swamps and quag.nires, when, did you but follow the fair light of reason, it would conduct you to honour and tea] felicity. There are happiness and misery at your choice. ALONZO AND MELISSA. 65 " Marry Beauman, and you will roll in your coach, flaunt in your silks ; your furni- ture and your equipage are splendid, your associates are of the first character, and your father rejoices in your prosperity. " Marry Alonzo, you sink into obscurity, are condemned to drudgery, poorly fed, worse clothed, and your relations and ac- quaintances shun and v 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. u I give you now two days to consider the matter; at the end of that time I shall expect your decision, and hope you will de- cide discretely. But remember that you become the wife of Beauman, or you are no longer acknowledged as my daughter." " Thus, said Melissa, did my father pro- nounce his determination, which shook my frame, and chilled with horror every nerve of my heart, and immediately left me. " My aunt added her taunts to his severi- ties, and Beauman interfered with his ill- umed consolation. My mother and Edgar, ardently strove to allay the fever of my soul, and mitigate my distress. But the stroke was almost too severe for my nature. Habituated only to the smiles of my father, how could I support his frowns ? Accus- 6* D 66 ALONZO AND MELISSA- tomed to receive his blessings alone, how could t endure his sudden malediction." Description would fail in painting the sen sations of Alonzo's bosom, at this recital of woe. But he endeavoured to mitigate her sorrows by the consolation of more cheer- ing prospects and happier hours. Vincent and his lady now came into the rootn. They strenuously urged the propriety and the necessity of Alonzo and Melissa's entering into the bands of wedlock immedi- ately. "The measure would be hazardous," remarked Melissa. "My circumstances" said Alonzo. "Not on that account, inter- rupted Melissa, but my father's displeas- ure " " Will be the same, whether you marry Alonzo, or refuse to m-arry Beau- man," replied Vincent. Her resolution ap- peared to be staggered. " Come here, Melissa, to-morrow eve- ning, said Mrs. Vincent; mean time you will consider the matter, and then deter- mine." To this Melissa assented, and pre- pared to return home. Alonzo walked with her to the gate which opened into the yard surrounding her fa- ther's house. It was dangerous for hnn to go farther. Should he be discovered with Melissa, even by a domestic of the family, it must increase the persecutions against he*. Th^y parted. Alonzo stood at the gate. ALONZO AND MELISSA. 67 gazing anxiously after Melissa as she walk- ed up the long winding avenue, bordered with the odour-flowing lilac, arid lofty elm, her white robes now invisible, now dimly seen as she turned the angles of the walk, until they were totally obscured, mingling with the gloom arid darkness of the night. * c Thus, said Alonzo, thus fades the angel of peace from the visionary eyes of the war- worn soldier, when it ascends in the dusky clouds of early morning, while he slumbers on the field of recent battle. "-With mourn- ful forebodings he returned to the house of Vincent He arose after a sleepless nights and walked into an adjoining field. He stood leaning in deep contemplation against a tree, when he heard quick footsteps be- hind him. He turned, and saw Edgar ap- proaching : in a moment they were in each other's arms, and mingled tears. They re- turned to Vincent's and conversed largely on present affairs. " I have discoursed with my father on the subject, said Edgar. I have urged him with every possible argu- ment to relinquish his determination : I fear, however, he is inflexible. "To assuage the tempest of grief which rent Melissa's bosom was my next object, and in this I trust I have not been unsuc- cessful. You will see her this evening, and will find her more calm and resigned. You, 68 ALONZO AND MELISSA. Alonzo, must exert your fortitude. Thf ways of Heaven are inscrutable, but they are right. ' ; We must acquiesce in its dealings. We cannot alter its decrees. Resignation to its will, whether merciful or afflictive, is one of those eminent virtues which adorn the good man's character, and ever find a bril- liant reward in the regions of unsullied splendour, far beyond trouble and the tomb." Edgar told Alonzo that circumstances compelled him that day to depart for the army. I would advise you, said he, to re- main here until vour 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 disinteres- ted friendship, which his early youth had experienced. Edgar the same day depart- ed for the army. In the afternoon Alonzo received a note from Melissa's father, requesting his imme- diate attendance. Surprised at the inci- dent, he repaired there immediately. The servant introduced him into a room where Melissa's father and aunt were sitting. " Hearing you were in the neighbourhood, said her father, I have sent for you, to make a. proposition, which after what has taken ALONZO AND MELISSA. 69 place, I think you cannot hesitate to comply with. The occurrence of previous circum- stances may lead you to suppose that my daughter is under obligations to you, which may render it improper for her to form marriage connections with any other. What- ever embarrassments your addresses to her may have produced, it is in your power to remove them; and if you are a man of hon- our you will remove them. iTou cannot wish to involve Melissa in your present pen- urious condition, unless you wish to make her wretched. It therefore only remains for you to give me a writing, voluntarily resign- ing all pretensions to the hand of my daugh- ter ; and if you wish her to be happy, hon- ourable, 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 par- ticular advantage that can accrue from such a measure. It will neither add nor dimm- ish the power you possess to command obe- dience to your will, if you are determined to command it, either from your daughter, or your servant." " There, brother," bawled the old maid, half squeaking through her nose, which was well charged with rappee, " did' nt I tell you so? I knew the fellow would not come to terms no more than will your refractory 70 ALONZO AND MELISSA. daughter. This love fairly bewitches such foolish, crack-brained youngsters. But say Mr. , what's your same, addressing herself to Alonzo, will love heat the oven ? will love boil the pot? will love clothe the back ? will love " "You will not, interrupted Melissa's father, speaking to Alonzo, it seems, consent to my proposition? 1 have then, one de- mand to make, which of right you cainot deny. Promise me that you will never see my daughter again, unless by my permis- sion." "At the present moment I shall promise you nothing," replied Alonzo, with some warmth. "There again, said the old maid, just 550 Melissa told you this morning, when you requested her to see him no more. The fellow has fairly betwattled her. I wish I had him to deal with. Things wasn't fo when I was a girl ; I kept the rogues at a distance, I'll warrant you. I always told you, brother, \vhat would come of your in- dulgenceM;o your daughter. And I should not wonder if you should soon find the girl had eloped, and your desk robbed in the . bargain." Alonzo hastily arose : " I suppose, said he, my presence can be dispensed with." " Well, young man, said Melissa's father, ALONZO AND MELISSA. 71 rorxe you will not comply with any over- uires i make; since you will not accede to *ny tcrtus I propose, remember, sir, I now warn you to break off all communication and correspondence with my daughter, and to relinquish all expectations concerning er. I snali never consent to marry my daughter to a beggar." '* Beggar!" involuntarily exclaimed Alon- zo, and his eyes ila^ied in resentment.But he recollected that A was the father of Me- lissa who had thus m^uited him, and he sup- pressed his anger, iio rushed out of the house, and returned to Vincent's. He had neither heard nor seen auj thing of Melissa or Beauman. Night came on, and he, *itlently and im- patiently expected Melissa. He anticipa- ted the consolation her pit*, uce would be- stow. Edgar had told him du was more composed. He doubted wnemer it were proper to excite anew her disue?^ by rela- ting his interview with her fathei, uriless she was appraised of it. The evening passed on, but Melissa came not. Alon^o grew restless and uneasy. He looked out, then at his watch. Vincent and his lady assured him that she would soon be there. He pa- ced the room. Still he became more impa- tient. He walked out on the wav where she was expected to comft. Sometimes he 72 ALONZO AND MELISSA. advanced hastily ; at others he moved slow- ly; then stood motionless, listening in breath- less silence, momentarily expecting to dis- cover her white form approaching through the gloom, or to hear the sound of her foot- steps advancing amidst the darkness. Shape- less objects, either real or imaginary, fre- quently crossed his sight, but, like the unre- al 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 t:miesl name r>f this shrub is not recoil cted. Tb- re ere formerly 'a gnut miailx-r ot>".ni h-tlgcs in Neu-En-i .m!, S4 ALONZO AND MELISSA. manner as the gate at which they entered the yard. They unlocked the door, which creaked heavily on its hinges, and went in. They ascended a flight of stairs, wound through several dark and empty rooms, tiil they came to one which was handsomely furnished, with a fire hurning on the hearth. Two beds were in the room, with tables and chairs, and other conveniences for house keeping. " Here we are safe, said Melissa's aunt, as I have taken care to lock all the doors and gates after me ; and here, Melissa, you are in the mansion of your an- cestors. Your great grand father, who came over from England, built this house in the earliest settlements of the country, aiiti here he resided until his death. The rea- son why so high and thick a wall was built round it, and the doors and gates so strong- ly fortified, was to secure it against the In- dians, who frequently committed depreda- tions on the early settlers. Your grand- father came in possession of this estate after his father's death : it fell to me by will, with the lands surrounding it. The house has sometimes been tenanted, at others not It has now been vacant for a few years. The lands are rented yearly. John, the person from whose house we last came, is my overseer and tenant. I had a sinful room built, adjoining that hut, where 1 gen- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 85 erally i Jside for a week when I come to re- ceive my rents. I have thought frequently of fitting up this place for my future resi- dence, but circumstances have hitherto hin- dered my carrying the scheme into effect, and now, perhaps, it will never take place. " Your perverseness, Melissa, in refusing to comply with the wishes of your friends, has induced us to adopt the method of bringing you here, where you are to remain until Alonzo leaves your neighbourhood, at least. Notwithstanding yeur father's in- junctions and my vigilance-, you had a clan- destine interview with him last night. So we were told by Beauman tnis morning, before he set off for New- London, who dis- covered him at your window. It therefore became necessary to remove you immedi- ately. Yo1i will want for nothing. John is to supply us with whatever is needful. You will not be long here ; Alonzo will soon be gone. You will think differently ; re- turn home, marry Beauman, and become a lady." " My God ! exclaimed Melissa, -is it pos- sible my father can be so cruel ! Is he so unfeeling as to banish me from his house, and confine me within the walls of a prison, like a common malefactor?" She flung herself on the bed iff a state little inferior lo distraction. Her aunt told her it was 86 ALOiSZO AND MELISSA. ail owing to her own obstinacy, and becnusg she refused to be made happy ai.d wenl to preparing supper. Melissa heard none of her aunt's obser- vations; she lay in a stupifying agony, in sensible to all that passed. When suppei was ready, her aunt endeavoured to arouse her. She started up, stared around hei with a wild agonizing countenance, but spoke not a word. Her aunt became alarm- ed. She applied stimulants to her tem- ples and forehead, and persuaded her to take some cordials. She remained seem- ingly insensible through the night : just at morning, she fell into a slumber, interrupt- ed by incoherent meanings, convulsive start- iugs, long drawn sighs, intermitting and by frequent, sudden and restless turn- ings 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 sat by her bed side. She gazed languidly about the room, and burst into tears. She wept a long time; her aunt strove to console her, for she truly began to tremble, lest Melissa's distress should produce her immediate dissolution. To- wards night, however, she became more calm and resigned; but a slight fever suc- ceeded, which kept her confined for several - days, afie- \vhirh she slowly recovered. ALONZO AND MfcLISSA. 87 John crme frequently to the house to re- ceive the commands of Melissa's aunt, and brought such things as they wanted. Her aunt also so^",,., es went home with him, leaving *' .. -*' ^ of the house with Melissa, but K t one gate and taking the key of that w ai her. She generally returned be- fore subset. When Melissa was so far re- covered as to walk out, she found that the house was situated on an eminence, about one hundred yards from the Sound. The yard was large and extensive. Within the enclosure was a spacious garden, now over- run witn brambles and weeds. A few me- dinical and odoriferous herbs were scattered here and there, and a few solitary flowers overtopped the tangling briars below ; but there was plenty of fruit on the shrubbery and trees. The out buildings were gener- ally in a ruinous situation. The cemetery was the most perfect, as it was built of hewn stone and marble, and had best with- stood the ravages of time. The rooms in the house were mostly empty and decaying: the mala building was firm and strong, as was also the extended wall which enclosed ihe whole. She found that although her aunt, when they first arrived, had led her through several upper rooms to the cham- ber they inhabited, yet there was from thence a direct passage to the hall. 63 ALO>ZO AND MELISSA. The prospect was not di c a2.reeable. West, all was wilderness, from which a brook wound along a little distance froia the garden wall. North, were the uneven grounds she had crossed when she came there, bounded by distant groves and hills. East, beautiful meadows and fields, arrayed in flowery green, sloped to salt marshes or sandy banks of the Sound, or ended in the long white beaches which extended far into the sea. South, was the Sound of Long Island. Melissa passed much of her time in trac- ing the ruins of this antiquated pUce, in viewing the white sails as they passed up and down the Sound, and in listening to the songs of the thousand various birds which frequented the garden and the forest She could have been contented here to have buried her afflictions, and for ever to retire from the world, could Alonzo but have re- sided within those walls. " What will he think has become of me," she would say, while the disconsolate tear glittered in her eye. Her aunt had frequently urged her to yield to her father's injunctions, regain her liberty, and marry Beauman ; and she eve- ry day became more solicitous and imperti- nent. A subject so hateful to Melissa some- limes provoked her to tears ; at other her keen resentment. She therefore, wh*iu the ALONZO AND MELISSA. 89 weather was fair, passed much of her time in the garden and adjoining walks, wishing to be as much out of her aunt's company as possible. One day John came there early in the morning, and Melissa's aunt went home with him. The day passed away, but she did not return. Melissa sat up until a late hour of the night, expecting her ; she went to the gate, and found it was fast locked, returned, locked and bolted the doors of the house, went to bed ami slept as soundly as she had done since her residence in the old mansion. " I have at least> she srtid, esca- ped the disgusting curtain-lecture about marrying Beauman." The next day her amit returned. " I was quite concerned about you, child, said she ; how did you sleep r" " Never betler, she answered, since I have been here." "I had forgotten, said her aun*, that my rents be- come due this week. I was detained until late by some of my tenants ; John was out, and I dare not return in the night alone. I must go back to-day. It will take me a week to settle my business. If I am obli- ged 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 apprehen- sion of staying here alone ; nothing can get 90 ALONZO AND MELISSA. into or out of these premises." Well., thou hast wonderful courage, child, said her aunt ; but I shall be as frequently here as possible, and as soon as rny business is set- tled, I sh?ll be absent no more." So say- ing, she bade Melissa good morning, and set off for her residence at the dwelling of John. She did not return in two days. The second night of her absence, Melissa was sitting in her chamber reading, when she heard a noise as of several people trampling in the yard below. She arose, cautiously raised the window, and looked out. It was extremely dark; she thought she might have been discovered. Her aunt came the next day, and told hei she was obliged to go into the country to collect some debts of those to whom she had rented lands : she should be gone a few days, ana as soon as she returned should come there. " The keys of the house, said she, I shall leave with you. The gate I shall lock, and leave that key with John, who will come here as often as necessary, to assist you, and see if you want any tiling." She then went off, leaving Melissa not dis- satisfied with the prospect of her absence. Melissa amused herself in evenings by reading in the few books her aunt had brought there, and in the day, in walking around the yard and garden, or in travers- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 91 ing the rooms of the antique building. In some, were the remains of ancient furniture, others were entirely empty. Cobwebs and mouldering walls were the principal orna- ments left. One evening as she was about retiring to rest, she thought she heard the same tramp- ling noise in the yard, as on a former occa- sion. 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 wer>'; to bed. Some time in the night she was suddenly awakened by a sharp sound, apparently near her. She started in a trembling pa- nic, bnt endeavoured to compose herself with the idea, that something had fallen from the shelves. As she lay musing upon the incident, she heard loud noises in the rooms below, succeeded by an irregular and confused number of voices and presently after, footsteps ascending the stairs which led to her chamber. She trembled ; a cold chilly sweat run down her /ace. Directly the doors below opened and shut with a quick and violent motion. And soon after she was convinced that she distinctly heard a whispering in hei room. She raised her- self up in the bed and cast inquisitive eyes 92 ALONZO AND MELISSA. towards her chamber door. All was dark- ness no new object was visible no sound \N as lit ard, and she again lay down. Her mind was too much agitated and a- 1 armed to sleep. She had evidently heard sounds, footsteps and voices in the house, and whisperings which appeared to be in her room. The yard gate was locked, o which John had the key. She was confi- dent that no person could ascend or get aver the wall of the enclosure. But if that were practicable, how was it possible that any human being could enter the house ? She had the key of every door, and they were all fast locked, and yet she had heard ;hem furiously open and shut. A thought darted into her mind, was it not a plan which her aunt had contrived in order to frighten her to a compliance with her wish- es? But then how could she enter the house without keys ? This might be done with the use of a false key. But from whence did the whisperings proceed, which appeared close to her bedside ? Possibly it might be conveyed through the key-hole of her chamber door. These thoughts tend- ed in some degree, to allay her fears ; they were possibilities, at least, however improbable. As she lay thus musing, a hand, cold as the ic) fingers of death, grasped her arm, ALONZO AND MELISSA. 93 which lay on the outside of the bed clothes. She screamed convulsively, and sprang up in the bed. Nothing was to be seen no noise was heard. She had not time to re- flect. She flew out of the bed, ran to the fire, and lighted a candle. Her heart beat rapidly. She cast timid glances around the room, cautiously searching every corner, and examining the door. All things were in the same state she had left them when she went to bed. Her door was locked in the same manner ; no visible being was in the room except herself. She sat dowu, pondering on these sti%nge events. Was it not probable that she was right in h-r first conjectures respecting their being the works of her aunt, and effected by her a- gents and instrumentality ? All were pos- sible, except the* cold hand which had gras- ped her arm. Might no'; this be the effect of a terrified and heated imagination ? Or if false keys had been made use of to enter the rooms below, might they not also be used to enter her chamber ? But could her room be unlocked, persons enter, approach her bed, depart and re-lock the door, whi'e she was awake, without her hearing them ? She knew she could not go to sleep, and she determined not to go to bed again thc.t night. She took up a book, but her spirits had been too much disordered by the past 94 ALONZO AND MELISSA. scenes to permit her to read. She looked out of the windo ,v. The moon had arisen and cast a pale lustre over tLe landscape. She recollected the opening and shitting ol* the door perhaps they were still open The thought was alarming S'ie o^-ned her chamber door, and with the candle ic her hand, cautiously descended the stairs, casting an inquisitive eye in every direction, and stopping frequently to listen. She ad- vanced to the door ; it was locked. She examined the others ; they were in the same situation. She turned to go up stairs, when a loud whisper echoed through the hall ex- pressing "away! away!" She flew like lightning to her chamber, reloeked the door and flung herself, almost breathless, into a chair. As soon as her scattered senses collected, she concluded that whatever had been m the house was there still. She resolved tc go out no more until day, which soon be- gan to Discolour the east with a fainter blue, then purple streaks, intermingled with a dusky whiteness, ascended in pyramidical columns the zenith; these fading slowly away, the eastern horizon became fringed with the golden spangles of early morn. A spot of ineffable brightness succeeded, and immediately tbr sun burst over the verge ALONZO AND MELISSA. 95 of creation, deluging the world in a flood of un-bounded light and glory. As soon as the morning had a little ad- vanced, Melissa ventured out. She pro- ceeded with hesitating steps, carefully scru- tinizing every object which met her sight. She examined every door ; they were a!! fast. She critically searched every room, closet, &c. above and below. She then took a light and descended into the cellar here her inquisition was the same. Thus did she thoroughly and strictly examine and search every part of the house from the gar- ret to the cellar, but could find nothing al- tered, changed, or removed ; no outlet, no signs of there having been any being in the nouse the evening before, except herself. She then unlocked the outer door and proceeded to the gate, which she found locked as usua'l. She next examined the yard, the garden, and all the out houses. Nothing could be discovered of any per- son having been recently there. She next walked around by the wall, the whole cir- cle of the enclosure. She was convinced that the unusual height of the wall rendered it impossible for any one to get over it. It was constructed of several tier of hewed timbers, and both sides of it were as smooth as glass. On the top, long spikes were thickly driven ia, sharpened at both ends. 9 96 ALO>'Z() AND MELISSA. It was surrounded on the outside by a deep wide moat, which was nearly filled witL water. Over this moat was a draw-b-ridge, on the ro-ad leading to the gate, which was drawn up, and John had the key. The events of the past night, therefore, remained inscrutable. It must be that her aunt was the agent who had managed this extraordinary machinery. She found John at the hoi'se when she returned. " Does madam want any thing to-day ?" asked he. " Has my aunt return- ed r" enquired Melissa. " Not yet," he replied. " How long has she been gone ?'* she asked. "Four days, replied Jonn, after counting his fingers, and she will not be bark under four or five more." " Has the key of the gate been constantly in your possession r" asked she. " The key of the gate and draw-bridge, he replied, have not been out of my possession for a moment since your aunt has been gone." " Has any person been to enquire for me or my aunt, she enquired, since I have been here r" **No, medam, said he, not a single person." Melissa knew not what to think ; she could liot give iip the idea of false keys perhaps her aunt had returned to her father's. Per- haps the draw-bridge had been let down, the gate opened, and the house entered by means of false keys. Her father would as ALONZO AND MELISSA. 97 soon do this as to confine her in this solita- ry place ; and he would go all lengths to induce her, either by terror, persuasion or threats, to relinquish A.lonzo and marry Beauman. A thought impressed her mind which gave her some consolation. It was possible to secure the premises so that no- per- son could enter even by the aid of false keys. She asked John if he would assist her that day. " In anything you wish, mad- am," he replied. She then directed him to go to work. Staples and iron bars wers found in different parts of the building, with which he secured the doors and windows, so that they could be opened only on the inside. The gate, which swung in, was se- cured in the same manner. She then ask- ed John if he was willing to leave the key of the gate and the draw-bridge with her. " Perhaps I may as well," said he; "for if you bar the gate and let down the bridge, I cannot get in myself until you let me in." John handed her the keys. " When I come," said he, * I will halloo, and you must let me in." This she promised to do, and John departed.* That night Melissa let down the bridge, 98 ALONZO AND MELISSA. locked and barred the gate, and the doors and windows of the house : she alo went again over all parts of tin; building, s-trictiy searching erery place, though she was well xmvinced she should find nothing extraor- Jinary. She then retired to her chamber, seated herself at a western window, and watched the slow declining sun, as it leisure- ly sunk behind the lofty groves. Pensile, twilight spread her misty mantle over the landscape ; the western horizon glowed with fiie spangles of evening. Deepening glooms advanced. The last beam of day faded from the view, and the world was en- veloped in night. The owl hooted solemn- ly in the forest, and the whippoorwill sung cheerfully in the garden. Innumerable stars glittered in the urmament, interming- ling their quivering lustre with the pale splendours of the milky way. Melissa did not retire from the window until late ; she then shut it anu withdrew within the room. She determined not to go to bed that night. If she was to be vi- sited by beings, material or immaterial, she chose not again to encounter them in dark- ness, or to be surprised when she was a- If si, the moat filled up; the lococtsand elm trws vore r ii!I o'^trnctions were removed, and the yard n -..rt-,1 int.) a beautiful meadow. An elegant fa. erpc'o.i tin the [.laca where Jnhii'i hut the i iit-ig ih-'iUfjiuoJ is thinly sutikil. ALONZO AND MELISSA. 99 sleep. But why should she fear ? She knew of none she had displeased except he* father, her aunt and Beauman. If by any of those the late terrifying scenes had been wrought, she had now effectually precluded a recurrence thereof, for she was well con- vinced that no human being could now en- ter the enclosure without her permission. But if supernatural agents had been the ac- tors, what had she to fear from them r> The night passed away without any alarming circumstances, and when daylight appeared she flung herself upon the bed, and slept until the morning was considerably advan- ced. She now felt convinced that he-r for- mer conjectures were right ; that it was her aunt, rier father, or both, who ha.l cau- sed the alarming sounds she had heard, a lepetition of which had only been prevent- ed by the precautions she had taken. When she awoke, the horizon was ovei- loud^d, and it began to rain. It continu- ed to rain until towards evening, when it cleared away. She went to the gate, and round all things as she had left them : She returned, fastened the doors as usual, ex- amined all parts of the house, and again went ing very drowsy, and convinced that she has safe and^ecure, she went to bed ; leav- 100 ALONZO AND MELISSA. ing, however, two candles burning in the room. As she, for two nights, had been de- prived of her usual rest, she soon fell into a slumber. She had not long been asleep before she was suddenly aroused by the apparent re- port of a pistol, seemingly discharged close to her hec.d. Awakened so instantaneous- ly, her recollection, for a time, was confu- sed and imperfect. She was only sensible of a strong, sulphureous scent : but she soon remembered that she had left two candles burning, and every object was now shroud- ed in darkness. This alarmed her exceed- ingly. What could have become of the candles ? They must have been blown out or taken away. What was the sound she had just hea?rd ? What the sulphuieous stench which had pervaded the room ? While she was thus musing in perplexity, a broad flash like lightning, transiently illu- minated the chamber, followed by a long, loud, and deep roar, which seemed to shake the building to its centre. It did not ap- pear like thunder ; the sounds seemed to fce in the rooms directly over her head. Perhaps, however, it was thunder. Perhaps a preceding clap had struck near the building, broken the windows, put out the lights, and Oiled the house with the electric effluvium. She listened for a rep- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 101 etition of the thunder but a very different sound soon grated on her ear. A hollow, horrible groan echoed through her apart- ment, passing off in a faint dying murmur. It was evident that the groan proceeded from some person in the chamber. Melis- sa raised herself up in the bed ; a tall white form moved from the upper end of the room, glided slowly by her bed, and seemed to pass off near the foot. She then heard the doors below alternately open and shut, slapping furiously, and in quick succession, followed by violent noises in the rooms be- low, like the falling of heavy bodies and the crash of furniture. Clamorous voices succeeded, among which she could distin- guish boisterous menaces and threatenings, and the plaintive tone of expostulation. A momentary silence ensued, when the cry of "Murder ! murder ! murder ! /" echoed through the building, followed by the re- port of a pistol, and shortly after, the groans of a person apparently in the agonies of death, which grew fainter and fainter un- til it died away in a seemingly expiring gasp. A de-ad silence prevailed for a few minutes, to which a loud hoarse peal of ghastly laughter succeeded then again all was still. But she soon heard heavy foot- steps ascending the stairs to her chamber door. It was now she became terrified and 9* 102 ALONZO AND MELISSA. alarmed beyond any former example. " Gracious heaven, defend me ! she exclaim- ed; what am I coming to!" Knowing that every avenue to the enclosure was ef- r ectually secured ; knowing that all tbe doors and windows of the house, as also that which opened into her chamber, were fast locked, strictly bolted and barred ; a-nd 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 supernatural beings, and, she had reason to believe, of the most mischiev- ous nature. She was now convinced that her father or her aunt could have no agency in the business. She even wished her au;-t had returned. It must be exceedingly dif- ficult to cross the moat, as the draw bridge was up ; it must be still more difficult to surpass the wall of the enclosure ; it was impossible for any human being to enter the house, and still more impossible to en- ter her chamber. While she lay thus ruminating in ex- freme agitation, momentarily expecting to have her ears assailed with some terrific sound, a pale light dimly illuminated her chamber. It grew brighter. She raised nerself up to look towards the door ; the first object which mot her eye, was a most horrible form, standing at a little distance 'LONZO AND MELISSA. 103 from her bedside. Its appearance was tall nd robust, wrapped in a tattered white .obe, spotted with blood. The hair of it& head was matted with clotted gore. A deep wound appeared to have pierced its breast, from which fresh blood flowed down its garment. Its pale face was gashed and gory ! its eyes fixed, glazed, and glaring; its lips open, its teeth set, and in its hand was a bloody dagger. Melista, 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. Imme- diately a horrid hoarse voice burst from a- midst the gloom of her apartment, " Begone! begone from this house /" The bed OH 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; in- stantaneously she sprang from the bed to Ihe floor with convulsed grasp, seized the candle, flew to the fire and lighted it. She gazed wildly around the room no new ob- ject was visible. With timid step she ap- proached the bed ; she strictly searched all around and under it, but nothing strange could be found. A thought darted into her te leave the house immediately and 104 ALONZO AND MELISSA. 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 determination, but seizing the keys, with the candle in her hand, she unlocked her chambe" d n or, and proceeded cautiously down stairs, fearfully asting her eyes on each side, as she tremblingly advanced to the outer door. She hesitated a moment. To what perils was she about to expose herself, by thus venturing out at the dead of the night, and proceeding sueh a distance alone ? Her situation she thought could become no more hazardous, and she was a- bout to unbar the door, when she was alar- med by a deep, hollow sigh. She looked around and saw, stretched on one side of the hall, the same ghastly form which had so recently appeared standing by her bed- side. The same haggard countenance, the same awful appearance of murderous death. A faintness came upon her; she turned to flee to her chamber the candle dropped from her trembling hand, and she was shrouded in impenetrable darkness. She groped to find the stairs : as she came near their foot, a black object, appareLtly in hu- man shape, stood before her, with eyes which seemed to burn like coals of fire, and red llames issuing from its mouth. As she stood fixed a moment in inexpressible tie- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 105 pidation, a large ball of fire rolled along the bail, towards the door, and burst with an explosion which seemed to rock the build- ing to its deepest foundation. Melissa clo- sed 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 un darting its enlivening rays through the crevices and windows of the antique man- sion, recovered her exhausted spirits, and dissipated, in some degree, the terrors which hovered about her mind. She endeavour- ed to reason coolly on the eve.rds of the past night, but reason could not elucidate them. Not the least noise had been heard since she last returned to her chamber: ghe therefore expected to discover no traits which might tend to a disclosure of those mysteries. She consoled herself only with a fixed determination to leave the desolate mansion. Should John come there that diy, he might be prevailed on to permit her to remain at her aunt's apartment in his house until her aunt should return. If he should not come before sunset, she resolv- J to leave the mansion and proceed there. 106 ALONZO AND MELISSA. She took some refreshment and went down stairs : she found the doors and win- dows all fast as she had left them. She then again searched every room in the house, both above and below, and the cel- lar; but she discovered no appearance of there having been any person there. Net the smallest article was displaced ; every thing appeared as it had formerly been. She then went to the gate; it was locked as usual, and the draw-bridge was up. She again traversed the circuit of the wall, but found no alteration, or any place where it was possible the enclosure might be enler- ed. Again she visited the outer buildings, u.id even entered the cemetery, but disco- vered not the least circumstance which could conduce to explain the surprising transactions of the preceding night. She however returned to her room in a more composed frame of spirit, confident that she should not remain alone another night in that gloomy, desolate, and dangerous solitude. Towards evening Melissa took her usual walk around the enclosure. It was that season of the year when weary summer is lapsing intc the arms of fallow autumn. The day had been warm, and the light gales bore revigorating coolness on their wings as they tremulously agitated the foliage of the western forest, or fluttered among the ALONZO AND MELISSA 107 branches of the trees surrounding the man- sion. The green splendours of spring had begun to fade into a yellow lustre, the (lowery verdure of the fields was changed to a russet hue. A robin chirped on a neigh- bouring oak, a wren chattered beneath, swallows twittered around the decayed buil- dings, the ludicrous mocking bird sun sportively from the top of the highest elm and the surrounding groves rung with vary ing, artless melody; while deep in tin adjacent wilderness the woodcock, hammer- ing on some dry and blasted trees, filled the woods with reverberant echoes. The Sound was only ruffied by the lingering breezes, as they idly wandered over its s-ur- face. Long Island, now in possession of the British troops, was thinly enveloped in smoky vapour ; scattered along its shores lay the numerous small craft and larger ships of the hostile fleet. A few skiffs were passing and repasslng the Sound, and seve- ral American gun-boats lay off a point which jutted out fro n the main land, far to the eastward. Numberless summer insects mingled their discordant strains amidst the weedy herbage. A heavy black cloud was rising in the north west, which seemed to portend a shower, as the sonorous, distant 'thunder was at long intervals distinctly beard. 108 ALONZO AND MELISSA. Melissa walked around the yard, cr>niem~ plating the varying beauties of the scene : the images of departed joys the days when Alonzo had participated with her in admir- ing the splendours of rural prospects, raised in her bosom the sigh of deep regret. She entered the garden and traversed the al- leys, now overgrown with weeds and tufted knot-grass. The flowerbeds were choaked with the low running bramble and tangling iive-fiuger; tall, rank rushes, muilens and daisies, had usurped the empire of the kitchen garden. The viny arbour was bro- ken, and principally gone to decay; yet the " lonely wiM rose" blushed mournfully amidst the ruins. As she passed from the garden she involuntarily stopped at the ce- metery : she paused in serious reflection : u Here, said she, in this house of gloom rest, in undisturbed silence, my honouiable ancestors, once the active tenants of yon- der mansion. Then, throughout these soli- tary demesnes, the busy occurrences of life glided in cheerful circles. Then, these now moss-clad alleys, and this wild weedy gar- den, were the resort of the fashionable and file gay. Then, evening music floated over the iields, while yonder halls and apart- ments shone in brilliant illumination. Now Ai\ is sad, solitiuy and dreary, the haunt of spirit* and spectres ol nameless terror. All ALONZO AND MELISSA. 109 that now remains of the head that formed, the hand that executed, and the bosom that relished this once happy scenery, is now, alas, only a heap of dust." She seated herself on a little hillock, un- Jer a weeping willow, which stood near me cemetery, and watched the rising shower, which ascended in gloomy pomp, half hid- den behind the western groves, shrouding the low sun in black vapour, while co'min<* thunders more nearly and more awfully rol- led. The shrieking night hawk* soared high into the air, mingling with the lurid van of the approaching storm, which widen- ing, nore rapidly advanced, until "the heav- ens w^re arrayed in blackness." The lightning broader and brighter flash- es, hurling down its forky streaming bolts far in the wilderness, its flaming path fol- lowed by the vollying artillery of the skies. Now bending its long, crinkling spires over the vallies, now glimmering along the sum- mit of the hills. Convolving clouds pour- ed smoky volumes through the expan- sion ; a deep, hollow, distant roar, announ- ced the approach of " summoned winds." The whole forest bowed in awful grandeur, as from its dark bosom rushed the impetu- ous hurricane, twisting off, or tearing up "Supposed to be the male vhippoonvU!: well known in th H.\-.t,. lo iaad ucw, and amw< ring to the above peculiarity. JO 110 ALONZO A.ND MELISSA.. by the roots, the stoutest trees, whirling the heaviest branches through the air with irresistible fury. Il dashed upon the sea, tossed it into irregular mountains, or ming- led its white foamy spray with the gloom of the curbid skies. Slant-wise, the large heavy drops of rain began to descend. Me- lissa hastened to the mansion ; as she reach- ed the door a very brilliant flash of light- ning, accompanied by a tremendous explo- sion, alarmed her. A thunder bolt had en- tered 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 10 her chamber. Deep night now filled the atmosphere; the rain poured in torrents, the wind rocked the building, and bellowed in the adjacent groves : the sea raged and roared, fierce lightnings rent the heavens, alternately in- volving the world in the sheeted flame of its many coloured fires; thunders rolled awfully around the firmament, or burst with horrid din, bounding and reverberat- ing among the surrounding Woods, hills and vallies. It seemed nothing less than the crash of worlds sounding through the uni- verse. Melissa walked her room, listening to the wild commotion of the elements. She fear- ed that If the storm continued, she should ALONZO AND MELISSA. Ill be compelled to pass another night in the lou-e mansion : if so, she resolved not to go to bed. She now suddenly recollected that in her haste to regain her chamber, she had forgotten to lock the outer door. The shock she had received when the lightning demolished the elm tree, was the cause of this neglect. She took the candle, ran hastily down, and fastened the door. As she was returning, she heard footsteps, and imperfectly saw the glance of something coming out of an adjoining room into the hall. Supposing some ghastly object was approaching, she averted her eyes and flew to the stairs. As she was ascending them, a voice behind her exclaimed, " Gracious heaven! Melissa!" The voice agitated her frame with a confused, sympathetic sensation. She turned, fixed her eyes upon the person who had spoken ; unconnected ideas floated a moment in her imagination : " Eternal powers ! she cried, it is Alonzo." Alonzo and Melissa were equally surpri- sed at so unexpected a meeting. They could scarcely credit their own senses. How he had discovered her solitude what led him to that lonely place how he had got over the wall were queries which first arose in her mind. He likewise could not conceive by what miracle he should find her in a remote, desol ite building, which 112 ALONZO A>"J MELISSA. he had supposed to be uninhabited. With rapture he took her trembling hand; tears of joy choaked their utterance. "You arr 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; repfied Alonzo . who then inhabits this house ?" u No one ex cept myself, she answered; I am here a lone, Alonzo." " Alone ! he exclaimed here alone, Melissa! Good God! tell IIIA how why by what means are you here a- lone ?" " Let us go up to ny chamber, she replied, and 1 will tell you all." He followed her to her apartment and seated himself by the fire. ** You want re- f p eshmen f ," said Melissa which was in- deed the case, as he had been long without any, and was wet, hungry and weary. She immediately set about preparing tea aud soon had it ready, and a comfortable repast was spread for his entertainment. And now, reader, if thou art a child of na- ture, if thy bosom is susceptible of refined sensibility, contemplate for a moment, Me- iissa and Alonzo seated at the same table, a table prepared by her own hand, in a lone- ly mansion, separated from society, and no one to interrupt them. After innumerable difficulties, troubles and perplexities ; after vexing embarrassments, and a cruel sopara ALONZO AND MELISSA. 113 tion, they were once more together, and for some time every other consideration was lost. The violence of the storm had not abated. The lightning still blazed, the thunder bellowed, the wind roared, the sea raged, the rain poured, mingled with heavy hail . Alonzo and Melissa heard a little of it. She told him all tha-t had happened to her since they parted, except the strange noises and awful sights which had terrified her during her confinement in that solitary building : this she considered unnecessary and untimely, in her present situation. Alonzo informed her, that as soon as he had learned the manner in which she had been sent away, he left the house of Vin- cent arid went to her father's to see if he could not find out by some of the domes- tics what course her aunt had taken. None of them knew any thing about it. He did not put himself in the way of her father, as he was apprehensive of ill treatment there- by. He then went to several places among the relatives of tl-e family where he had heretofore visited with Melissa, most of whom received him with a cautious cold- ness. At length he came to the house of Mr. Simpson, the gentleman to whose seat Alonzo was once driven by a shower, where he accidentally found Melissa on a visit, as mentioned before. Here he was admitted 10* G 114 ALONZQ AND MELISSA. with the ardour of friendship. They had heard his story : Melissa had kept up a cor- respondence 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 there- ol by Alonzo. " I am surprised at the conduct of my kinsman, said Mr. Simpson ; for though his determinations are, like the laws of the Medes and Persians, unalterable, yet I have ever believed that the welfare of his chil- dren lay nearest his heart. In the present instance he is certainly pursuing a mista ken policy. I will go and see him." He then ordered his horse, desiring Alonzo to remain at his house until he returned. Alonzo was treated with the most friend- ly politeness by the family ; he found that they were deeply interested in his favour and the welfare of Melissa. At evening Mr. Simpson returned. " It is in vain, said he, to reason with my kinsman ; he is de- termined that his daughter shall marry your rival. He will not even inform me to what place he has sent Melissa. Her aunt how- ever is with her, and they must be at the residence of some of the family relatives.- I will despatch my son William among connections, to see if he can find her The next morning William depart ALONZO AND MELISSA. 115 was gone two days ; but eould not obtain the least intelligence either of Melissa or her aunt, although he had been the rounds among the relations of the family. "There is some mystery in this affair, said Mr, Simpson. I am very little ac- quainted with Melissa's aunt. I have un- derstood that she draws a decent support from her patrimonial resources, which, k is said, are pretty large, and that she resides alternately with her different relatives. I have understood also that my kinsman ex- pects her fortune to come into his family, in ease she never marries, which, in all probability, she now will not, and that she, in consequence, holds considerable influ- ence over him. It is not possible but that Melissa is yet concealed at some place of her aunt's residence, and that the family are m the secret. I think it cannot be long before they will disclose themselves : You, Alonzo, are welcome to make my house your home ; and if Melissa can be found, she shall be treated as my daugh- ter." Alonzo thanked him for his friendship and fatherly kindness. " I must continue, said he, my researches for Melissa ; the re- sult you shall know." He then departed, and travelled through the neighbouring villages and adjoining <> 116 ALONZO AND MELISSA. neighbourhoods, making, at almost every house, such enquiries as he considered ne- cessary on the occasion. He at length ar- rived at the inn in the last little village where Melissa and her aunt had stopped the day they came to the mansion. Here the inn-keeper informed him that two k- dies, answering his description, had been at his house : he named the time, which was the day in which Melissa, with her aunt, left her father's house. The inn-keeper told him that they purchased some articles in the village, and drove off to the south. Alonzo then traversed the country adjoin- ing the Sound, far to the westward, and was returning eastward, when he was over- taken by the shower. No house being within sight, be betook himself to the for- est for shelter. From a little hilly glade in the wilderness, he discovered the lonely mansion which, from its appearance, he ve- ry naturally supposed to be uninhabited. The tempest soon becoming severe, he thought he would endeavour to reach the iuse. When he arrived at the moat, he found it impossible to cross it, or ascend the wall ; and he stood in momentary jeopardy of his life, from the falling timber, some of which was broken and torn up by the tornado, and some splintered by the fiery bolts of hea- ALONZO AND MELISA 117 ven. At length a large tree, which stood r*ear him, on the verge of the moat, or ra- ther in that place, was hurled from its foun- dation, and fell, with a hideous crash, across the moat, its top lodging on the wall. He scrambled up on the truok, 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 oth- er side of the wall. By these branches he let hLnself down into the yard, proceeded to the house, found the door open, which Melissa had left in her fright, and entered into one of the rooms, where he proposed to stay until at. least the shower was over, still supposing the house unoccupied, until the noise of locking the door, and the light of the candle, drew him from the room, svhen, to his infinite surprise, he discovered Melissa, as before related. Melissa listened to Alonzo with varied e- motion. The fixed obduracy of her father, the generous conduct ot the Simpsons, the constancy of Aljnzo, filled her heart with inexpressible sensations. She foresaw that her sufferings were not shortly to end she knew not when her sorrows were to close. Alonzo was shocked at the alteration which appeared in the features of Melissa. 118 ALGSZO AND MELISSA. The rose had faded from her cheek, except when it was transiently suffused with a hec- tic flush. A livid paleness sat upon her countenance, a-nd 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 al- layed. The storm had now passed into the re- gions of the east ; the wind and rain had ceased, the lightning more unfrequendy dashed, and the thunder rolled at a dis- tance. The hours passed hastily ; day would soon appear. Hitherto they had been absorbed in the present moment; it was time to think of the future. After tke troubles they had experienced; after so fortunate a meeting, they could not endure the idea of another and immediate separa- tion. And yet immediately separated they must be. It would iiot be safe for Alonzo to stay even until the rising sun, un ] es he was concealed ; and of what use conld it be for him to remain there in conceal- ment ? In this dilemma there was but one expe- dient. "Suffer me, said Alonzo to Melissa, to remove you from this solitary confine- ment. Your healm is impaired. To you, your father is no more a father; he has iteeled his bosom to paternal affection ; he ALONZO AND MELISSA. 119 has banished you from his house, placed you under the tyranny of others, and confi- ned you in a lonely, desolate dwelling, far from the sweets of society; and this only because you cannot heedlessjy renounce a most solemn contract, formed under his eye, and sanctioned by his immediate con- sent and approbation. Pardon me, Melissa, I would not censure your father ; but per- mit me to say, that after such treatment, you are absolved from implicit obedience to his rigorous, cruel, and stern commands. It will therefore be considered a duty you owe to your preservation, if you suffer me to remove you from the tyrannical severity with which you are oppressed." Melissa sighed, wiping a tear which fell from her eye. "Unqualified obedience to my parents, said she, I have ever consider- ed the first of duties, and have religiously practised thereon but where, Alonzo, would you remove me ?" "To any place you shall appoint," he answered. "I have no where to go," she replied. If you will allow me to name the place, said he, I will mention Mr. Simpson's. He will espouse your cause and be a father to you, and, if conciliation is possible, will re- concile you to your father. This can be done without my being known to have any agency in the business. It can seem as it 120 ALONZO AND MELISSA. Mi*, 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 re- main either in secret or openly, as you shall choose. Be governed by me in this, Me- lissa, and in all things I will obey you thereafter. I will then submit to the fu- ture events of fate ; but I cannot Melissa I cannot leave you in this doleful place." Melissa arose and walked the room in extreme agitation. What could she do ? She had, indeed, determined to leave the house, for reasons which Alonzo knew no- thing of. But should she leave it in the way she had proposed, she was not sure but she would be immediately remanded back, more strictly guarded, and more severely treated. To continue there, under existing circumstances, would be impossible, long to exist. She therefore came to a determination " I will go, she said, to Mr. Simpson's." It was then agreed that Alonzo should proceed to Vincent's, interest them in the plan, procure a carriage, and return at elev- en 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 ALONZO AND MELISSA. 121 would render the execution of the scheme more hazardous and difficult. A signal was therefore agreed on ; if her aunt should be there, a candle was to be placed at the window fronting the gate, in the room above; if not, it was to be placed against a similar window in the room below. In the first case Alonzo was to rap loudly at the door. Melissa was to run down, under pre- tence of seeing who was there, fly with A- lonzo to the carriage, and leave her aunt to scrape acquaintance with the ghosts and 'goblins of the old mansion. For even if her aunt should return, which was extreme- ly doubtful, she thought she could contrive to let down the bridge and unlock the gate in the evening without her knowledge. At any rate she was determined not to let the keys go out of her hands, unless they were forced from her, until she had escaped from that horrid and dreary place. Daylight began to break from the east, and Alonzo prepared to depart. Melissa accompanied him to the gate and the bridge, which was let down: he passed over, and she slowly withdrew, both fre- quently turning to look back. When she came to the gate, she stopped; Alonzo stopped also. She waved a white handker- chief she had in her hand, and Alonzo bow- ed in answer to the sign. She then leis- 11 122 ALONZO A:. MELISSA. urely entered and slowly shut the gate. Alonzo could not forbear climbing up into a tree to catch another glimpse of her aj she passed up the avenue. With lingering step he saw her move along, soon receding from his view in the gray twilight of misty morning. He then descended, and hastily proceeded on his journey. Traits of glory now painted the eastern skies. The glittering day-star, having un- barred the portals of light, began to trans- mit its retrocessive lustre. Thin scuds flew swiftly over the moon's decrescent form. Low, hollow winds, murmured among the bushes, or brushed the limpid drops from intermingling foliage. The fire-fly* sunk, feebly twinkling, amidst the herbage of the fields. The dusky shadows of night fled to the deep glens, and rocky caverns of the wilderness. The American lark soared high in the air, consecrating its matin lay to morn's approaching splendours. The wood- lands began to ring with native melody the forest tops, on high mountains, caught the sun's first ray, which, widening and ex- tending, soon gem'd the landscape with brilliants of a thousand varioas dies* As Alonzo came out of the fields near the road, he saw two persons passing in an open chair. They suddenly stopped, earu- *'i'Lc Au.-ncaii lump) rij, vulg.irJj calliii the ughuiii.K-uiig. ALONZO AND MELISSA. 123 e& Y az; i n o a t hi m ' They weie wrapped in long ridiDg cloaks, and it could not be distinguished from their dress whether they were men or women. He stood not to no- tice them, but made the best of his way to Vincent's, where he arrived about noon. Rejoiced to find that he had discovered Melissa, they applauded the plan of her re- moval, and assisted him in obtaining a car- riage. A sedan was procured, and he sat out to return, promising to see Vincent a- gain, as soon as he had removed Melissa to Mr. Simpson's. He made such use of his time as to arrive at the mansion at the hour appointed. He found the draw-budge down, the gate open, and saw, as had been agreed upon, the light at the lower window, glimmering through the branches of trees. He was therefore assured that Melissa was alone. His heart beat ; a joyful tremor seized his frame ; Melissa was soon to be under his care, for a short time at least. He drove up to the house, sprang out of the carnage, and fastened his horse to a lo- cust tiee: The- door was open* he went in, flew lightly up stairs, entered her cham- ber Melissa was not there ! A small fire was blazing on the hearth, a candle was burning on the table. He stood petrified tyith amazement, then gazed around in anxious solicitude. What could have be- 124 ALONZO AND MELISSA coine of her ? It was impossible, he tho't, but that sho must still be there.. Had she been removed by fraud or force, the signal candle would not have been al the window. Perhaps, in a freakish mo- ment, she had concealed herself for no other purpose than to cause him a little perplexity. He therefore took the candle and searched every corner of the chamber, arid every room of the house, not even mis- sing the garret and the cellar. He then placed the candle in a lantern, and went out and examined the out-houses : he next went round the garden and the yard, strict- ly exploring and investigating every place; but he found her net 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 it the distant empty apartments. Thus did he continue his anxious scrutiny, alternately, in the house and the enclosure, Until day- - but no traces could be discovered, nothing seen or heard of Melissa. What had be- come of her he could not form the most distant conjecture. Nothing was removed from the house ; the beds, the chairs, the table, all the furniture remained in the ALONZp AND MELISSA. 125 same condition as when he was there the night before ; the candle, as had been a- greed upon, was at the window, and a nother was burning on the table : it was therefore evident that she could not have been long gone when he arrived. By what means she had thus suddenly disappeared, was a most deep and inscrutable mystery. When the sun had arisen, he once more repeated his inquisitive search, but with the same effect. He then, in extreme vex- ation and disappointment, flung himself in- to the sedan, and drove from the mansion. Frequently did he look back at the build- ing, 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 blasted hope, pierced his heart, as his carriage rolled over the bridge. Once more he cast a "longing, lingering look" upon the premises behind, sacred on- ly for the treasure they lately possessed; then sunk backward in his seat, and was dragged slowly away. Alonzo had understood from Melissa, thai John's hut was situated about one mile north from the mansion where she had been confined. When he came out near the road, he left his horse and carriage, after securing them, and went in search of it. 11* 126 ALONZO AND MEJLISSA. He soon discovered it, and knew it from the description given thereof by Melissa. He went up and knocked at the door, which was opened by John, whom Alonzo also knew, from the portrait Melissa* had drawn of him. John started in amazement. * 'Under- standing, said Alonzo, that you have the charge of the old mansion in yonder field, I have come to know if you can inform me what has become of the young lady who has been confined there." "Confined ! answered John, I did not know she was confined." Recollecting himself, "I mean the young lady who has lately resided theie with her aunt," replied Alonzo. "She was there last night, answere:! John ; her aunt is gone into the country and has not returned." Alodzo then told him the situation of the mansion, and that she was not there. John informed him that she was there about sun- set, and according to her request he had left the keys of the gate and bridge with her : he desired Alonzo to tarry there un- til he ran to the mansion. He returned in about half an hour. "She is gone, sure enough, said John ; but how, or where, it is impossible for me co guess." Convinced that he knew nothing of the ALONZO AND MELISSA. 127 matter, Alonzo left him and returned to Vincent's. Vincent and his lady were much surpris- ed at Alonzo's account of Melissa's sudden disappearance, and they wished to ascer- tain whether her father's family knew any thing of the circumstance. Social inter- course had become suspended between the families of Vincent and Melissa's father, as the latter had taxed the former of improp- erly endeavouring to promote the views of Alonzo. They therefore procured a neigh- bouring woman to visit Melissa's mother, to see if any information could be obtained concerning Melissa ; but the old lady had heard nothing of her since her departure with her aunt, who had never yet returned. Alonzo left Vincent's and went to Mr. Simpson's. He told them all that had hap- pened since he was there, of which, before, they had heard nothing. At the houses of Mr. Simpson and Vincent he resided some time, while they made the most dilligent search to discover Melissa; but nothing could be learned of her fate. Alonzo then travelled into various parts of the country, making such enquiries as caution dictated of all whom he thought likely to give him information; but he found none who could give him the least iateiligeire of his ost Melissa. 128 ALONZO AND MELISSA. In the course of his wanderings he pass- ed near the old mansion house where Me- lissa had been confined. He felt an incli- nation once more to visit it: he proceeded over the bridge, which was down, but he found the gate locked. He therefore hur- ried back and went to John's, whom he found at home. On enquiring of John whe- ther 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 af- ter you were here, her aunt came back with a strange gentleman, and ordered me to go and fetch the furniture away from the room they had occupied in the old mansion. I asked her what had become of young ma- dam. She told me that young madam had behaved very indiscreetly, and she found fault with me for leaving the keys in her possession, though I did not know that any harm could arise from it. From the dis- course which my wife and I afterwards overheard between madam and the strange gentleman, I understood that young madam had been sent to reside with some friend or relation at a great distance, because her father wanted her to marry a man, and she wishes to marry somebody else.." From John's plain and simple narrative, Alonzo concluded that Melissa had been removed by her father's order, or through the agen- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 129 cy, or instigation of her aunt. Whether his visit to the old mansion had been somehow discovered or suspected, or whether she was removed by some preconcerted or anteced- ent plan, he could not conjecture. Still, the situation in which he found the mansion the night he went to convey her away,' left an inexplicable impression on his mind. He could in no manner account how the candle could be placed at the window according to agreement, unless it had been done by her- self; 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 an- swered, with the strange gentleman I men- tioned, on a visit to some of her friends." "Was the strange gentleman you speak of her brother ?" asked Alonzo. "I believe not, replied John, smiling and winking to his wife ; I know not who he was ; somebody that madam seems to like pretty well." "Have you the care of the old mansion ?" said Alonzo. "Yes, answered John, I have the keys ; I will accompany you thither, perhaps you would like to purchase it ; madam said yes- terday she thought she should sell it.*' Alonzo told him he had no thoghts of 130 ALONZO AND MELISSA. purchasing, thanked him (or his information, and departed. Convinced now that Melissa was remov- ed by the agency of her persecutors, he compared the circumstances of John's re- lation. "She had been sent to reside with some friend or relation at a great distance." This great distance, he believed to be New London, and her friend or relation, her cou- sin, at whose house Alonzo first saw her, under whose care she would be safe, and Beauman would have an opportunity of re- newing his addresses. Under these impres- sions, Alonzo did not long hesitate what course to pursue he determined to repair to New London immediately. In pursuance of his design he went to his father's. He found the old gentleman with his man contentedly tilling his farm, and his mother cheerfully attending to house- hold affairs, as ti\eir narrow circumstances would not admit her to keep a maid with- out embarrassment. Alonzo's soul sicken- ed on comparing the present state of his family with its former affluence ; but it was an unspeakable consolation to see his aged parents contented and happy in their hum- ble situation ; and though the idea could not pluck the thorn from his own bosom, yet it tended temporarily to assuage the anguish of the wound. ALONZO AND MELISSA. 131 "You have been long gone, my son, said his father; I scarcely knew what had be- come of you. Since 1 have become a far- Rier I know little of what is going forward in the world ; a-nd indeed we were never happier in our lives. After stocking and paying for my farm, and purchasing the re- quisites for my business, 1 have got consid- erable money at command : we live frugal- ly, and realize the blessings of health, com- fort, and contentment. Our only disquie- tude is on your account, Alonzo. Your af- fair with Melissa, I suppose, is not so fa- vourable as you could wish. But despair not, my son ; hope is the harbinger of fai r - er prospects : rely on Providence, which never deserts those who submissively bow to the justice of its dispensations." Unwilling to disturb the serenity of his parents, Alonzo did not tell them his trou- bles. He answered, that perhaps all might yet come right ; but that, as in the present sL~te of his mind he thought a change of situation might be of advantage, he asked liberty of his father to travel for some little time. To this his father consented, and offered him a part of the money he had on hand, which Alonzo refused, saying he did not expect to be long gone, and his resour- ces had not failed him. He then sold off his books, his horses, 132 ALONZO AND MELISSA. his carriages, &c. the insignia of his better days, but now useless appendages, from which be raised no inconsiderable sum. He then took a tender and affectionate leave of his parents, and set out for New London. Alonzo journeyed along with a heavy heart and in an enfeebled frame of spirits. Through disappointment, vexation, and the fatigues he had undergone in wandering a- bout, for a long time, in search of Melissa, despondency had seized upon his mind, and indisposition upon his body. He put up the first night within a few miles of New Haven, and as he passed through that town the next morning, the scenes of early life in which he had there been an actor, mov- ed in melancholy succession over his mind. That day he grew more indisposed ; he ex- perienced an unusual languor, listlessness and debility; chills, followed by hot Hashes, heary pains in the head and back, with in- cessant and intolerable thirst. It was near night when he reached Killingsworih, where he halted, as he felt unable to go farther: he called for a bed, and through the night was racked with severe pain, and scorched vviih a burning fever. The next morning he requested that the physician of the town might be sent for ; he came and ordered a prescription winch ALCNZO AND MELIS&A. 133 g-ive his patient some relief; and by strict attention, in about ten days Alonzo was able to pursue his journey. He arrived at New London, and took lodgings with a pri- vate family of the name of Wyllis, in a re- tired part of the town. The first object was to ascertain whether Mjlissa was at her cousin's. But how should he obtain this information ? He knew no person in the town except it was those whom he had reason to suppose were leagued against him. Should he go to the houe of her cousin, it might prove an inju- ry to her if she were there, and could an- swer no valuable purpose if she were not. The evening after he arrived there he wrapped himseif up in his cloak and took the street which led to the house of Melis- sa's cousin : he stopped -when he came a- gainst it, to see if he could make any dis- coveries. As people were passing and re- passing 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 dung up, opposite to the place where he stood ; she leaned out, looked earnestly around for a few minutes, tfottn shut it and re-tired. She had brought a candle into the room, but did not bria i{ 134 ALONZO AND MELISSA. to the window; of course he could not dis- tinguish her features so as to identify them. He knew it was not the wife of Melissa's cousin, and from her appearance he belie- ved it to be Melissa. Again the window opened, again the same lady appeared ; she took a seat at a little distance within the room ; she reclined with her head upon her hand, and her arm appeared to be sup- ported by a stand or table. Alonzo's heart beat violently , he now had a side view of her face, and was more than ever convin- 3ed that it was Melissa. Her delicate fea- tures, though more pa!e and dejected than when last he saw her ; her brown hair, which fell in artless circles around her lily aeck ; her arched eye-brows and command- ing aspect. Alonzo moved towards thp house, with a design, if possible, to draw her attention, and should it really prove to be Melissa, to discover himself. He hud proceeded but a few steps before she arose, shut the window, retired, and the light dis- appeared. Alonzo waited a considerable time, but she appeared no more. Suppo- sing she had retired for the night, he slow- ly withdrew, chagrined at this disappoint- ment, yet pleased at the discovery he had made. The famiJy with whom Alonzo had ta- ken lodgings were fashionable and respeeta- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 136 ble. The following afternoon they had ap- pointed to visit a friend, and they invited Alonzo to accompany them. When they lamed the family where their visit was in- tended, he found it to be Melissa's cousin. Alonzo therefore declined going under pre- tence 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 enqui- ries concerning the families in town, until the conversation turned upon the family they had visited. " The young lady who resides there, said Mrs. Wyllis, is undoubt- edly in a confirmed decline ; she will never recover." Alonzo started, deeply agitated. " Who is the young lady ?" he asked. " She is sister to the gentleman's wife where we vis- ited, answered Mr. Wyllis ; her father lives in Newport, and she has come here for her health." " Do you not think, said Mrs. Wyllis, that she resembles their cou- sin Melissa, who resided there some time ago ?" u Very much indeed, replied her husband, only she is not quite so handsome." Again was Alonzo disappointed, and again did lie experience a melancholy pleasure : '^e had the last night hoped that he had Discovered Melissa, but to find her in a 136 ALONZO AND MELISSA. hopeless decline, was worse than that she should remain undiscovered. " It is reported, said Mrs. Wyllis, that Melissa has been upon the verge of matri- mony, but that the treaty was somehow broken olf; perhaps Beauman will renew his addresses again, should this be the case.' 1 " .Beauman 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 vol- unteers."* From this discourse, Alonzo was convinc- ed that Melissa was not the person he had seen at her cousin's the preceding evening, and that she was not there. He also found that Beauman was not in town. Where to search next, or what course to pursue, he was at a loss to determine. The next morning he rose early and wan dered about the town. As he passed by the house of Melissa's cousin, he saw the lady, who had appeared at the window, walking in the garden. Her air, her figure, had very much the appearance of Melissa ; but the lineaments of her countenance were, when viewed by the light of day, widely dissimilar. Alonzo felt no strong curiosity farther to examine her features, but passing on, returned to his lodgings. \V.K- York v.as iheu in i/us*.-*uuu of die iirm^t troops. ALONZO AND MELISSA. 137 Flow he was now to proceed, Alonzo could not readily decide. To return to his native place, appeared to be as useless as to tariy where he was. For many weeks htid he travelled and searched every place where he thought it probable Melissa might be found, both among her relatives and elsewhere. He had made every effort to obtain some clue to her removal from the old mansion, but he could learn nothing but what he had been told by John. If his friends should ever hear of her, they could not inform him ^hereof, as no one knew where he was. Would it not, therefore, be best for him to return back, and ccmsult with his friends, and if nothing had been heard of hei, pursue some other mode of enquiry ? He might, at least, leave direc- tions where his friends might write to him, in case tney should have any thing whereof to apprise him. An incident tended to confirm this ^eso- lution. He one night dreamed that he was 'sitting in a strange house, contemplating on his present situation, when Melissa sudden- ly entered the room. Her appearance was more pale, sickly and dejected, than when he last saw her. Her elegant form had wasted away, her eyes were sunk, her cheeks fallen, her lips livid. He fancied it to be night, she held a candle in her hand. 138 ALONZO AND MELISSA. 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 sev- eral winding rooms, and at length he lost sight of her, and the light gradually fading away, he w T as involved in deep darkness. He groped along, and at length saw a faint distant glimmer, the course of which he pursued, until he came into a large room, hung with black tapestry, and illuminated by a number of bright tapers. On one side of the room appeared a hearse, on which some person was laid : he went up to it the first object that arrested his attention was the lovely form of Melissa, shrouded in the sable vestments of death ! Cold and lifeless, she lay stretched upon the hearse, beautiful even in dissolution; the dying; smile of complacency had not yet deserted her cheek. The music of her voice had ceased ; her fine eyes had closed for ever. Insensible to objects in which she once de- lighted ; to afflictions which had blasted her blooming prospects, anl drained the streams of life, she lay like blossomed tress of spring, overthrown by rude and boister- ous winds. The deep groans which con- vulsed the distracted bosom, and shocked the trembling frame of Alonzo, broke the delusive charm : he awoke, rejoiced to find ALONZO AND MELISSA. 139 it but a dream, though it impressed his mind with doleful and portentous forebodings. It was a long time before he could agaia close his eye? to sleep ; he at length fell into a slumber, and again he dreamed. H fancied himself with Melissa, at the house of her father, who had consented to their union, and that the marriage ceremony be- tween them was there performed. H thought that Melissa appeared as she had done in her most fortunate and sprightly days, before the darts of adversity, and the thorns of affliction, had wounded her heart Her father seemed to be divested of all his awful sternness, and gave her to Alonzo with cheerful freedom. He awoke, and the horrors o f his former dream were dissipated by the happy influences of the last. "Who knows, he said, but that this may finally be the case , but that Lhe sun of peace may yet dispel the glooms of these distressful hours !" He arose, determined to return home in a few days. He went out and enjoyed his morning walk in a more composed frame of spirits than he had for some time experienced. He returned, and as he was entering tae 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 arisea. lie took up the HO ALONZO AND MELISSA paper, carried it to his chamber, and cpen- ed it to read the news of the day. He ran his eye hastily over it, and was about to lay it aside, wheu the death list arrested his at- tention, by a display of broad black lines. 'jTbe 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, Sovth Carolina, whither she had repaired for her health, Miss Me- lissa D , the amiable daughter of J D , Esq. of *******, Connecticut, in the eighteenth year of her a^e." 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 pr<- duceapause. The fanciful part of our readers may cast it aside in chagrin and dis- appointment " Such an event," may they say, "we were net prepared to expect. After so many, and such various trials of heart; after innumerable dii^culties sur- mounted ; almost invincible objects over- come, and insuperable barriers removed after attending the hero and heroine of youi tale through the diversified scenes of anxie- ty, suspense, hope, disappointment, exp,e- *%iition, joy, sorrow, anticipated bliss, ^ud- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 141 den ar?d disastrous woe after elevating them to the threshold of happiness, by the premature death of one, to plunge the other, instantaneously, in deep and irretrievable despair, must not, cannot be right. Your story will hereafter become languid and spiritless; the subject will be uninteresting, the theme unengaging, since the genius which animated and enlivened it is gone for ever." Reader of sensibility, stop. Are we riot detailing facts ? Shall we gloss them over tvith fake colouring ? Shall we describe things as they are, or as "they are not ? Shall we draw with the pencil of nature, oi of art ? Do we indeed paint life as it is, or ss it is not ? Cast thine eyes, reader, over the ephemeral circle of passing and fortui- tous events; view the change of contingen- cies ; mark well the varied and shifting sce- nery in the great drama of time ; seriously contemplate nature in her operations ; mi- nutely examine the entrance, the action, and the exit of characters on the stage of existence then say, if disappointment, dis- tress, misery and calamitous woe, are not the inalienable portion of the susceptible bosom. Say, if the possession of refined feeling is enviable the lot of Nature's children covetable whether to such, through life, the sprinklings of comfort are sufficient 142 ALO> T ZO AND MELISSA. to give a zest to the bitter banquets of ad- versity whether, indeed, sorrow, sighing, and tears, are not the inseparable attend- ants of all those whose hearts are the re- positories of tender affections and pathetic sympathies. But what says the moralist ? " Portray life as it is. Delude not the senses by de- ceptive appearances. Arouse your hero ? call to his aid stern philosophy and sober reason. They will dissipate the rainbow- glories of unreal pleasure, and banish the glittering meteors of unsubstantial happi- ness. Or if these fail, lead him to the holy fane of religion : she will regulate the tires of fa-icy, and assuage the tempest of the passions : she will illuminate the dark wil- derness, and smooth the thorny paths of life : she will point him to joys beyond the tomb to another and a better world ; and pour the balm of consolation and serenity over his wounded soul." Shall we indeed arouse Alonzo? Alas! to what paths of grief and wretchedness shall we arouse him ! To a world to him void and cheerless a world desolate, sad and dreary. Alonzo revived. u Why am I, he exclaim- ed, recalled to this dungeon of torment ? Why was not my spirit permitted to take its flight to regions w here my guardian is ALONZO AND MELISSA. 143 gone 1 Why am I cursed with memory ? O that I might be blessed with forgetfulness ! But why do I talk of blessings ? Heaven never had one in store for me. Where are fled my anticipated joys ? To the bosom the dark bosom of the oblivious tomb ! Thert lie all the graces worthy of love in life all the virtues worthy of lamentation in death ! There lies perfection ; perfection has here been found. Was she not all that even heaven could demand ? Fair, lovely, holy and virtuous. Her tender solicitudes, hei enrapturing endearments, her soul-inspiring blandishments, gone, gone for ever 1 That heavenly form, that discriminate mind all lovely as light, all pure as a seraph's a prey to worms mingled with incorporeal shadows, regardless of former inquietudes or delights, regardless of the keen anguish which no\v wrings tears of blood from my despairing heart ! " Eternal Disposer of events ! if virtue be thy special care, why is the fairest flow- f.r in the garden of innocence and purity blasted like a noxious weed ? Why is the bright gem of excellence trampled in the dust like a worthless pebble ? Why is Me lissa hurried to the tomb ?" Thus raved Alonzo. It was evident thcu delirium had partially seized his brain. He arose and flung himself on the bed in un- 144 ALONZO AND MELISSA. speakable agony. "And what, Alas ! he agaifj exclaimed, now remains for me ? Ex- istence and unparalleled misery. The con- solation even of death is denied me. But Melissa ! she ah, where is she ! Ob, re- flection insupportable ! insufferable consid- eration ! Must that heavenly frame putrify, moulder, and crumble into dust ? Must the loa*hsome spider nestle on her lily bosom ? the cdious reptile riot on her delicate limbs J the worm revel amid the roses of her cheek, fatten on ner temples, and bask in the lus- tre of her eyes ? Alas ! the lustre has be- coma dimmed in death : the rose and the lily are withered; the harmony of her voice has ceased; the graces, the elegancies of form, the innumeiabie delicacies of air. all are gone, and I am left in a state of misery which defies mitigation or comparison." .hausted by excvss of grief, he now lay in a stupify:ng anguish, until the servant summoned him to breakfast. He told the aberrant he was indisposed ai.d requested lie might not be disturbed. jYir. Wyliis and his lady can*e up, anxious to yield him any assistance in their power, and advised him ia call a physician. He thanked them, but toIJ them it was unnecessary; he only want- ed rest. His extreme distress of mind brought on a relapse of fever, from which he had but imperfectly recovered. For seve- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 145 ral days he lay in a very dangerous and doubtful state. A physician was called^ con- trary to Ins choice or knowledge, as for most part of the time his mind was delirious and sensation imperfect. This was, probably the cause of baffling the disorder. He was in a measure insensible to h ; s woes. He did not oppose the prescriptions of the physi- cian. The fever abated ; nature triumphed over disease of body, and he slowly recov- ed, bat the malady of his mind was not removed. He contemplated on the past. " I fear, said he, I have murmured against the wis- dom of Providence. Forgive, merciful Creator ! Forgive the frenzies of distrac- tion !" He now recollected that Melissa once told him that she had an uncle who resided near Charleston in South Carolina; thither he supposed she had been sent by her father, when she was removed from the ' old mansion, in order to prevent his having access to her, and with a view to compel her to marry Beauman. Her appearance had indicated a deep decline when he last saw her. " There, said he, far removed fro-m iriends and acquaintance, there did she languish, there did she die a victim to ex- cessive grief, and cruel parental persecu- tion." As soon as he was able to leave his room, 13 I 146 ALONZO AND MELISSA. he walked out one evening, and in deep contemplation roved, he knew not where. The moon shone brilliantly from her lofty throne ; the chill, heavy dews of autumn glittered on the decaying verdure. The [adeai* croaked hoarsely among the trees ; the t/irr/ef sung mournfully on the grass. Alonzo heard them not; be was insensible to all external objects, until he had imper- ceptibly wandered to the rock oii the point of the beach, verging the Sound, to which he had attended Melissa the first time he sa\v her at her cousin 's.J Had the whole artillery of Heaven burst, in sheeted flame, from the skies had raging winds mingled the roaring vraves with the mountains 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 de- parted joys posset! with rapidity over his imagination ; his first meeting with Melis- aj the evening he had attended her to *t L cal naiu3 ^iven to certain American insects, from their seund. They are well known in various parts of the United S'iUe* ; generally make their appearance about the lal* i end n< August, and contir.ae until destroyed by the fros'. T!>e nott-s of the first are hoarse, sprightly, a-'d discordant ; .. thfl last, *Mernn aid mournfully pleading. I Sec pn^e 8. See also ail-isiona t -j this aceiw in uu were iinprijorcd in America. ALONZO AND MELISSA. 167 gage was pale and emaciated, his counte- nance haggard and ghastly, his eyes inex- pressive and glazy. He held out his with- ered hand, and feebly beckoned to Aloiizo, who immediately approached him. His features appeared not unfamiliar to Alonzo, but for a moment he could not recollect him. "You do not know me," said the apparently dying stranger. 'Beauman ! " exclaimed Alonzo, in surprise. "Yes, re- plied the sick man, it is Beauman ; you be- hold me on the verge of eternity; 1 ha\e but a short time to continue in this world." Alonzo enquired how he came m the power of the enemy. "By the fate of wa , he re- plied ; I was taken in an action on York Island, carried on board a prison-ship in New-York, and sent with a number of oth- ers 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. Alon- zo had not before discovered that he had lost his leg: he now found that it had been taken oiF close to his body, and that he was worn to skeleton. When Beauman revi- ved, he enquired into Alonzo's affairs. A- 168 ALONZ9 AND MELISSA. lonzo related all th-at bad happened to him after leaving New London. "You are unhappy, Alonzo, said Beau- man, in the death of your Melissa, to which it is possible I have beeo, un designedly ac- cessory. I could say much on the subject, would my strength permit ; but it is need- less. She is gone, and I must soon go also. She was sent to her uncle's at Charleston, by her father, where I was soon to follow her. It was supposed that thus widely re- moved from all access to your company, she would yield to the persuasion of her friends to renounce you: her unexpected death, however, frustrated every design of this nature, and overwhelmed her father and family in inexpressible woe." Here Beauman ceased. Alonzo found he wanted rest : he enquired whether he was in want of any thing to render him more comfortable. Beauman replied that he was not : "For the comforts of this life, said he. 1 have no relish ; medical aid is applied, but without effect." Alonzo then left him, promising to call again in the mor- ning. When Alonzo called the next morning, he perceived an alarming alteration in Beau- man. His extremities were cold, a chil- ling, clammy sweat stood upon his face, his respiration was short and interrupted, his ALONZO AND MELISSA. 169 pulse weak and intermitting. He took the hand of Alonzo, and feebly pressing it, "1 am dying, said he in a faint voice. If ever you return to America, inform my friends of my fate." This Alonzo readily enga- ged to do, and told him also that he would not leave him. Beauman soon fell into a stupor; sensa- tion became suspended ; his eyes rolled up and fixed. Sometimes a partial revival would take place, when he would fall into incoherent muttering, calling on the names of his deceased father, his mother and Me- lissa; his voice dying away in imperfect moanings, till his lips continued to move without sound. Towards night he lay si- lent, and only continued to breathe with difficulty, till a slight convulsion gave the freed spirit to the unknown regions of im- material existence. Alonzo followed his remains to the grave : a natural stone was placed at its head, on which Alonzo, unob- served, carved the initials of the deceas- ed's name, with the date of his death, and left him to moulder with his native dust. A few days after this event, Jack Brown informed A'onzo that he had procured the means o his escape. A person with whom I am acquainted, said he, and whom I sup- pose to be a smuggler, has agreed to carry you to France. There, by application to 15 170 ALONZO AND MELISSA. the American minister, you will be enabled to get to your own country, if that is your object. About midnight I will pilot you on board, and by to-morrow's sun you may be m France." At the time appointed, Jack set out, rearing a large trunk on his shoulder, and directed Alonzo to follow him. They pro- ceeded down to a quay, and went on board a small skiff. " Here, said Jack to the cap- tain, is the gentleman T spoke to you a- bout," and delivered him the trunk. Then taking Alonzo aside, " in that trunk, said he, are a few changes of linen, and here is something to help you till you can help yourself." So saying, he slipped ten guin- eas into his hand. Alonzo expressed his gratitude with tears. " Say nothing, said Jack, we were born to help each other in distress, and may Jack never weather a storm or splice a rope, if he permits a fel- low creature to suffer with want while he has a luncheon on board." He then shook Alonzo by the hand, wishing him a good voyage, and went whistling away. The skiff soon sailed, and the next morning A- lonzo was landed in France. Alonzo pro- ceeded immediately to Paris, not with a Hew of returning to America ; he had yet ao relish for revisiting the land of his sor- rows, the scenes where at every step his ALONZO AND MELISSA. 171 heart must bleed afresh, though to bleed it had never ceased. But he was friendless in a strange land : perhaps, through the aid of the American minister, Dr. Franklin, to whose fame Alonzo was no stranger, he might be placed in a situation to procure bread, which was all he at present hoped or wished. . He therefore presented himself before the doctor, whom he found in his study. To be informed that he was an American and unfortunate, was sufficient to arouse the feelings of Franklin. He desired Alon- zo to be seated, and to recite his history. This he readily complied with, not conceal- ing his attachment to Melissa, her father's barbarity, her death in consequence, his own father's failure, with all the particu- lars of his leaving America, his capture, es- cape from prison, and arrivalin France ; as also the town of his nativity, the name of his father, and the particular circumstances of his family ; concluding by expressing his unconquerable reluctance to return to his native country, which now would be to him only a gloomy wilderness, and that his pres- ent object was only some means of support. The doctor enquired of Alonzo the par- ticular circumstances and time of his fa- .her's failure. Of this Alonzo gave him a ninute account. Franklin then sat in deep 172 ALONZO AND Mt^iSSA. contemplation for the space of fifteen min- ates, without speaking a word. He theu took his pen, wrote a short note, directed t, and gave it to Alonzo : " Deliver this, said he, to the person to whom it is direct- ed ; he will find you employment, until something mo3 favourable may offer." Alonzo took the note, thanked the doc- tor, and went in search of the person to whom it was addressed. He soon found the house, which was situated in one of the most popular streets in Paris. He knock- ed at the door, which was opened by an elderly looking man : Alonzo enquired for the name to whom the note was addressed. The gentleman informed him that he was the man. Alonzo presented him the note, which having read, he desired him to walk in, and ordered supper. After supper he informed Alonzo that he was an English bookseller ; that he should employ him as a clerk, and desired to know what wages he demanded. . Alonzo replied that he should submit that to him, being unacquainted with the customary salary of clerks in that line of business. The gentleman told him that the matter should be arranged the next day. His name was Grafton. The next morning Mr. Grafton took A- lonzo into his bookstore, and gave him his instrifctions His business was to sell the ALONZO AND MELISSA. 173 books to customers, and a list of prices was given him for that purpose. Mr. Grafton counted out twenty crowns and gave them to Alonzo : " You may want some necessa- ries, said he ; and as you have set no prict on your services, we shall not differ about the wages if you are attentive and faithful." Alonzo gave his employer no room to complain ; nor had he any reason to be dis- contented with his situation. Mr. Graf- ton regularly advanced him twenty crowns at the commencement of every month, and boarded him in his family. Alonzo dressed himself in deep mourning. He sought no company ; he found consolation only in sol- itude, if consolation it could be called. As he was walking out early one morn- ing, he discovered something lying in the street, which he at first supposed to be a small piece of silk : he took it up and found it to be a curiously wrought purse, contain- ing a few guineas with some small pieces of silver, and something at the bottom care- fully wrapped in a piece of paper ; he un- folded it, and was thunderstruck at behold- ing an elegant miniature of Melissa ! Hei sweetly pensive features, her expressive countenance, her soul-enlivening eye ! The shock was almost too powerful for his senses Wildered in a maze of wonders, he knew not what to conjecture. Melissa's 15* 174 ALONZO AND MELISSA. miniature found in the streets of Paris, af- cr she had some time been dead ! He riewed it, he clasped it to his bosom. " Such, said he, did she appear, ere the coi'- roding cankers of grief had blighted he; heavenly charms! By what providential miracle am I possessed of the likeness, when the original is no more ? What benevo- 'ent angel has taken pity on my sufferings, jid conveyed to me this inestimable prize?'* But though he had thus become possess- ed of what he esteemed most valuable, what right had he to withhold it from the lawful owner, could the owner indeed be found ? Perhaps the person who had lost it would part with it ; perhaps the money contained in the purse was of more value to that person than the miniature. At any rate, justice required that he should endea- vour to find to whom it belonged : this he might do by advertising, which he immedi- ately concluded upon, resolving, should the owner appear, to purchase the miniature, ;_; possibly within his power. Passing into another street, he saw several hand-bills stuck up on the walls of houses stepping up to one, he read as follows : " Lost, between the hours of nine and ten last evening, in the Rue de Loir, a small silk purse, containing a few pieces of money, and a lady's miniature. One hundred ALONZO AND MELISSA. 175 erowns will be given to the person who Ljay 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 of- fered, AloLzo was convinced that the minia- ture belonged to some person who set a value upon it. Determined to explicate the mystery, he proceeded immediately to the place, found the room mentioned in the bill, and knocked at the door. A servant appeared of whom Alonzo enquired for the lodger. The servant answered him in French, which Alonzo did not understand : he replied in his own language, but found it was unintelligible to the servaut. A grave middle aged gentleman then came to the door from within the room and en- ded their jabbering at each other: he, in the English language, desired Alonzo to walk in. It was an apartment neatly fur- uished ; no person was therin 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 176 ALONZO AND MELISSA. writing had hitherto taken no notice of what had passed; bui at the sound of A- lonzo's voice, aftei he had entered the room, he started and turned about, aid at mention of the miniature, he rose up. A- lonzo fixed his eyes upon him : they both stood for a few moments silent: for a short time their recollection was confused and imperfect, but the mists of doubt were soon dissipated. "Edgar !" " Alonzo!" they alternately exclaimed. It was indeed Ed- gar, the early friend and fellow student of Alofizo the brother of Melissa! In an in- stant they were in each others arms. Edgar and Alonzo retired to a separate room. Edgar informed Alonzo that, the news of Melissa's death reached him, by a letter from his father, while with the army; that he immediately procured a furlough, and visited his father, whom, with his moth- er, he found in inconsolable distress. ' 4 The letter which my uncle had written, said Ed- gar, announcing her death, mentioned with what patience and placidity she endured her malady, and with what calmness and resig- nation she met tue approach of death. Her last moments, like her whole life, were un- ruffled and serene. She is in heaven Alon- zo she is an a~gel m Swelling grief here choaked the utterance of Edgar; for some ALONZO AND MELISSA. 177 time he could proceed no farther, and Alon- so, with bursting bosom, mingled his tears. "My father, resumed Edgar, bent 0*1 uniting her to Beauman or at least of prevent- ing her union with you, had removed her to a desolate family mansion, and placed her under the care of an aunt. At that place, he either suspected, on really discov- ered that you had recourse to her while my aunt was absent on business. She was there- fore no longer entrusted to the care of her aunt, but my father immediately formed and executed the plan of sending her to his brother in South Carolina, under pretence of restoring her to health by change of cli- mate, as her health in reality had began rapidly to decay. There it was designed that Beauman should shortly follow her, with recommendations from my father to her uncle, urging him to use all possible means which might tend to persuade her to become the wife of Beauraan. But change of climate only encreased the load of sor- rows, and she soon sunk beneath them. The letter mentioned nothing of her trou- bles: possibly my uncle's family knew nothing of them : to them, probably, * She never tM her love, But sat like Patience on a monument j Smiling at grief; w' i-leead cuRoealiaaat. Like a worm 'n the bun, T ' Vod oil her damask oh&ok. " 178 ALONZO AND MELISSA. " My father's distress was excessive : of ten did he accuse himself of barbarity, and he once earnestly expressed a wish that hft had consented to her union with you. My father, I know, is parsimonious, but he sin- cerely loved his children. Inflexible as is his nature, the untimely death of a truly af- fectionate and only daughter will, I much fear, precipLate him, and perhaps my moth- er also, to a speedy grave. "As soon as my feelings would permit, I repaired to your father's, and made enquiry concerning you. I ^und your parents con- tent in their humble state, except that your father had been ill, but was recovering. Of you they had heard nothing since your de- parture, and they deeply lamented your ab- sence. And from Vincent I could obtain no farther information. * Sick of the world, I returned to the ar- my. An American consul was soon to sail for Holland : I solicited and obtained the appointment of secretary. I hoped by vis- iting distant countries, in some measure to relieve my mind from the deep melancholy with :vhich it was oppressed. We were to proceed first to Paris, where we have been a few days ; to-morrow we are to depart for Holland. The consul is the man who introduced vou into the room where yon found me- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 179 "Last evening I lost the miniature I suppose you have found: the chain lo which it was suspended around my neck, had broken while I was walking the street I carefully wrapped it in paper and deposit ed it in my purse, which I probably drop- ped on replacing it in my pocket, and did riot discover the loss until this morning. I immediately made diligent search, but not finding it, I put up bills of advertisement The likeness was taken in my sister's hap- piest days. After I had entered upon ray professional studies in New- York, I became acquainted with a miniature painter. wLo took my likeness. He afterwards went in- to the country, and as I found he was to pass near my father's, I engaged him to call there and take my sister's likeness also, We exchanged them soon after. It was dear to me, even while the original remrfin- ed ; but since she is gone it has become a most precious and valuable relique." All the tender powers of Alonzon's soul were called into action by Edgar's recital. The " days of other years" the ghosts of sepulchered blessings, passed in painful re- view. Added to these, the penurious con- dition of his parents, his father's recent ill- ness. and his probable inability to procure the bread of his family, all tended more tle^pJy to sink his spirits in the gulf of uiel ISO ALONZO AND MELISSA. ancholy and misery. He however informed Edgar of all that had hapened since they parted at Vincent's respecting the old man- sion Melissa's extraordinary disappearance therefrom, the manner in which he was in- formed of her death, his departure from A- meica, capture, escape, Beauman's death, arrival in France, and his finding the mini- ature. To Edgar as well as Alonzo, Me- lissa sudden and unaccountable removal from the mansion was mysterious and inex- plicable. As Edgar was to depart eany m*> next morning, they neither slept nor separated that night. " If it were not for your reluctance to re- visit your native country, said Edgar, I should urge you to accompany me io Hol- land, and thence return with me to Ameri- ca. Necessity and duty require that I should not be long absent, as my parents want my 'assistance, and they are now childless.' 7 " Suffer me, answered Alonzo, to bury myself in this city for the present : should I ever again awake to real life, I will seek ou out if you are on the earth ; but now, can only be a companion to my miseries." The next morning as they were about to depart, Alonzo took Melissa's miniature from his bosom, contemplated the picture a few moments with ardent emotioa, and I ALONZO AND MELISSA. 181 presented it to Edgar. " Keep it, said Kd- gar, it is thine. I bestow it upon thee as I would the original, had not death become the rival of thy love, and my affection. Suffer not the sacred symbol too tenderly to renew your sorrows. How swiftly, A- lonzo, does this restless life fleet away ! How soon shall we pass the barriers of ter- restrial existence ! Let us live worthy of ourselves, of our holy religion, of Melissa Melissa, whom, when a few more suns have arisen and set, we shall meet in re- gions where all tears shall be eternally wip- ed from every eye." With what unspeakable sensibilities we-, it returned to Alonzo's bosom ! Edgar of- fered Alonzo pecuniary assistance, which the latter refused: "I am in business, said he, which brings me a decent support, and that is sufficient." They agreed to. write each other as frequently as possible, and tLen affectionately parted : Edgar sailed for Holland, and Alonzo returned to his busi- ness at Mr. Grafton'^ Some time after this Alonzo received a message from Dr. Franklin, requiring his attendance at his house, which summons he immediately obeyed. The doctor introduc- ed him into his study, and after being seat- ed, he earnestly viewed Alonzo for some time, and thus addressed him : 16 182 ALONZO AND MELISSA. * Young man, your views, your resolu- tions, and your present conduct, are totally wrong. Disappointment, you say, has driv- en you from your native country. Disap- pointment in what ? In obtaining the object on which you most doated. And suppose this object had been obtained, would your happiness have been complete ? Your own reason, if you coolly consult it. will convince you of the contrary. Do you not remem- ber when an infant, how you cried, and teazed your nurse, or your parents, for a rattle, or some gay trinket ? Your whole soul was fixed upon the enchanting bauble; but when obtained, you soon cast it a*vay, and sighed as earnestly for some other tii- fle, some new toy. Thus it is through life; the fancied value of an object ceases with the attainment; it becomes familiar, and its charm is lost. " Was it the splendours of beauty which enraptured you? Sickness may, and age must destroy the symmetry of the most fin- ished form the brilliancy of the finest fea- tures. Was it the graces of the mind ? 1 teil you, that by familiarity, these allure- ments are lost, and the mind, left vacant, turns to some other source to supply caeuuvi. " Stripped of all their intrinsic value, how poor how vain, and how worthless, are ihos^ things we name pleasures, and enjoyment* ALONZO AND MELISSA. 183 " Besides, the attainment of your wishes might have been the death of your hopes. If my reasoning is correct, the ardency of your passion might have closed with the pursuit An every day suit, however rich and costly the texture, is soon worn thread- hare. On your part, indifference would con- sequently succeed : o-n the part of your partner, disappointment, jealousy, and dis- gust. What might follow is needless for me to name j your soul must shudder at the idea of conjugal infidelity ! " But admitting the most favourable con- sequences; turn the brightest side of the picture; admitting as much happiness as the connubial state will allow : how might your bosom have been wounded by the sick- ness and death of your children, or their disorderly, and disobedient conduct ! You must know also, that the warmth of youth- ful passion must soon cease, arid it is mere- ly a hazardous chance whether friendship will supply the absence of affection. u 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 whic-h you esteem so great an affliction, ::br your greatest good, and most essential advantage. And suffer me to tell you, that in all my observations on life, I have always found that those con- 184 ALONZO AND MELISSA. nections which were formed from inordi- nate passion, or what some would call pure affection, have been ever the most unhap- py. Examine the varied circles of society, you will there see this axiom demonstrat- ed ; you will there see how few among the sentimentally refined are even apparently at ease; while those, insusceptible of what you name tender attachments, or who re- ceive them only as things of course, plod on through life, without even experiencing the least inconvenience from a want of the pleasures they are supposed to bestow, or the pains they are sure to create. Beware, then, my son, beware of yielding the heart to the effeminacies of passion. Ex- quisite sensibilities are ever subject to ex- quisite inquietudes. Counsel with correct reason, place entire dependence on the SUPREME, and the triumph of fortitude and resignation will be yours." Franklin paused. His reasonings, how- ever they convinced the understanding, could not heal the wounds of Alonzo's bosom. In Melissa he looked for as much happiness as earth could afford, nor could he see any prospect in life which could repair the loss he had sustained. " You have, resumed the philosopher, de- serted an indulgent father, a fond and ten- der mother, who must want your aid ; now, ALON2.0 AND MELISSA. 1M> perhaps, unable to toil for bread ; now, pos sibly laid upon the bed of sickness, calling, iii anguish or delirium, for the filial hand of their only sen to administer relief." AH the parental feelings of Alonzo were now called into poignant action, " You have left a country, bleeding at every pore, des- oJated 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 in-glorious 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 o . Alonzo, and he voluntarily ex- claimed, '" I will go to the relief of my pa- rents I will fly to the defence of my coun- try!" "In former days, continued Franklin, i was well acquainted with your father. As soon as you informed me of his failure, I wrote to my correspondent in England, and tound, as I expected,, that he had been over- reached by swindler? and sharpers. The pretended failure of the merchants with whom he was in company, was all a sham, as, arlso the reported loss of the ships in their employ. The merchants fled to England : 186 ALONZO AND MELISSA. I have had them arrested, 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 in- terests, when legally stated, he will receive of my agent in Philadelphia, to whom I shall transmit sufficient documents by you, and I shall advance you a sum equal to the ex- penses of your voyage, which will be liqui- dated by the said agent. A ship sails in a few days from Havre, for Savannah in Georgia : it would, indeed, be more con- venient were she bound to some more north- ern port, but I know of no other which will sail for any part of America for some time. In her therefore I would advise you to take passage : it is not very material on what part of the continent you are landed; you will soon reach Philadelphia, transact your business, restore your father to his property, and be ready to serve your country." If any thing could have given Alonzo con- solation, it must have been this noble, gen- erous and disinterested conduct of the great Franklin in favour of his father, by which his family were restored to ease and to in- dependence. Ah ! had this but have hap- pened in time to save a life far dearer than nis o vn ! The reflection was too painful. The idea, ho\yeyer, of giving joy to his aged ALONZO AND MELISSA. 187 parents, hastened his departure. Furnished with proper documents and credentials from Franklin, his benefactor, ke took leave of him, with the warmest expressions of grati- tude, 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 Charles- ton, his bosom swelled with mournful recol- lections. He arrived in that city in the af- ternoon, and at evening he walked out, and entered a little ale house, which stood near the iarge burial ground. An elderly woman and two small children were the only per- sons in the house, except himself. After calling for a pint of ale, he enquired of the old lady, if Col D , (Melissa's uncle) did not live near the city. She informed him that he resided about a mile from the town, where he had an elegant seat, and that he was very rich. " Was there not a young lady, asked A- lonzo, who died there about eighteen months ago ?" " La me ! said she, did you know her ? Yes r, and a sweeter or more handsome la- dy the sun never shined on. And then she was so good, so patient in her sickness. Poer, dear distretBed j*irl, she pined away 188 ALONZO AND. MELISSA. to skin and bones before she died. She was not Col. D 's daughter, only some- how 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 irame of the place; it is a crabbed name thought " Connecticut, was it not ? " said Alonzo. " yes, that was it, repl-ied she- Dear roe ! then you knew her, did you, sir ? Well, we have not her like left in Charles- ton, that we han't; and then there was such ado at her funeral ; five hundred peo- ple, I dare say, with eight young ladies for pall-bearers, all dressed in white, with black ribbons, and all the bells tolling." " Where was she buried?" enquired A- lonzo. " In the church-yard right before our door, she answered. My husband is the sexton ; he put up her large white marble tomb-stones; they are the largest and whitest in the whole burying-ground ; and so, indeed, they ought to be, for never was there a person who deserved them more." Tired with the old woman's garrulity, and with a bosom bursting with anguish, Alonzo paid for his ale without drinking it, bade her good night, and slowly proceeded to the church-yard. The moon, in full lus- tre, shone with solemn, silvery ray, on the ALONZO AND MELISSA. 189 sacred piles, and funeral monuments of the sacred dead; the wind murmured mourn- fully among fhe weeping willows; a solita- ry nightingale* sang plaintively in the dis- tant forest ; and a whippoorwill, Melissa's favourite bird, whistled near the portico of the ehurch. The large white tomb-stones soon caught the eye of Aloiizo. He ap- proashed them with tremulous step, and with feelings too agitated for description Cn 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, ard whose ethereal part became a seraph, October 26, 1776, In the 18th year of her age. Alonzo bent, kneeled, he prostrated him- self, he clasped the greea turf which enclo- sed her grave, he watered it with his tears, he warmed it with his sighs. "Where art thou, bright beam of heavenly light! he said. Come to rrvy troubled soul, blessed spirit ! Come, holy shade ! come in all thy native loveliness, and cheer the bosom *This bird, though not an inhabitant of the northe-n states, u frequently to be aoot with in Georgia and the Carolina*. 190 ALONZO AND MELISSA. of wretchedness, by thy grief dispersing smile ! On the ray of yon evening st'ir de- scend. One moment leave the celestial regions of glory leave, one moment, thy sisler beatitudes, and glide, ii\ entrancing beauty, before me: wave, benignly ivave thy white hand, and assuage the anguish of despairing sorrow! Alas! in vain my in- vocation ! A cu-rtain, impenetrable, is drawn betwixt me and thee, only to be, disclosed by the dissolution of nature." He arose and walked away : suddenly he stopped. "Yet. said he, if spirits depart- ed lose not the power of recollection ; if they have knowledge of present evehts on earth, Melissa cannot have forgotten me she must pity mo." He returned to thjg grave; he took her miniature from his bo- som ; he held it up, and earnestly viewed it by me moon's pale ray. "Ah, Franklin ! he exclaimed, how ten- derly does she beam her lovely eye upon me ! How often have I drank delicious exr tacy from the delicacy of those unrivalled charms! How often have they taught me to anticipate superlative and uninterrupted Hiss ! Mistake:* and delusive hope ! [rc- iwrning the miniature to his bosom.} Vain and presumptous assurance. Then [ poin- ting to the grave] there behold how my dearest wishes, my fondest expectations are ALONZO AND MELISSA. 191 realized ! Hallowed turf! lie lightly on her bosom ! Sacred willows ! sprinkle the dews gently over her grave, while the mour- ning breezes sigh sadly amid your branches! Here may the "widowed wild rose love to bloom!" Here may the first placid beams of morni-ng delight to linger ; from hence, the evening ray reluctantly withdraw! And when the final trump shall renovate and arouse the sleeping saint; when on "buoyant step" she soars to glory, may our meeting spirits join in beatifick transport ! May my enraptured ear catch the first ho- ly whisper of her consecrated lips." Alonzo having thus poured out the effu- sions of an overcharged heart, pensively re- turned 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 Ameri- can army. Alonzo was too deeply absorb- ed in melancholy reflection, to notice pass- ing incidents, until a young officer came, seated himself by him, and enteied into conversation respecting the events of the. war. He appeared to be about Alonzo's age; his person was interesting, his man- ners sprightly, his observations correct. \lonzo was, in some degiee, aroused from his abstractedness; the manners of the 192 ALONZO AND MELISSA. stranger pleased him. His frankness, his ease, his understanding, his urbanity, void of vanity or sophistication, sympathetically caught the feelings of Alonzo, and he even felt a sort of solemn regret when the stran- ger departed. He soon retired to bed, de- termining to proceed early in the morning. He arose about daylight ; the horizon was overcast, and it had begun to rain, which before sunrise had encreased to a vi- olent storm. He found therefore that he must content himself to stay until it was over, which did not happen till near night, and too late to pursue his journey. He wa informed by the inn-keeper, that the theatre, which had been closed since the commencement of the \> r ar, was to be open- ed that night only, with 'the tragedy of Gus- tttvuSj and close with a representation of Burgoyne's capture, and some other recent events of the American war. To " wing the hours with swifter speed," Alonzo de- termined to go to the theatre, and at the hour appointed he repaired thither. As he was proceeding to take his seat, he passed the box where sat the young offi- cer, whose manners had so prepossessed him the preceding evening at the inn. He immediately arose : they exchanged saluta- tions, and Alonzo walked on and took his seat. The evening was warm, rajd the ALONZO AND MELISSA. 193 house exceedingly crowded. After the tra gedy was through, and before the after- piece commenced, the young officer came to Alonzo's box, and made some remarks oa the merit of the actors. While they were discoursing, a bustle took place in one part of the house, r.nd several people gath- ered around a box, at a little distance from them. The officer turned, left Alonzo, and hastened to the place. To the general en- quiry, " what's the matter ? w it was answer- ed, that "a lady had fainted." She was led out, and the tumult subsided. As soon as the after-piece was closed, Alonzo returned to the inn. As he passed along he cast his eyes toward the church- yard, where lay the " wither'd blessings of his richest joys.' Affection, passion, in- clination, urged him to go and breathe a farewell sigh, to drop a final tear over the grave of Melissa. Discretion, reason, wis- dom 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 b's bed. On taking it up he found it to be Young's Night Thoughts -, a book which, in happier days, had boen the solaee of many a gloomy, ma- ny a lucid hour. He took * up and the 17 M 194 ALONZO AND MELISSA. first lines he cast his eyes upon were the following : " Sons, beauty, youth, love, virtue, joy: this group Of bright ideas flowers of Paradise, As yet unforfeit ! in one blaze we bind. Kneel, and present it to the skies ; as all We guess of Heaven ! And these were all her own And she was mine, and I was was most blest Like blossom'd trees o'erturn'd by vernal storm, Lovely in death the beauteous ruin lay Ye that e'er lost an angel, pity me." His tears fell fast upon the book ! He re- placed it and flung himself into bed. Sleep was far from him ; he closed not his eyes till the portals of light were unbarred in the east, when he fell into interrupted slumbers. When he awoke, the morning was con- siderably advanced. He arose. One con- solation was yet left to see his parents happy. He went down to order his car- riage ; his favourite stranger, the young offi- cer, was in waiting, and requested a private interview. They immediately retired to a separate room, when the stranger thus ad- dressed Alonzo : " From our short acquaintance, you may, sir, consider it singular that I should at- tempt to scrutinize your private concerns, and more extraordinary you may esteem it, when I inform you of my reasons for so do- ing Judging, however, from appearances, I have no doubt of your candour. If my ALONZO AND MELISSA. 195 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 1" U I am," an- swered Alonzo. " I presume, said the stran- ger the question is a delicate one I pre- sume your family is respectable 1" " Sa- credly so," replied Alonzo. " Are you mar- ried, sir ?" " I am not, and have ever been single." " Have you any prospects of connecting in marriage ?" " I have not, sir." " I may then safely proceed, said the stranger; I trust you will hear me atten- tively ; you will judge maturely ; you will decide correctly, and I am confident that you will answer me sincerely. "A young lady of this city, with whom I am well acquainted, and to whom, indeed, I am distantly related, whose father is af- fluent; whose connections are eminently respectable, whose manners are engaging, whose mind is virtue, whose elegance of form and personal beauty defy competition, is the cause, sir, of this mission. Early in troduced into the higher walks of life, she has passed the rounds of fashionable compa- ny ; numberless suitors sighed for her hand, whom she complaisantly dismissed without disobliging, as her heart had not yet been 196 ALONZO AND MELISSA. touched by the tender passion of love. Sur- prising as it may, however, seem, it is now about six months since she saw in her dream the youth who possessed the power to in- spire her with this passion. In her dream she saw a young gentleman whose interest- ing manners and appearance, impressed her so deeply that she found she must be un~ happy without him. She thought it was in a mixed company she saw him, but that she could not get an opportunity to speak to bim. It seemed that if she could but speak with him, all difficulties would at once here- moved. At length he approached her, and .'ust ashe was about to address her, sfee awoke. ' This extraordinary dream she had com- municated to several of her acquaintance. Coafident that she should some time or ether behold the real person whose sem- blance she had seen in her dream, she has never since been perfectly at ease in her mind. Her father, who has but two chil- dren, one beside herself, being dotingly fond of her, has promised that if ever she insets this unknown stranger, he will not oppose their uniow, provided he is respectable, and that, if worthy of her hand, he will make him independent. On my return from the inn the evening I first saw you, I told my sister I beg par- don, sir 1 was wandering from my sub- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 197 ject a.'ter I first met you at the Jn&, I fell in company with the lady, and in a rallying way told her that 1 had seen her invisible feeaw, as we used to call the gentleman o f the dream. I superficially described you. person, and descanted a little on the em- bellishments 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 llow- ed me, but no sooner had they rested on you, than she fainted ! This was the cause of my leaving 5 ou so abruptly, and not re- turning. We conveyed her home, when she informed me that you was the person she had seen in her dieam ! "To me only, she preferred disclosing the circumstance at present, for reasons which must be obvious to your understanding.- Even her father and mother are not infci- med of it, and should my mission prove un- successful, none except you, sir, she an sir, wher I teJi 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 si- lent, but their eyes spoke sympathy, and they parted Alonzo immediately prepared, and was soon ready to depart. As he was stepping into his carriage, he saw the young officer returning. As jie carne up, "I must 1 detai/i you a few moments longer, he said, and I will give you no farther trouble. You will recollect thai the lady about whom I have so much teazed you, when she became ac- quainted with you in her dream, believed that if she could speak with you, all diffi- culties would be removed. Conscious that this may be the case, (for with all her ac- complishments 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 cculd give her your heart. Nor was she willing you should know that she made this request, but wished me f o intr&tiiace you, as it were by stratagem. Confident, how- ever, that you would thus far yield to the caprice of a lady, I chose to tell you the 202 ALONZO AND MELISSA. truth. She resides near by, and it will not hinder you long." " It is capriciousness in the extreme," thought Alonzo ; but he told the stranger he would accompany him who immediate- ly stepped into the carriage, and they drove, by his direction, to an elegant house in a street at a little distance, and alight- ed. As they entered the house, a servant handed the stranger a note, which he hasti- ly looked over : " Tell the gentleman I will wait on him in a moment," said he to the servant, who instantly withdrew. Turning to Alonzo, " a person is in waiting, said he, on urgent business ; excuse me, therefore, if it is with reluctance I retire a few mo- ments, after I have announced you ; I will soon again be with you." They then ascended a flight of stairs : the stranger opened the door of a chamber " The gentleman I mentioned to you mad- am," he said. Alonzo entered ; the stran- ger closed the door and retired. The laiy ;vas sitting by a window at the lower end of the room, but arose as Alonzo was announc- ed. She was dressed in sky-blue silk, em- broidered with spangled lace ; a gemmed tiara gathered her hair, from which was suspended a green veil, according to the mode of those times ; a silken girdle, with diamond clasps, surrounded her waist, and ALONZO AND MELISSA. 203 a brilliant sparkled upon her bosom, "The sti anger ' Description was not exaggerated, thought Alonzo; for, except one, I have never seen a more elegant figure :" and he almost wished the veil removed, that he might behold her features. "You will please to be seated, sir ? shs said. I know not how I feel an incon- ceivable diffidence in making an excuse for the inconveniences my silly caprices have given you." Enchanting melody was in her voice! Alonzo knew not why, but it thrilled his bosom, electrified his soul, and vibrated ev- ery nerve of his heart. Confused and hur- ried sensations, melancholy, yet pleasing ; transporting as the recurrence of youthfu) joys, enrapturing as dreams of early child- hood, passed in rapid succession over his imagination ! She advanced towards him and turned aside her veil. Her eyes were suffused, and tears streamed down her cheeks. Alonzo started his whole frame shook he gasped for breath ! " Melissa ! he convulsively exclaimed, God of infinite wonders, it is Melissa!" Again will the incidents 'of our history produce a pause. Our sentimental readers will experience a recurrence of sympathet- ic sensibilities, and will attend more ea 204 ALONZO AND MELISSA, gerly to the final scene of our drama. " Melissa alive !" may they say " impossi- ble ! 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 tes- timony of her brother Edgar sufficient to seal the truth of all this ? Did not the sex- ton's wife who knew not Alonzo, corrobo- rate it? And did not Alonzo finally read her name, her age, and the time of her death, on her tomb-stone, which exactly accorded with the publication of her death in the papers, and his own knowledge of her age ? And is not this sufficient to prove, clearly and incontestibly prove, that she is dead? And yet here she is again, in all her primitive beauty and splendour ! TSo, this surely can never be. However the author may succeed in his description, n painting reanimated nature, he is no ma- gician, or if he is, he cannot raise the dead. " Melissa has long since mouldered into dust 5 and he has raised up some female Martin Guerre, or Thomas Hoag some person, from whose Dear resemblance to the deceased, he thinks to impose upon us and upo n . Alonzo also, for Melissa. But it ALONZO AND MELISSA. 205 will not do ; it must be the identical Me- lissa herself, or it might as well be heir likeness in a marble statue. What ! caj Alonzo realize the delicacies, the tender ness, the blandishments of Melissa in another 7 Can her substitute point him to Jie rock on New London beach, the bower en her favourite hill, or so feelingly describe the charms of nature 1 Can he, indeed, find in her representative those alluring graces, that pensive sweetness, those unri- valled virtues and matchless worth which he found in Melissa, and which attracted, fixed and secured the youngest affections of his soul ? Impossible ! Or could the author even make it out that Alonzo was deceived by a person so nearly resembling Melissa that he could not distinguish the difference, yet to his readers he must un- veil the deception, and, of course, the story will end in disappointment ; it will leave an unpleasant and disagreeable impression on the mind of the reader, which in novel writing is certainly wrong. It is provec" as clearly as facts can prove, that he hav 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 18 206 ALONZO AND MEI ISSA. facts ? Shall we disguise or discolour trutl to please your taste 1 Have we not tolt you that disappointments are the lot of life ^ Have we not, according to the advice of ihe moralist, led Alonzo to the temple of philosophy, the shrine of reason, and the sanctuary of religion ? If all these fail if in these Alonzo cannot find a balsam sufficienl to heal his wounded bosom ; then if, in des pite of graves and tomb-stones, Melissa \yill come to his relief will pour the balm ot consolation over his anguished soul, cynical critic, can the author help it? It was indeed Melissa, the identical Me- lissa, whom Alonzo ascended a tree to catch a last glimpse of, as she walked up the ave- nue to the old mansion, after they had part- ed at the draw-bridge, on the morning of the day when she was so mysteriously re- moved. "Melissa!" "Alonzo!" were all they could articulate : and frown not, my fair readers, if we tell you that she was instantly in his arms, while he pressed his ardent lips to her glowing cheek. ' Sneer not, ye callous hearted insensibles, ye fastidious prudes, if we inform you that their tears fell in one intermingling shower, that their sighs wafted in one blended breeze. The sudden opening of the door aroused them to a sense of their improper situa- ion ; for who but must consider it impni- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 207 M* Vi find a foung lady locked in the arms 01 a gentleman to whom she had just been mtru iuced ? The opening of the door, therefore, -caused them quickly to change their position ; not so hastily, however, but that the young officer who then entered the room had a glimpse of their situation. " Aha ! said he, hav r e I caught you ? Is my philosophic Plato so soon metamorphosed to a bo?i ton enamarato ? But a few hours ago, sir, and you were proof against the \vhol-e arcana of beauty, and all the artille- ry of the graces ; but no sooner are you for one moment tete a tete with a fashionable belle, than your heroism and your resolu- *ions are vanquished, your former ties dis- solved, and your deceased charmer totally forgotten or neglected, by the virtue of a single glance. Well, so it is : Amor mncit omnia is my motto ; to thee all conquering beauty, our firmest determinations must bow, I cannot censure you for discovering, though late, that one living object is really of more intrinsic value than two dead ones, indeed, sir, I cannot but applaud your de- termination." " The laws of honour, said Alonzo, smil- ing, compel me to submit to become the sub- ject of your raillery and deception ; I am in your power." " I acknowledge, said the officer, that I 208 ALONZO AND MELISSA. have a little deceived you, my story was fiction founded on truth the novel style : but for the deceptive part, you may thank your little gipsey of a nymph there, point- pg to Melissa ; she planned and I execut- ed." " How ready you gentleman are, replied Melissa, when accused of impropriety, to cast the blame on the defenceless! So it was with our first parents, and so it is still. But you must remember that Alonzo is yet to hear my story ; there, sir, I have the ad- vantage of you." " Then I confess, said he, looking at A- lonzo, you will be too hard for me, and so I will say no more about it." Melissa then introduced the young officer to Alonzo, by the appellation of Capt. Wil- mot. " He is the son of my deceased un- cie, said she, a cousin to whom I am much indebted, as you shall hereafter know." 1 coach drove up to the door, which Melissa informed Alonzo was her uncle's, and was sent to convey Alfred and her home. '* You will have no objection to breakfast with me at my uncle's, said Alfred, if it be only to keep our cousin Melissa in counte- nance. Alonzo did not hesitate to accept the invi- tation : They immediately therefore enter- ed the coach, a servant took care of Alon- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 20& zo's carriage, and they drove to the seat of CoL D , who> with his family, received .Alonzo with much friendship and poHtfr- ness. Alfred had apprized them of Aloii- zo's arrival in town y and of course he waa expected. Col. D was about fifty years old, his manners were majestically grave and com- manding, yet polished and polite. His fam- ily consisted of an amiable wife, considera- bly younger than himself, and three chil- dren ; the eldest son, about ten years of age, and two daughteis, one seven, the otliet four years old. Harmony and cheerfulness . reigned in his family, which diffused tran- quillity and ease to its members and its guests. It was agreed that Alonzo should pass ?. few days at the house of Melissa's uncle when Melissa was to accompany him to Connecticut. Alfred, with some other offi- cers., was recruiting for the army, where his regiment then lay, and which he was shortly to join. He could not, therefore, be constantly at his uncle's, though he was principally there while Aionzo staid : but being absent the day after his arrival, Me- lissa and Alonzo having retired to a room separate from the family, she gave him the following accourt of what, happened afte* they had parted at the old mansion. 18* N 210 ALONZO AND MELISSA. u The morning after you left me, she said< John came to the bridge and called to be let in : I immediately went to the gate, opened it, and let down the bridge. John informed me that my aunt had suddenly and unexpectedly arrived that morning in company with a strange gentleman, and that he had come for the keys, as my aunt was to visit the mansion that day. I strove to persuade John to leave the keys in my possession, and that I would make all easy with my aunt when she arrived. This, though with much reluctance, he at length consented to, and departed. Soon after this my aunt came, and without much cere- mony demanded the keys, insinuating that I had obtained them from John by impost tion, and for the basest purposes. This a- roused me to indignation, and I answered by informing her that whatever purposes the persecutson and cruelty of my family had compelled me to adopt, my conscience, Under present circumstances approved them, and I refused to give her the keys. She then ordered me to prepare to leave the mansion, and accompany her to her resi- dence at the house of John. I told her that I had been placed there by my father, and should not consent to a removal unless by his express orders. She then left me, inti- mating that she would soon let me know ALCNZO AND ME T ISSA. 211 that her authority was not to be thus tramp- led upon with impunity. ' I immediately raised the bridge, and made fast the gate, determining, on no con siderations, to suffer it to be opened until evening. The day passed away without any occurrence worthy of note, and as soon as it was dark, I went, opened the gate, and cautiously let down the bridge. I then returned to the mansion, and placed the candle, as we had concerted, at the win- dow. Shortly after I heard a carriage roll over the bridge and proceed up a the avenue. My heart fluttered; I wished I hardly knew what I did wish; but I feared I was about to act improperly, as I had no other idea but that it was you, Alonzo, who was approaching. The carriage stopped near the door of the mansion ; a footstep ascend- ed the stairs. Judge of my surprise and agitation, when my father entered the cham- ber ! A maid and two men servants follow- ed him. He directed me to make imme- diate preparations for leaving the mansion - which commaLd, with the assistance of the servants, I obeyed with a heart too full foi utterance. " As soon as I was ready, we entered tha carriage, which drove rapidly away. As we passed out of the gate, I looked back at the mansion, and saw the light of the can- 212 ALONZO AND MELISSA. ^le, which I had forgotten to remove, stream- ing from the window, and it was by an ex- traordinary effort that I prevented myself from fainting. " The carriage drove, as near as I could judge. a*/out ten miles, when we stopped at an inn for the night, except my father, who returned home on horseback, leaving me at the inn in company with the servants, where the carriage also remained. The maid was a person who had been attached to me from my infancy. I asked her whether she could explain these mysterious proceedings. " All I know, Miss, I will tell you, said she. Your father received a letter to-day from your aunt, which put him in a terri- ble flutter : he immediately ordered his carriage and directed us to. attend him. He met your aunt at a tavern somewhere a- way back, and she told him that the gen- tleman who used to come to our house so much once, hajl contrived to carry you off from the place where you lived with her; so your father concluded to send you to your uncle's in Carolina, and said that I must go with you. And to tell you the truth, Miss, I was not displeased with it ; for your father has grown so sour of late, that we have little peace in the house." "By this I found that my fate was fixed, and I gave myself up for some time to una AI.ONZO AND MELISSA. 21.J sorrow. The maid informed ine 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 nex* morning we proceeded, and I was hurried on bv rapid stages to the Ches- apeak, where, with the maid and one man servant, I was pui 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 deliver- ed a package of letters to my uncle from ray father. The carriage with one servant (the driver) had returned from thfc Chasa- pp.ak to Connecticut "My father had but one brother and two sisters, or which my uncle here is the young- est- 0e of my aunts, the old maid, who was my protectress at tho old mansion, you have seen at my father's. The other was the mother of Alfred : she married very young, to a gentleman in Hartford, of the name of Wilmot, who fell before the walls of Louisburg-, ia the old French war. My aunt did not long survive h ; m ; her heaHh, which had been for some time declining, received so serious a shock by this catastro- phe, that she di a .d a few months after tha melancholy tidings arrived leaving Alfred, 214 ALONZO AND MELISSA. their only child then an infant, to the pro- tection of his relations, who as soon as he ar- rived at a suitable age, placed him at school. "My grandfather, who had the principal management of Mr. Wilmot's estate, sent my uncle, who was then young and unmar ried, to Hartford, for the purpose of trans- acting tf*e necessary business. Here he became lUiquainted with a young lady, emi- nent /or beauty and loveliness, but without fortune, the daughter of a poor mechanic, As soon as my grandfather was informed 3f this attachment, he, in a very peremp- tory 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 imcle found it impossible to submit to these firm injunctions; a clandestine marriage ensued, and my grandfather's maledictions in con- sequence. The union was, however, soon dissolved; my uncle's wife died in about twelve months after their marriage, anJ soon after the birth of the first child, which v/as a daughter. Inconsolable and comfort- less, my uncle put the child out to nurse, and travelled to the south. After wunder- ing about for some time, he took up his re- sidence in Charleston, where he amassed a splendid fortune. He finally married to an amiable and respectable woman, whose ten- ALONZO AND MELISSA, 2i5 derness, though it did not entirely remove, yet greatly alleviated the pangs of .early sorrow ; and this, added to the iitti^ blan dish merits 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 pioper age, was sent to a re- spectable boarding-school in Boston, wnere she remained until within about two years before I came here. " Alfred was educated at Harvard Col- lege : as soon as he had graduated, he earne here on ray uncle's request, and has since remained in his famity. " Soon after I arrived here; my uncle came into my chamber one day " Melissa sa]d he, I find by your father's letters tha he considers you to have formed an impro- per 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 assist- ance. I have seen some troubles in this way myseif, in my early days; perhaps my counsel may be of some serviee u I immediately gave a correct account of every particular circumstance, f; o.in the time of my first acquaintance with * y oi un- til my anival at this house. He sat some time silent, and thea told me tbat mj Iv- 216 ALONZO AND MELISSA fher, he believed, had drawn the worst side of the picture ; and that he had urged him to exert every means in his power to re- claim me to obedience: That Beauman was to follow me in a few months, and that, if I still refused to yield him my hand, my fa- ther positively and solemnly declared that he would discard me forever, ?nd strenu- ously enjoined it upon him to do the same. " I well know my brother's temper, contin- ued my uncle; the cas^, is difficult, but soinetning must be done. I will immedi- ately write to your father, desiring him not "to proceed too rashly; in the mean time we must consider what measures to pursue. You must not, my niece, you must not be sacrificed." So saying, he left me, highly consoled that, instead of a tyrant, I had found a friend m my new protector. k ' Alfred was made acquainted with the ailair, and many we e the plajs projected foi my benefit, and abandoned as indefeasi- ble, till an event happened which called forth ail the fortitude of my uncle to sup- port it, and operated in the end to free me from persecution. " My uncle's daughter, by his first svife, was of a very delicate and sickly constitu- tion, and her health evidently decreasing. After she. came to this place, she was sent to a village en one of the high hills of PC- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 217 dee, where she remained a considerable time, she then went to one of the inland towns in North Carolina, from whence sae had but just returned with Alfred when 1 arrived. Afterwards I accompanied her to Georgetown, and other places, attended by her father, so that she was little more known in Charleston than myself. But all answered no purpose to the restoration of her health; a confirmed hectic carried her off in the bloom of youth. " I was but a few months older than she; her name was Melissa, a name which a pi- ous grandmother had borne, and was there- fore retained in the family. Our similari- ty of age, and in some measure of appear- ance, our being so little known in Charles- ton, and our names being the same, sugges- ted to Alfred the idea of imposing on my father, by passing off my cousin's death as my own. This would, at least, deter Beau- man from prosecuting his intended journey to Charleston; it wou'd also give tim , for farther deliberation, and might so operate oil my father's feelings as to softeii *hat obduracy of temper, which deeply Gisquie- ted himself and ethers, and thus finally be productive of happHy effecting the designed purpose. " My uncle was tco deeply overwhelmed in grief to be particularly consulted on this 19 5J18 ALONZO ANI/ MELISSA. plan. He however entrusted Alfred to act with full powers, and to use his name for my interest, if necessary. Alfred there- fore procured a publication, as of my death, in the Connecticut papers, particularly at New London, the native place of Beau- rr^an. In Charleston it was generally sup- posed that it was the Hiece, and riot the daughter of Col. D , who had died. This imposition was likewise practised upon the sexton, who keeps the register of deaths.* Alfred then wrote a letter to my father, in rny uncle's name, stating the par- ticulars of my cousin's death, and applying them to me. The epitaph on her tomb- stone was likewise so devised that it would with equal propriety apply either to her or to me. " To undeceive you, Alonzo, continued Melissa, was the next orbject. 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 un- dertaken : letters are a precarious mode of communication ; I will make a journey to Connecticut, find out Alonzo, visit your frienas, and see how the plan operates. ] * This was formerly the case. ALONZO AND MEIISSA. 219 am known to your father, who has ever treated me as a relative. I will return as speedily as possible, and we shall then know what measures are best next to pur- sus." " I requested him to unfold the deception to my mother, and, if he found it expedi- ent, to Vincent and Mr. Simpson, in whose friendship and fidelity I was sure he might safely confide. " He soon departed, and returned in a- bcut two months. He found my father and mother in extreme distress on account of my supposed death : my mother's grief had brought her on the bed of sickness; but when Alfred had undeceived her she rapid- ly revived. My father told Alfred that he senously regretted opposing my inclina- tions, and that, were it possible he could retrace the steps he had taken, he should conduct in a, very different manner, as .hfc was not oniy deprived of me, but Edgar also, vvhc had gone to Holland in an official capacity, soon after receiving the ti.dir.gs oi my death. l( I am now childless,'- said my father in tears. Alfred's feeling* were mo- ved, and could he then have found you, ha would have told my father the truth ; but lest he should relapse from present deter- minations, he considered it his duty still with him. to continue the deception. 22U ALONZO AND MELISSA. "On enquiring tt t your father's, at Vin- cent's, and at Mr Simpson's, he could learn nothing of you, except that you had gone to New London, judging possibly that you would find me there. Alfred therefore de- termined to proceed to that place immedi- ately. He then confidentially unfolded to your father, Vincent, and Mr. Simpson, the scheme, desiring the! if you returned you would proceed immediately to Charles- ton, ivly lather was still to be kept in ig- norance. " Alfred proceeded immediately to New- London: from my cousin there he was in- formed of" your interview with him; bui from whence you then came, or where you went, he knew not-, and after making the strictest enquiry, he could hear nothing mere of you By a vessel in that port, -oound directly fur Holland, he wrote an account of the whole aflair to Edgar, men- tioning his unsuccessful search to find you; and returned to Charleston. " Alfred learnt from my friends the cir- eumstances which occasioned my suddea re- moval from che old mansion. The morning you left me you was discovered by my aunt, wno w&$ passing the road m a chair with a gentleman, whom she had then but recently become acquainted with. My aunt know you They immediately drove ALONZO AND MELISPA. 2:21 to John's hut. On finding that John ha left tht keys with me, she sent him tlae-ra ; and on my refusing to give them up, she came herself, as I have before related; and as she succeeded no better than John, sho returned and dispatched a message to my father, informing him of the circumstan- ces, and her suspicions of your having been to the mansion, and that, from my having possession of the keys and refusing to yield them up, there was little doubt but that we had formed a plan for my escape. " Alarmed at this information, my father immediately ordered his carriage* drove to the mansion, and removed mz, 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 un- cle, after they had been there about two months." Alonzo found by this narative that John had deceived him, when he made his enqui- ries of him concerning his knowledge of Me- lissa's removal. But this was not surpri- sing: John was tenant to Melissa's aunt, and subservient to all her views; she had undoubtedly given him instructions how to act. " But who was the strange gentleman 19* 222 ALONZO AND MELISSA. with your aunt ?" enquired Alonzo. " This I will also tell you, answered Melissa, tho' it unfolds a tale which reflects no great honour to my family. " Hamblin was the name which this raan assumed : he said he had heen an eminent merchant in New York, and had left it about the time it was taken by the British. He lodged at an inn where my aunt fre- quently stopped when she was out collect- ing her rents, where he first introduced himself to her acquaintance, and ingratia- ted himself into her favour by art and in- sidiousness. He accompanied her on her visits to her tenants, and assisted her in collecting her rents. He toM her, that when the war carne on, he had turned his effects into money, which he had with him, and was now in pursuit of some country place where he might purchase a residence to remain during the war. To cat the sto- ry as short as possible, he finally initiated himself so far in rny aunt's favour that she accepted his hand, and, contrary to my father's opinion, she married him, and he soon after persuaded her to sell her property, under pretence of removing to some popu- lous town, and living in style. Her proper- ty, however, was no sooner sold (which my father bought for ready cash, at a low ALONZO A^D MELISSA. '12 price) than he found means to realize the money, and absconded. " It was afterwards found that his real name was Brenton ; that he had left a wife and family in Virginia in indigent circum- stances, where he had spent an ample for- tune, left him by his father, in debauchery, and involved himself deeply in debt. He had scarcely time to get off with the booty he swindled from my aunt, when his creditors from Virginia were at his heels. He fled to the British at New York, where he rioted for a few months, was finally stabbed by a soldier in a fracas, and died the next day. He was about thirty-five years old. " All these troubles bore so heavily upon my aunt, that she went into a decline, and died about six months ago. " After Alfred returned from Connecti- cut, he wrote frequently to Vincent and Mr. Simpson, but could obtain no intelli- gence concerning you. It would be need- less, Alonzo, to describe my conjectures, my anxieties, my feelings! The death of my cousin and aunt had kept me in crape until, at the instance of Alfred, I put it off yes- terday morning at my uncle's house, which Alfred had proposed for the scene of action, after he had discovered the cause of my fainting at the theatre. I did not rea- 224 ALONZO AND MELISSA. dily 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 ior y^u." This aroused my pride and confidence, and I per- mitted him to proceed." Alonzo then gave Mellissa a minute ac- count of all that happened to him from the time of their parting at the old mansion until he met with her the day before. At the mention of Beaurnan'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 receiv- ed a letter from Edgar, after he arrived in Holland, and that he had written him ar answer, just as he left Paris, informing him of his reasons f or returning to America. When the time arrived that Alonzo and Melissa were to set out for Connecticut, Melissa's uncle and Alfred accompanied them as far as Georgetown, where an affec- tionate parting took place : The latter re- turned to Charleston, and the former pro- ceeded on their journey. Philadelphia was now in possession of the British troops. Alonzo found Dr. Frank- lin's agent at Chester, transacted his busi- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 225 ness, went on, arrived at Vincent's where he left Melissa, and proceeded immediate- ly tc his lather's The friends of Alonzo and Melissa were joyfully surprised at their arrival Melis- sa's mother was sent for to Vincent's. Let imagination paint the meeting! As yet however they were not prepared to unde- cieve her father. Alonzo found his parents in penurious cir- cumstances ; indeed, his father having the preceeding summer, been too indisposed to manage his little farm with attention, and being unable to hire labourers, his crobs had yeilded 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 gen- tleman, but you find him still honest, From my inability to labour, we have lat- terly been a little more pressed than usu- al ; 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 be- came young men in business for ourselves. 226 ALOI.ZO AND MELISSA. We have done each other favours ; I once divided my money with Franklin on an urgent occasion to him ; he afterwards repaid me with ample interest he will never forget it." Alonzo then related to his father all the incidents of his travels, minutely par- ticularizing the disinterested conduct of Franklin, and then presented his father with the rover/sion 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. " J have injured, said he, my young friend, deeply injured you ; but in doing this, I have inflicted a wound still deeper in my own bosom." Alonzo desired him not to renew his sor- rows. " What is past, said he, is be- yond recal ; but a subject of some impor- tance to me, is the object of my present visit. True it is, that your daughter was 'the object of my earliest affection an af- fection which my bosom must ever retain but being separated by the will of Provi- dence for I view Providence as overruling all events for wise purposes I betook myself to travel. Time, you know it is said, sir, will blunt the sharpest thorns of sorrow. ALONZO AND MELISSA. 227 [The old man sighed.] In my travels I hare found a lady so nearly resembling yoin daughter, that I was induced to sue for her hand, and have been so happy as to gain the promise of it. The favour I have to Hsk of you, sir, is only that you will permi' the marriage ceremony to be celebrated in your house, as you know my father is poor, his house small and inconvenient, and that you will also honour me by giving the lady away. In receiving her from your hands, I shall in some measure realize for- mer anticipations ; I shall receive her ia the character of Melissa." " Ah ! said Melissa's father, were it ir my power could I but give you the origi- nal ; But how vain that wish ! Yes, my young friend, your request shall be punctu- ally complied with : I will take upon my- self the preparations. Name your day, and if the lady Is portionless, in that she shal be to me a Melissa." Alonzo bowed his head in gratitude ; and after appointing that day week, he de- parted. Invitations were once mor^ sent abroaci for the wedding of Alonzo and Melissa. Few indeed knew it to be the real Melissa, but they were generally informed of Alon- zo's reason, s for preferring the celebration at her father's 228 ALONZO AND MELISSA. The evening before the day on which the marriage wa_ 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 \mmediately returned, introducing, to the joy and surprise of the company, Edgar ! Here, again, we shall leave iv for the im- agination to depict the scene of an affec- tionate brother, meeting a tender and only sister, whom he had long since supposed to be dead ! He had been at his father's, and his mother had let him into the secret, when he immediately hastened to Vin- cent's. He told them that he did not stay long in Holland; that after receiving A- lonzo's letter from Paris, he felt an un- conquerable propensity to return, and soon sailed for America, arrivea at Boston, came to New-Haven, took orders in the minis- try, and had reached home that day. He informed them that Mr. Simpson and fami Jy had arrived at his father's, and some rel- atives whom his mother had invited. The next morning ushered in the da/ IL *vhich the hero and a^roine ot our story were to consummate their felicity. No cross purposes stood ready to intervene their happiness, no obdurate father, no watchful, scowling aunt, to interrupt their transpoite. It wa*tbe latter end o f May; nature was ALONZO AND MELISSA. 229 arrayed in her richest ornaments, and a- donied with her sweetest perfumes. The sun blendid its mild lustre with the land- scape's lonely green ; silk-winged breezes frolicked amidst the flowers ; the spring birds Barreled in varying strains : " The air yas fragrance, and the world was love." Evening was appointed Tor the ceremo- ny, and Edgar was to be the officiating cler- gyman. "To tie th^se bands which nought but death can sever." When the hour arrived, they repaired to the hor.se of Melissa's f ather, whj re numer- ous guests had assembled. Melissa was in troduced into th^ bridal apartment, and took her seat among a brilliant circle of la- dies. She was attired in robes " white as the southern clouds," spangled with saver, and trimmed with deep gold lace ; her hair hung 'oosely upon her shoulders, encircled by a wreath of artificial flowers. She had regained all her former loveliness ; the rose emd the liiy again blended their tinges in feer cheek; %g&\n pensive sprightliness spark- ted in her eye. Alonze was now introduced, and took his eat at the side of Melissa. His father and oother 2ame next, who were placed at the ';,-,hf hand of the young couple : Melissa's 20 230 ALONZO AND MELISSA. parents followed, and were stationed at tlie left. Kogar then came and took his seat in iron! ; after which ths guests were sum- moned, who filled the room. Edgar ther rising, motioned to the intended bride and bridegroom to nse also. He next turned to Alorizo's father for his sanction, who bowed assent. Then addressing his own father, with emotions that scarcely suffered him to articulate. " Do you, sir, said lie, give this lady to that gentleman ?" A sol- emn silence prevailed in the room. Melis- sa was extremely Agitated, as her father, slowly rising, and with down-cast eyes, ' Where tides of heavy sorrow sweli'd,'"' took her trembling hand, and conveying it into Alonzo's, " May the smiles of heaven rest upon you, he said ; may future bless- ings trown your present happy prospects ; and may your latter days never be embit- tered by the premature loss of near and dear 1 Pungent grief here choaked his utterance, ana at this moment Melissa, falling upon her knees, u Dear lather ! she exclaimed, burst- ing into tears, pardon deception ; acknowl edge your daughter your OWQ Melissa !" Her father started ne gazed at her with scritimzing attention, and sunk back in iiir ALONZO AND MELISSA. 2S1 ?hair. u My daughter ! he cried God of mysterious mercy ! it is my daughter !" The guests caught the contagious sympa- thy ; convulsive sobs arose from all parts of the room. Melissa's father clasped her in his arms "And I receive thee as from the dead f he said. I am anxious to hear the mighty mystery unfolded. But first le; the solemn rites for which we are assemb- led be concluded j let not au. sld man's anx- iety interrupt the ceremony " " But you are apprised, sir, said Alonzo, of my inability to support youi daughter According to her deserts.'* " Leave that to me, my young friend, re- plied her father. I have enough : my chil- dren are restored, and I am happy." Melissa soon resumed her former station. The indissoluble knot was tied : they sat down to the wedding feast, and mirth and hilarity danced in cheerful circles. Before the company retired, Edgar rela- ted the most prominent incidents of Aionzo and Melissa's history, since they had been abstnt. The guests listened with atten- tion : they applauded the conduct of our new bride and bridegroom, in which Melis- sa's father cordially joined. They rejoiced to find that Alonzo's father had regained his fortune, and copious libations v^era 232 AL3NZO AN MELI&8A. poured forth in honour of the immortal Franklin. And now, reader of sensibility, indulge the pleasing sensations of thy bosom for A.lonzo and Melissa are MARRIED. Alonzo's father was soon in complete re- possession of his former property. The premises from which he had been driven by his unfeeling creditors, were yielded up without difficulty, and to which he imme- diately removed. He not only recv/rered the principal of the fortune he had lost, but the damages and the interest ; so that, althuugn like Job, Le had seen affliction, like iiim his lattei days were better thaa his beginning. P>ut wearied with the bus ties 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 Melis- sa was sitting with Alonzo, Edgar and her parents, she asked her father whether the old mansion was inhabited. " Not by human beings, he replied. Since it has fallen into my hands I have leased it to three or four different families, who ah left it under the foolisn pretence or impression of hearing noise? and seeing frightful objects, and such is the supersti- tion of the people that no one now, will ALONZO AND MELISSA 235 vcu ,ure to try it again, though I suppose its inhabitants to consist only of rats and mice." Melissa then informed them of all that had happened when she was there, the alar- ming noises and horrible appearances she had been witness to, and in which she was confident her senses had not deceived her. Exceedingly astonished at her relation; it was agreed that Edgar and Alonzo, proper- ly attended, should proceed to the mansion, in order to find whether any discoveries could Le 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, ana proceeded to the place, where they arrivcu in the dusk of the evening, having ehosei *hai season as the most favourable to theii designs. They found the drawbridge up, and che pate locked, as Edgar's fother said he had left them. They entered and secured them in the same manner. When they came to the house, they cautiously unlocked the door, and proceeded to the chamber, where they struck a fire and lighted candles, which they had brought with them. It was then agreed to plant fifteen of the men at suita- ble distances around the mansion, and re- 20* 234 ALONZO AND MELISSA. tain five in the chamber with Alonzo and Edgar. The men, who were placed around the house, were stationed behind trees, stumps or rocks, and where no object presented, lay flat on the ground, with orders not to stir, or discover themselves, let what would ensue, unless some alarm should be given from the house. Alonzo and Edgar were armed with pis- tols and side arms, and posted themselves with the five men in the chamber, taking care that the lights should not shine agaiust the window shutters, so that nothing could be discovered from without. Things thus arranged, they observed almost an implicit silence, no one being allowed to speak, ex cept in a low whisper. For a long time no sound was heard ex- cept the hollow roar of winds in the neigh- bouring forest, their whistling around the angles of the mansion, or the hoarse mur- nier? of the distant surge. The night was dark, and only illuminated by the feeble twinkling of half clouded stars. They had watched until about midnight, when they were alarmed by noises in the rooms below, among which they could dis- tinguish footsteps and human voices. A- lonzo and Edgar, then taking each a pitol in on ! hand, and a drawn sword in the oth- ALONZO AND MELISSA. 235 er, ordered their men to follow them, pre- pared for action. Coming to the head of the stairs, they saw a brilliant light stream- ing into the hall ; they therefore concluded to take no candles, and to prevent discove- ry they took off their shoes. When tbey came into the hall opposite the door of the room from whence the light and noises pro- ceeded, they discovered ten men genteelly dressed, sitting around a table, on which was placed a considerable quantity of gold and silver coin, a number of glasses and se- veral decanters of wine. Alonzo and his party stood a few minutes, listening to the folio wing discourse, which took place among this ghostly gentry. " Well, boys, we have made a fine haul this trip." " Yes, but poor Bob, though, was plump'd over by the d d skulkers!" " Aye, and had we not tugged bravely at the oarrs, they would have hook'd us." " Rascally cow-boys detained us too long." " Well, never mind it; let us knock a- round the wine, and then divide the spoil." At this moment, Alonzo and Edgar, fol- lowed by the five men, rushed into the room, crying. " Swrender, or you are all dead men /" In an instant the room was involved i i pitchy darkness ; a loud crash was he-ard, then a scampering about the floor, and a noise as if several doors shut 236 ALONZO AND MELISSA. to> with violence. They however gave the alarm to the men without, by loudly shout- ing "Look out;" and immediately the dis- charge of several guns was heard around the mansion. One of the men flew up stairs and brought a light ; but, to their utter a- mazement, no person was to be discovered in the room except their own party. The table, with its. apparatus, and the chairs on which these now invisible beings had sat, had disappeared, not a single trace of them being left. While they stood petrified with aston- ishment, 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 tho.se they had seen at the table. The men who had been stationed around the mansion informed, that some time be- fore the alarm was made, they <=aw a num- ber of persons crossing the yard from the western part of the enclosure, towards the house; that immediately after the shout was given, they discovered several people running back in the same direction : they hailed them, which being disregarded, they fired upon them, one of whom they brought down, which was the wounded man they had brought in. The others, though they pursued them got off. ALONZO AND MELISSA. 237 The prisoner's wound was not dangerous, die ball had shattered his arm, and glanced upon his breast. They dressed his wound as well as they could, and then requested him to unfold the circumstances of the sus- picious appearance in which he ;vas invol- ved. " First promise me, on your honour, said the stranger, that you will use your influ- ence to prevent my being punished or im- prisoned." This they readily agreed to ? on condi- tion that he would conceal nothing from them and he gave them the following re- lation: That they were a part of a gang of illicit traders; men who had combined for the purpose of carrying on a s-ecret and illegal commerce with the British army on Long island, whom, contrary to the existing laws, they supplied with provisions, and brought off English goods, which they sold at ve- ry extortionate prices. But this was not all; they also brought over large quantities of counterfeit continental money, which they put off among the American's for live stock, poultry, produce, &e. which they carried to the Island. The counterfeit mo- ney they purchased by merely paying for the printing; the British having obtained copies of the American emission, struck im- 238 ALONZO AND MELISSA. mense quantities of i* in New- York, aud insidiously sent it out into the countiy, ifl order to sink oui 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 shcop, whien they drove by night to some convenient place on the shores of the Sound, where these thief-par tiiers received them, and conveyed them to the British, " In our excursions across the Sourd, continued the wounded man, we had fre- quently observed this mansion, which, from every appearance, we were convinced was uninhabited : we thereiore selected it as a suitable place for our future rendezvous, which had therefore been only in the open woods. To cross the moat we dragged up au old canoe from the sea shore, wh^ch we concealed in the bushes as soon as we re- crossed from the old mansion. To get ovei the wall we used ladders of ropes, placing a flat of thick board on thp top of the spike' driven into the wall. \Ve found more dif- ficulty in getting into the house : we however at length succeeded, by tearing away a part of the back wall, where we fit- ted in a door so exactly, acd so nicely painted it, that it could not be distinguish- ed from the wall itself. This door \v& so ALONZO AND MELISSA. 239 constructed, that on touching a spring, it would fly open, and when unrestrained, .vould shut to with violence. Finding the apartment so eligible for our purpose, and faring that at some future time we might be disturbed either by the owner of the building or some tenant, we cut similar doors into every room of the house, so that on an emergency we could traverse every apartment without access to the known doors. Trap-doors on a similar construc- tion, communicated with the cellar : the table, which you saw us sitting around, stood on one of those, which, oa your abrupt ap- pearance, as soon as the candles were ex- tinguished, was with its contents, precipi- tated below, and we made our escape by those t-ecret doors, judging, that although you had seen us, if we could get off, you would be unabie to find out any thing which might lead to cur discovery. " A circumstance soon occurred, which tended to embarrass our plans^ arid at first seemed to menace their overthrow. Our assembling at the mansion was irregular, as occasion and circumstances required ; often not more than once a week, but sometimes more frequent, and always in the night.- Late one night, as we were proceeding to the mansion, and had arrived near it, sud denly one of the chamber windows was o 210 ALONZO AND MELISSA, pen^d. and a light issued from within. We entered the house with caution, and soon discovered that some person was in the chamber from whence we had seen the light, We remained until all was silent, and then entered the chamber by one of our secret doors, and to our inexpressible surprise, beheld a beautiful young lady a- sleep 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 sin- gularity of her being there alone, is a cir- cumstance we have never bjeu auie to dis- cover, but it gave us fair hopes of easily procuring her ejectment. We then imme- diately withdrew, and mule preparations to dispossess the fair tena:it of the premises to which we considered o irselves more pro- perly entitled, as possessing a prior incum- bency. " We did not effect the completion of oui apparatus under three or four days. As soon as we were prepared, we returned to the mansion. As we approached the house, it appears the lady heard us, for again she suddenly flung up a window and held out a candle : we skulked from the light, but fear- ed she had a glimpse of us. After we had got into *he house we were still until we ALONZO AND MELISSA. 24} supposed her to be asleep, which we found to be the case on going to her chamber. " We then stationed one near her bed, who, by a loud rap on the floor with a cane, appeared to arouse her in a fright. Loud noises were then made below, and some of them ran heavily up the stairs which led to her chamber ; the person stationed in the room whispering near her bed she raised herself up, and he fled behind the curtains. Soon after she again lay down ; he approach- ed nearer the bed with a design to lay his hand, on which he had drawn a thin sheet- lead glove, across her face ; but discov- ering her arm on the out side of the bed- clothes, he grasped it she screamed and sprang up in the bed ; the man then left the room. " As it was not our intention to injure the lady, but only to drive her from the house, we concluded we had sufficiently alarmed her, and having extinguished the lights, were about to depart, when we heard her descending the stairs. She came down and examined the doors, when one of our party, in a loud whisper, crying " away ! away ;" she darted up stairs, and we left the house. " We did not return the next night, in order to give her time to get off; but tne night after we again repaired to the man 21 P 242 ALwNZO AND MELISSA. sion, 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 resarted to before we could remove her, and for such measures we were amply prepared. The stranger then unfolded the mysteries of that awful night, when Melissa was so terrified by horrible appearances. One of the tallest and most robust of the gang, was attired, a* has been described, when he ap- peared by her bed side. The while robe was an old sheet, stained in some parts with a liquid red mixture ; the wound in his breast was artificial, and the blood issuing therefrom was only some of this mixture, pressed from a small bladder, concealed un- der his robe. On his head and face he wore a mask, with glass eyes -the mask was painted to suit their purposes. The bloody dagger was of wood, and painted. thus accoutred, he took his stand near Melissa's bed, having first blown out the candles she had left burning, and dischar- ged a small pistol. Perceiving this had a- wakeued her, a train of powder was fired n the adjoining room opposite the secret door, which was left open, in' order that the Hash might illuminate hei apartment; then several large C'xnnon bal'f were rolled through the rooms over her head., imitative ALONZO AND MELISSA. 243 }f thunder. The person in her room then uttered a horrible groan, and gliding along by her bed, took his stand behind the cur- tains, near the foot. The noises below, the cry of murder, the firing of the second pis- ioi, anr*i the running up stairs, were all cor- responding scenes to impress terror on her imagination. The pretended ghost then advanced in front of her bed, while lights were slowly introduced, which rst shone faintly, until they were ushered into the room by the private door, exhibiting the person before her in all his horrific appear- ances. On her shrieking, and shrinking in- to the bed, the lights were suddenly extin- guished, and the person, after commanding her to be gone in a hoarse voice, passed a- gain to the foot of the bed, shook it violent- ly, and made a seeming attempt to get up- on it, '.vhen, perceiving her to be springing up, he fled out of the room by the secret door, cautiously shut it, and joined his com- panions. The operators had not yet completed tKeir 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 *A sort of decayed or rotten wood, which in the nijjht Jooka iike coali of fire, of a bright whitish colour. It emits a faint 244 ALONZO AND MELISSA. likeness of human eyes, some material be ing placed in its mouth, around which was a piece of the thinest scarlet tiffany, in order to make it appear of a flame colour They had also constructed a large combus- tible ball, of several thicknesses of paste- board, to which a match was placed. The image was to be conveyed into her room, and placed, in the dark, before her bed ; while in that position, the bail was to be rubbed over with phosphorus, the match set on lire, and rolled across her chamber, and when it burst, the image was to vanish, by being suddenly conveyed out of the pri- vate door, which was to close the scene for .hat night. But as Melissa had now arisen and lighted candles, the plan was defeated. While they were consulting how to pro- ce' \ they heard her unlock her chamber do* . and slowly descend the stairs. Fear- ing a discovery, they retired with their lights, and the person who had been in her chamber, not haying yet stripped oiF his ghostly habiliments, laid himself down on one side of the ball. The man who had the image, crowded hhaself with it under the stairs she was descending. On her drop- ping the candle, when she turned to flee to her chamber, from the sight of the same ob- ject which had appeared at her bed-side, the person urder the stairs presented the ALONZO AND MELISSA. 245 image at their foot, and at the same instan the combustible ball was prepared, and rol- led through the hall ; and when on its burst- ing she fainted, they began to grow aiamicd; but, on finding that she recovered and re- gained her chamber, they departed, for that time, from the house. "Our scheme, continued the wounded man, had the desired effect. On returning a few evenings after, we found the laHy gone and the furniture removed. Severa. attempts were afterwards made to occupy the house, but we always succeeded in soon frightening the inhabitants away." Edgar and Alonzo then requested their prisoner to show them the springs of the secret doors, and how they were opened. The springs were sunk in the wood, which being touched by entering a gimblet hole with a piece of pointed steel, which each of the gang always had about him, the door would fly open, and fasten again in shutting to. On opening the trap-door over which the gang had sat when they first discovered them, they found the table and chairs, with the decanters broken, and the money, which they secured. In one part of the cellar they were shown a kind of cave, its mouth cover- ed with boards and earth here the company kept their furniture, and to this place would they have removed it. had they not been so 21* 246 ALONZO AND MELISSA. 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 neigh- bouring town, and there, as stated evi- dence, make affidavit of what he had reci- ted, and as complete a developemeut of the characters concerned i* the business as possible, when he was to be released. The man enquired to what town they were to go which, when they had informed him, u 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, immediate- ly after I have given in my testimony, or I shall be assassinated by seme of those who will be implicated in the transaction I have related." He then informed them, that while he, with the gang, was prosecuting the illicit trade, a British ship came and anchored in the Sound, which they supplied with pro- visions, but that having at one time a con- siderable quantity on hand, the ship sent its boat on shore, with an officer and live men, to fetch it; the officer caine with them on shore, leaving the men in the boat: " As we were about to carry tht provisions on board the boat, continued the man, a party of 'Americans fired upon us, and ALONZO AND MELISSA. 247 wounded the officer in the thigh, who fell : " I shall be made prisoner, said he, taking out his purse ; keap this, and if I live and regain my liberty, perhaps you may have an opportunity of restoring it : alarm the boat's crew, and shift for yourselves." The boat was alarmed, returned to the ship, and we saved ourselves by flight. " This happened about four months ago ; the ship soon after sailed for New York, and tne 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 ta- ken, and the last trip they were fired upon, and one of their party killed. " They immediately set out for the afore- said town, after having dismissed their fif- teen men ; and when they arrived there, ..\lonzo and Edgar accompanied their pris- oner to the gaol. On making the proper enquiries, they were conducted into a dark and dirty apartment of the gaol, where were several prisoners in irons. The Brit- ish officer was soon distinguished among them by his regimentals. Though envelop- ed in filth and dust, his countenance ap- peared familiar to Alonzo; and on * few moments recollection, he recognized in the manacled officer, the generous midshipman, 248 ALONZG AND MELISSA. Jack Brown, who had so disinterestedly re- lieved him, when he escaped from the pris- on in LondoD ! In the fervency of his feelings, Alonzo flew to him and clasped him in h-is arms. a What do I behold ! he cried. My friend, my brave deliverer, in chains in my own country !" " The fortune of war, boy ! said Jack- it might have been worse. But my lad, I am heartily glad to see you ; how has it fared with you since you left Old England?' 1 " We will talk of that by &nd by," said Alouzo. There were then some American officers of distinction in town, with whom Edgar was acquainted, to whom he applied for the relief of the noble sailor ; and as therf were several other British prisoners in gaol it was agreed that a cartel should be imme- diately 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 horest, so I will divide with you." They then nepaired to an inn. Jack, vho&e wound was healed, was put undei ALONZO AND MELISSA. 249 the hands of a barber, cleaned, furnished with a change of clothes, and soon appear- ed in a new attitude. He informed Alonzo, that soon after he left England, his ship was ordered for A- merica : that the price of provisions grow- ing high, it had taken almost all his wages to support his family ; that he had sent home his last remittance just before he was ' taken, reserving only the twenty-live guin- eas which had been restored him that day. ' But I have never despaired, said he; the great Commodore of life orders all for the best. My tour of duty is to serve my king and country, and provide for my dear Poll and her chicks, which, if I laithfull) perform, I shall gain the applause of the Commander." When the cartel was ready to depart, Alonzo, taking Jack apart from the compa- ny, presented him with a draught of iive hundred pounds sterling, on a merchant i'i New York, who privately transacted busi- ness with the Americans. u Take this, my friend, said he ; you can ensure it by COH- verting it into bills of exchange on London. Though you once saw me naked, I can now conveniently spare this sum, and it may assist you in buffeting the billows of life." The generous tar shed tears of gratitude, and Alonzo enjoyed the pleasure of seeing 250 ALONZO AND MELISSA. him depart, calling down blessings on the head of his reciprocal benefactor. The man who came with Alonzo and Edgar from the mansion, then went before the magistrates of the town, and gave his testimony and affidavit, by which it appear- ed 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 immediately left the town. Precepts were soon after issued for a num- ber of those traders ; several were taken, among whom were some of the gang, and others who were only concerned but most of them absconded, so that the company and their plans were broken up. When Alonzo and Edgar returned home and related their adventure, they were all surprised at the fortitude of Melissa in being enabled to support her spirits in a solitary mansion, amidst such great, and so many terrors. It was now that Alonzo turned his atten- tion to future prospects. It was time to select a place for domestic residence. He consulted Melissa, and she expressively mentioned the little secluded village, where " Ere fate and fortune frown'd severe, hey projected scenes of connubial bliss, and ALONZO AND MELISSA. 251 planned the structure of their family edifice. This intimation accorded with the ardent wishes of Alonzo. The site formerly marked out, with an adjoining farm, was immedi- ately purchased, arid suitable buildings e- rected, to which Alonzo and Melissa remov- ed the ensuing summer. The clergyman of the village having re- cently died in a good old age, Edgar was called to the, pastoral charge of this unso- phisticated people. Here did Melissa and Alonzo repose after the storms of adversity were past. Here did they realize all tho happiness which the sublunary hand of time apportions to mortals. The varying sea- sons diversified their joys, except when A- lonzo was called with the militia of his country, wherein he bore an eminent com- missiori, to oppose the enemy ; and this was not unfrequent, as in his country's defence he took a very conspicuous part. Then would anxiety, incertitude, and disconsola- tion possess the bosom of Melissa, until dis- sipated by his safe return. But the happy termination of the war soon removed al! cause of these disquietudes. Soon after the close of the war, Alonzo received a letter from his friend, Jack Brown, dated it an interior parish in Eng' land, in which, after pouring forth abur* d?ice of gratitude, he informed, that on re- 252 ALONZO ANP MELISSA. turning to England he pi'ocured his discharge from the navy, sold his house, and removed into the country, where he had set up an inn with the sign of The Gratfful Ameruan. "Yon have made ua all happy, said he ; my dear Poll blubbered like a fresh water sailor in a hurricane, when I told her of your goodness. My wife, my children, all hands upon deck are yours. We have a good run of business, and are now under full sail, for the land of prosperity." Edgar married to one of the Miss Simpsons, whose father's seat was in the vicinity of the village. The parents of Alonzo and Melissa were their frequent visitors, as were also Vincent and his lady, with many others of their acquaintance, who all rejoiced in their happy situation, after such a divev : ty <>f troubles. Alfred was generally one* a year their guest, until at length lie married and settled in the mercantile business in Charleston, South Carolina. To our hero and heroine, the rural charms of their secluded village were a source of ever pleasing variety. Spring, with its verdurous fields, flowery meads, and vocal groves ; its vernal gales, purling rills, and its evening whippoorwill: summer, with its embowering shades, ^ reflected in the 'glassy lake, and the long, pensive, yet sprightly notes of the solitary strawberry-^Dird ;* its lightning and its thunder ; autumn with its mellow fruit, its yel- low foliage and decaying verdure ; winter with its hoarse, rough blasts, its icy beard and snowy mantle, all tended to thrill with sensations of pleasing transi lion, the feeling bosoms of Alonzo and Melissa. * A bird which, in the New England states, makes its first appearance about the time strawberries begin to ripen. Its song is l(-n_', hy. and consists of a variety of notes, commencing sprightly, but endiug plaintive and melancholy. THE ENO UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. APR2213W APR 2 2 1974 OHIO 30w-7.'68(J1895s-i) C-120 PLEAfiE DO NOT REMOVE THIS BOOK CARD' University Research Library