"O, happiness, deceitful in thy dream,"
Though wreaths all blooming hang upon thy brow,
And quick dissolves the visionary gleam,
Succeeded soon by various scenes of wo.
When Theodore returned to the house of his friend, he unfolded the plan
he had projected.
[_A&M_:
When Alonzo returned, Vincent unfolded the plan he had projected.]
"No sooner," said Raymond, "was I informed of your misfortunes, than I
was convinced that Alida's father (whom I have known for many years)
would endeavour to dissolve your intended union with his daughter. And
however he may doat on his children, or value their happiness, he will
not hesitate to sacrifice his better feelings to the accomplishment of
his wishes to see them independent. It appears that you have but one
resource left. You and Alida are now engaged by the most solemn ties, by
every rite except those which are ceremonial; these I would advise you
to enter into, and trust to the consequences. Mrs. Raymond has proposed
the scheme to Alida, but implicitly accustomed to filial obedience, she
shudders at the idea of a clandestine marriage; but when her father will
proceed to rigorous measures, she will, I think, consent to the
alternative.
[_A&M_:
"No sooner (said he) was I informed of your misfortunes, than I was
convinced that Melissa's father would endeavor to dissolve your
intended union with his daughter. I have known him many years, and
however he may dote on his children, or value their happiness, he
will not hesitate to sacrifice his other feelings to the acquirement
of riches. It appeared that you had but one resource left. You and
Melissa are now united by the most solemn ties--by every rite except
those which are merely ceremonial. These I would advise you to enter
into, and trust to the consequences. Mrs. Vincent has proposed the
scheme to Melissa, but implicitly accustomed to filial obedience,
she shudders at the idea of a clandestine marriage. But when her
father shall proceed to rigorous measures, she will, I think,
consent to the alternative...."
...]
The world is before you, Theodore," continued he; "you have
friends, you have acquirements which will not fail you. In a country
like this you can scarcely help obtaining a competency, which, with the
other requisites you have in your power, will not fail to insure your
independence and felicity."
[_A&M_:
"The world is before you, (answered Vincent) you have friends, you
have acquirements which will not fail you. In a country like this,
you can hardly fail of obtaining a competency, which, with the other
requisites, will ensure your independence and felicity."]
"But the times have changed," said Theodore, since the commencement of
the war, and probably I may yet have to join the army. After I have made
my visit on the morrow to Alida's father, we will discourse further on
the subject.
[_A&M_:
Alonzo informed Vincent what had been agreed upon between Melissa
and himself, respecting his visiting her on the morrow; "after which
(he said) we will discourse further on the subject."]
In the meantime, Theodore proceeded on the morrow, to make his intended
visit. As he approached the house, he saw Alida sitting in a shady
recess at one end of the garden, near which the road passed. She was
leaning with her head upon her hand in a pensive posture; a deep
dejection was depicted upon her features, which enlivened into a
transient glow as soon as she saw Theodore. She arose, met him, and
invited him into the house.
[_A&M_:
The next day Alonzo repaired to the house of Melissa's father. As he
approached he saw Melissa sitting in a shady recess at one end of
the garden near which the road passed. She was leaning with her head
upon her hand, in a pensive posture; a deep dejection was depicted
upon her features, which enlivened into a transient glow as soon as
she saw Alonzo. She arose, met him, and invited him into the house.]
Theodore was received with a cool reserve by all except Alida. Her
father saluted him with a distant retiring bow, as he passed with her to
the parlour. As soon as they were seated, a lady who had lately come to
reside some time in the family, (who was a relative of her father's,)
entered the room and seated herself by the window, alternately humming a
tune and staring at Theodore, without speaking a word.
[_A&M_:
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 suitors, and
who had lately come to reside with the family, entered, and seated
herself by the window, alternately humming a tune, and impudently
staring at Alonzo, without speaking a word....]
This interruption was not of long continuance. Alida's father entered,
and requested the two ladies to withdraw, which was instantly done; he
then addressed Theodore as follows:
[_A&M_:
This interruption was not of long continuance. Melissa's father
entered, and requested the two ladies to withdraw, which was
instantly done. He then addressed Alonzo as follows:]
"When I gave consent for your union with my daughter, it was on the
conviction that your future resources would be adequate to support her
honourably and independently. Circumstances have since taken place which
render this point extremely doubtful." He paused for a reply, but
Theodore was silent. He continued, "You, perhaps, may say that your
acquirements, your prudence, and your industry, will procure you a
handsome income; but to depend on these altogether for your future
exigencies is hazarding peace, honour, and reputation, at a single game
of chance. If, therefore, you have no resources or expectations but such
as these, your own judgment will teach you the necessity of immediately
relinquishing all pretensions to the hand of Alida, and from this time
to break off all communication with my daughter." He then immediately
left the room.
[_A&M_:
"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 honorably and independently. Circumstances have since taken
place, which render this point extremely doubtful...." He paused for
a reply, but Alonzo was silent. He continued--".... You may say that
your acquirements, your prudence, and your industry will procure you
a handsome support. This well may do in single life, but to depend
on these for the future exigencies of a family, is hazarding peace,
honor and reputation, at a single game of chance. If, therefore, you
have no resources or expectations but such as these, your own
judgment will teach you the necessity of immediately relinquishing
all pretensions to the hand of Melissa"--and immediately left the
room.]
Why was Theodore speechless through the whole of this discourse? What
reply could he have made? What were the prospects before him but misery
and wo? Where, indeed, were the means by which Alida was to be shielded
from indigence, if connected with his fortunes?
[_A&M_:
Why was Alonzo speechless through the whole of this discourse?--What
reply could he have made? what were the prospects before him but
penury, want, misery and woe! Where, indeed, were the means by which
Melissa was to be shielded from poverty, if connected with his
fortunes.]
The idea was not new, but it came upon him at this time with redoubled
anguish. He arose and looked around for Alida, but she was not to be
seen. He left the house and walked slowly towards Raymond's. At a little
distance he met Alida who had been strolling in an adjoining avenue. He
informed her of all that had passed; it was no more than they both
expected, yet it was a shock their fortitude could scarcely sustain.
Disappointment seldom finds her votaries prepared to receive her.
[_A&M_:
The idea was not new, but it came upon him with redoubled anguish.
He arose and looked around for Melissa, but she was not to be seen.
He left the house, and walked slowly towards Vincent's. At a little
distance he met Melissa, who had been strolling in an adjoining
avenue. He informed her of all that had passed; it was no more than
they both expected, yet it was a shock their fortitude could
scarcely sustain. Disappointment seldom finds her votaries prepared
to receive her.]
Alida told Theodore that she knew her father's determinations were
altogether unchangeable at present. Her brother, she said, would be at
home in a few days; how he would act on this occasion, she was unable to
say; but were he ever so far their friend, he would have but feeble
influence with her father. "What is to be the end of these troubles,"
continued she, it is impossible to foresee. Let us trust in the mercy of
Heaven, and submit to its dispensations.
[_A&M_:
Melissa told Alonzo, that her father's determinations were
unchangeable.... Her brother would be at home in a few days; how he
would act on this occasion she was unable to say: but were he even
their friend he would have but feeble influence with her father and
aunt. "What is to be the end of these troubles [continued Melissa]
it is impossible to foresee; let us trust in the mercy of heaven and
submit to its dispensations."]
Theodore and Alida, in their happier days, had, when absent from each
other, corresponded. This method it was now thought best to resume. It
was agreed, besides, that Theodore should frequently visit Raymond's,
and Alida would resort there also, as she should find opportunity.
Having concluded on this, Alida returned home, and Theodore to the house
of his friend.
[_A&M_:
Alonzo and Melissa, in their happier days had, when absent,
corresponded by letters. This method it was now thought best to
relinquish.--It was agreed that Alonzo should come frequently to
Vincent's, where Melissa would meet him as she could find
opportunities. Having concluded on this, Melissa returned home, and
Alonzo to the house of his friend.
...]
The next morning Theodore repaired to the dwelling where his aged
parents now resided. His bosom throbbed with keen anguish when he
arrived there: his own fate unconnected with that of Alida. His father
was absent when he first reached home, but returned soon after. A beam
of joy gleamed upon his countenance as he entered the house. "Were it
not, Theodore, for your unhappy situation," said he, "we should once
more be restored to peace and happiness. A few persons who were indebted
to me, finding that I was to be sacrificed by my unfeeling creditors,
reserved those debts in their hands, and have now paid me, amounting to
something more than five thousand pounds. With this I can live as well
and conveniently as I could wish, and can spare some for your present
exigencies, Theodore."
[_A&M_:
The next morning Alonzo returned to the hut where his aged parents
now dwelt. His bosom throbbed with keen anguish. His own fate,
unconnected with that of Melissa, he considered of little
consequence. But their united situation tortured his soul....
Alonzo's father was absent when he arrived, but returned soon after.
A beam of joy gleamed upon his withered countenance as he entered
the house. "Were it not, Alonzo, for your unhappy situation, [said
he] we should once more be restored to peace and comfort. A few
persons who were indebted to me, finding that I was to be sacrificed
by my unfeeling creditors, reserved those debts in their hands, and
have now paid me, amounting to something more than five hundred
pounds. With this I have purchased a small, but well cultivated
farm, with convenient tenements. I have enough left to purchase what
stock and other materials I need, and to spare some for your present
exigencies, Alonzo."]
Theodore thanked his father for his kindness, but told him that from his
former liberality, he had yet sufficient for all his wants. "But your
affair with Alida," asked his father, "how is that likely to terminate?"
"Favourably, I hope, sir," answered Theodore.
[_A&M_:
Alonzo thanked his father for his kindness; but told him that from
his former liberality he had yet sufficient for his wants, and that
he should soon find business which would amply support him. "But
your affair with Melissa, [asked his father] how is that likely to
terminate?" "Favorably, I hope, sir," answered Alonzo.]
He could not consent to disturb the happy tranquillity of his parents by
reciting his own wretchedness. He passed a week with them. He saw them
once more comfortably seated at a calm retreat in the country; he saw
them serenely blest in the pleasures of returning peace, and a ray of
joy illumined his troubled bosom.
[_A&M_:
He could not consent to disturb the tranquility of his parents by
reciting his own wretchedness.
A week passed away. Alonzo saw his parents removed to their little
farm, which was to be managed by his father and a hired man. He saw
them comfortably seated; he saw them serenely blest in the calm
pleasures of returning peace, and a ray of joy illuminated his
troubled bosom.]
[[The 1804 newspaper serial has "illumined", while all known book
versions have "illuminated".]]
"Again the youth his wonted life regain'd,
A transient sparkle in his eye obtain'd,
A bright, impassion'd, cheering glow express'd
The pleas'd sensation of his tender breast:
But soon dark gloom the feeble smiles o'erspread;
Like morn's gay hues, the fading splendours fled;
Returning anguish froze his feeling soul;
Deep sighs burst forth, and tears began to roll!"
[_A&M_:
"Again the youth his wonted life regain'd,
A transient sparkle in his eye obtain'd,
A bright, impassion'd cheering glow express'd,
The pleas'd sensation of his tender breast:
But soon dark glooms the feeble smiles o'erspread;
Like morn's gay hues, the fading splendors fled;
Returning anguish froze his feeling soul,
Deep sighs burst forth, and tears began to roll."]
[[This unidentified verse is also quoted in the later _Memoirs of
the Notorious Stephen Burroughs, 1765-1840_ with different lines
3 and 4]]
His memory dwelt on Alida, from whom he had heard nothing since he had
last seen her. He thought of the difficulties with which he was
surrounded. He thought of the barriers which were now opposed to their
happiness; and he immediately set out for the house of Raymond. He
arrived at his residence near the close of the day. Raymond and his lady
were at tea, with several young ladies that had passed the afternoon
there. Theodore cast an active glance at the company, in hopes to see
Alida among them, but she was not there. He was invited, and took a seat
at table.
[_A&M_:
He thought of Melissa, from whom he had heard nothing since he last
saw her. He thought of the difficulties which surrounded him. He
thought of the barriers which were opposed to his happiness and the
felicity of Melissa, and he set out for the house of Vincent.
Alonzo arrived at the residence of Vincent near the close of the
day. Vincent and his lady were at tea with several young ladies who
had passed the afternoon with Mrs. Vincent. Alonzo cast an active
glance around the company, in hopes to find Melissa, but she was not
there. He was invited and accepted a seat at table.]
After tea was over, Raymond led Theodore into an adjoining room. "You
have come in good time," said he. "Something speedily must be done, or
you lose Alida forever. The day after you were here, her father received
a letter from Bonville, in which, after mentioning the circumstances of
your father's insolvency, he hinted that the consequence would probably
be a failure of her proposed marriage with you, which might essentially
injure the reputation of a lady of her standing in life; to prevent
which, and to place her beyond the reach of calumny, he offered to marry
her at any appointed day, provided he had her free consent.
[_A&M_:
After tea Vincent led him into an adjoining room.--"You have come in
good time, [said he] something must speedily be done, or you lose
Melissa forever. The day after you were here, her father received a
letter from Beauman, in which, after mentioning the circumstance of
your father's insolvency, he hinted that the consequence would
probably be a failure of her proposed marriage with you, which might
essentially injure the reputation of a lady of her standing in life;
to prevent which, and to place her beyond the reach of calumny, he
offered to marry her at any appointed day, provided he had her free
consent.]
As Bonville, by the recent death of his father, had been put in
possession of a splendid fortune, the proposition might possibly allure
the father of Alida, to use his endeavour to bring his daughter to yield
implicit obedience to his wishes.
[_A&M_:
"As Beauman, by the recent death of his father, had been put in
possession of a splendid fortune, the proposition allured her
father, who wrote him a complaisant answer, with an invitation to
his house. He then strove to extort a promise from Melissa, that she
would break off all connexion with you, see you no more, and admit
the addresses of Beauman.]
Were he to command her to live single, it might be endured; but if
he should endeavour to persuade her to discard you from her thoughts
entirely, and to give her hand to a person she could have no esteem for,
would be to perjure those principles of truth and justice, which he
himself had ever taught her to hold most inviolable. To add to Alida's
distress, Bonville arrived there yesterday, and, I hope in some measure
to alleviate it, Albert, her brother, came this morning. Mrs. Raymond
has despatched a message to inform Alida of your arrival, and to desire
her to come here immediately. She will undoubtedly comply with the
invitation, if not prevented by something extraordinary."
[_A&M_:
.... Were he to command her to live single, life might be endured;
but to give her hand to any except you, would be to perjure those
principles of truth and justice which he himself had ever taught her
to hold most inviolable.... To add to Melissa's distress, Beauman
arrived at her father's yesterday; and I hope, in some measure to
alleviate it, Edgar her brother came this morning.--Mrs. Vincent
has dispatched a message to inform Melissa of your arrival, and to
desire her to come here immediately. She will undoubtedly comply
with the invitation, if not prevented by something extraordinary.]
Mrs. Raymond now came to the door of the room, and beckoned to her
husband, who went out, but soon returned, leading in Alida, after which
he retired. "Oh, Theodore," was all she could say, her further utterance
was interrupted by her tears. Theodore led her to a seat, and overcome
by sadness was unable to speak. Recovering at length, he begged her to
moderate her grief.
[_A&M_:
Mrs Vincent now came to the door of the room and beckoned to her
husband, who went out, but immediately returned leading in Melissa
after which he retired. "Oh, Alonzo!" was all she could say, and
burst into tears. Alonzo led her to a seat, gently pressed her hand,
and mingled his tears with hers but was unable to speak. Recovering
at length he begged her to moderate her grief.]
"Where," said he, "is your fortitude, and your firmness, Alida, which I
have so often seen triumphing over affliction?" Her extreme anguish
prevented a reply. Theodore endeavoured to console her, though
consolation was a stranger to his own breast.
[_A&M_:
"Where is your fortitude and your firmness (said he) Melissa, which
I have so often seen triumphing over affliction?" Her extreme
anguish prevented a reply. Deeply affected and alarmed at the storm
of distress which raged in her bosom, he endeavoured to console her,
tho' consolation was a stranger to his own breast.]
"Let us not," 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. Heaven cannot desert Alida," said Theodore;
"as well might it desert its angels. This thorny path may lead to fair
fields of light and verdure. Tempests are succeeded by calms; wars end
in peace; the splendours of the brightest morning arise on the wings of
blackest midnight. Troubles will not always last."
[_A&M_:
"Let us not Melissa (said he) increase our flood of affliction by a
tide of useless sorrow: perhaps more prosperous days are yet in
reserve for us; happiness may yet be ours--never, never! (she
exclaimed) Oh what will become of me! Heaven cannot desert you (said
Alonzo) as well might it desert its angels. This thorny and gloomy
path may lead to fair fields of light and verdure. Tempests are
succeeded by calms, wars end in peace; the splendors of the
brightest morning arise on the wings of blackest midnight.
"Troubles will not always last...."]
The grief which had almost overwhelmed Alida, now began to subside, as
the waves of the ocean gradually cease their tumultuous commotion after
the turbulent winds are laid asleep. Deep and long drawn sighs
succeeded. The irritation of her feelings had caused a more than usual
glow upon her cheek which faded away as she became composed, until a
livid paleness spread itself over her features.
[_A&M_:
The rage of grief which had overwhelmed Melissa, began now to
subside as the waves of the ocean gradually cease their tumultuous
commotion, after the turbulent winds are laid asleep. Deep sobs and
long drawn sighs succeeded to a suffocation of tears. The irritation
of her feelings had caused a more than usual glow upon her cheek,
which faded away as she became composed, until a livid paleness
spread itself over her features....
...]
Raymond and his lady now came into the room. They strenuously urged the
propriety and necessity for Theodore and Alida to enter into the bands
of matrimony.
"The measure would be hazardous," remarked Alida. "My circumstances,"
said Theodore. "Not on that account," interrupted Alida, "but the
displeasure of my father."
"Come here, Alida, to-morrow evening," said Mrs. Raymond. "In the mean
time you will consider the matter and then determine." To this Alida
assented and prepared to return home.
[_A&M_:
Vincent and his lady now came into the room. They strenuously urged
the propriety and the necessity of Alonzo and Melissa's entering
into the bands of wedlock immediately. "The measure would be
hazardous," remarked Melissa. "My circumstances"--said Alonzo.
"Not on that account, (interrupted Melissa) but my father's
displeasure"--"Will be the same, whether you marry Alonzo, or refuse
to marry Beauman," replied Vincent. Her resolution appeared to be
staggered. "Come here, Melissa, tomorrow evening (said Mrs.
Vincent); meantime you will consider the matter, and then
determine."--To this Melissa assented, and prepared to return home.]
Theodore attended her as far as the gate which opened into the yard
surrounding the dwelling. It was dangerous for him to go further, lest
he should be discovered even by a domestic of the family. He stood here
awhile looking anxiously after Alida as she walked up the avenue, her
white robes now invisible, now dimly seen, until they were totally
obscured, mingling with the gloom and darkness of the night, ere she
reached the door of her father's mansion.
[_A&M_:
Alonzo walked with her to the gate which opened into the yard
surrounding her father's house. It was dangerous for him to go
farther. Should he be discovered with Melissa, even by a domestic of
the family, it must increase the persecutions against her. They
parted. Alonzo stood at the gate, gazing anxiously after Melissa as
she walked up the long winding avenue, bordered with the
odor-flowing lilac, and lofty elm, her white robes now invisible,
now dimly seen, as she turned the angles of the walk, until they
were totally obscured, mingling with the gloom and darkness of the
night.]
"Thus," said Theodore, "fades the angel of peace from the visionary eyes
of the war-worn soldier, when it ascends in the dusky clouds of early
morning, while he slumbers on the field of recent battle." With mournful
forebodings he returned to the house of his friend. After passing a
sleepless night, he arose and walked out into an adjoining field; he
stood for some time, leaning, in deep contemplation, against a tree,
when he heard quick footsteps behind him. He turned around, and saw
Albert approaching. In a moment they were in each other's arms, and
mingled tears. They soon returned to Raymond's where they conversed
largely on present affairs.
[_A&M_:
"Thus, (said Alonzo) thus fades the angel of peace from the
visionary eyes of the war-worn soldier, when it ascends in the dusky
clouds of early morning, while he slumbers on the field of recent
battle."
With mournful forebodings he returned to the house of Vincent. He
arose after a sleepless night, and walked into an adjoining field.
He stood leaning in deep contemplation against a tree, when he heard
quick footsteps behind him. He turned, and saw Edgar approaching; in
a moment they were in each other's arms, and mingled tears. They
returned to Vincent's and conversed largely on present affairs.]
"I have discoursed with my father on the subject," said Albert; "I have
urged him with every possible argument, to relinquish his determination
to keep you and Alida separate. I fear, however, he is inflexible."
[_A&M_:
"I have discoursed with my father on the subject, (said Edgar) I
have urged him with every possible argument to relinquish his
determination; I fear, however, he is inflexible.]
"To endeavour to assuage the grief which rent Alida's bosom was my next
object, and in this I trust I have not been unsuccessful. You will see
her this evening, and will find her more calm and resigned. You,
Theodore, must exert your fortitude. The ways of Heaven are inscrutable,
but they are right. We must acquiesce in its dealings; we cannot alter
its decrees. Resignation to its will, whether merciful or afflictive, is
one of those eminent virtues which adorn the good man's character, and
will ever find a brilliant reward in the regions of unsullied
happiness."
[_A&M_:
"To assuage the tempest of grief which rent Melissa's bosom was my
next object, and in this I trust I have not been unsuccessful. You
will see her this evening, and will find her more calm and resigned.
You, Alonzo, must exert your fortitude. The ways of Heaven are
inscrutable, but they are right.
"We must acquiesce in its dealings. We cannot alter its decrees.
Resignation to its will, whether merciful or afflictive, is one of
those eminent virtues which adorn the good man's character, and ever
find a brilliant reward in the regions of unsullied splendor, far
beyond trouble and the tomb."]
Albert told Theodore that circumstances compelled him that day to return
to the city. "I would advise you," said he, "to remain here until your
affair comes to some final issue. It must, I think, ere long, be
terminated. Perhaps you and my sister may yet be happy."
[_A&M_:
Edgar told Alonzo that circumstances compelled him that day to
depart for the army. "I would advise you, (said he) to remain here
until your affair comes to some final issue. It must, I think, ere
long, be terminated. Perhaps you and my sister may yet be happy."]
Theodore feelingly expressed his gratitude to Albert. He found in him
that disinterested friendship which his early youth had experienced.
Albert the same day departed for New-York.
[_A&M_:
Alonzo feelingly expressed his gratitude to Edgar. He found in him
that disinterested friendship, which his early youth had
experienced.--Edgar the same day departed for the army.
...]
The shades of night came on almost insensibly, as Theodore was anxiously
expecting Alida. He anticipated the consolation her presence would
bestow. Albert had told him she was more composed. The evening passed
on, but she came not.
[_A&M_:
Night came on, and he ardently and impatiently expected Melissa. He
anticipated the consolation her presence would bestow. Edgar had
told him she was more composed.... The evening passed on, but
Melissa came not. Alonzo grew restless and uneasy. He looked out,
then at his watch.]
Raymond assured him she would soon be there. He paced the room, and then
walked out on the way whither she was expected to come. He hesitated
some time whether to advance or return. It was possible, though not
probable, that she might have come some other way. He hastened back to
the house of his friend; she had not arrived.
[_A&M_:
Vincent and his lady assured him that she would soon be there. He
paced his room. Still he became more impatient. He walked out on the
way where she was expected to come....
.... Alonzo hesitated whether to advance or to return. It was
possible, though not probable, that Melissa might have come some
other way. He hastened back to Vincent's. She had not arrived.]
"Something extraordinary," said Mrs. Raymond, "has undoubtedly prevented
her coming. Perhaps she is ill." Theodore shuddered at the suggestion.
He looked at his watch: it was past twelve o'clock. Again he hastily
sallied out and took the road to her father's.
[_A&M_:
--"Something extraordinary (said Mrs. Vincent) has prevented her
coming. Perhaps she is ill." Alonzo shuddered at the suggestion. He
looked at his watch; it was half past eleven o'clock. Again he
hastily sallied out, and took the road to her father's.]
The night was exceedingly dark, being illuminated only by the feeble
glimmering of the twinkling stars. When he came within sight of the
house, and as he drew near, no lights were visible, all was still and
silent. He entered the yard, walked up the avenue, and approached the
door. A solemn stillness prevailed around, interrupted only by the
discordance of nightly insects. The dwelling was shrouded in darkness.
In Alida's room no gleam of light appeared.
[_A&M_:
The night was exceedingly dark, and illuminated only by the feeble
glimmering of the twinkling stars. When he came within sight of the
house, and as he drew near, no lights were visible, all was still
and silent. He entered the yard, walked up the avenue, and
approached the door.... A solemn stillness prevailed all around,
interrupted only by the discordance of the nightly insects, and the
hooting of the moping owl, from the neighboring forest. The dwelling
was shrouded in darkness. In Melissa's room no gleam of light
appeared.]
"They are all buried in sleep," said Theodore, deeply sighing, and I
have only to return in disappointment.
[_A&M_:
"They are all buried in sleep, (said Alonzo, deeply sighing) and I
have only to return in disappointment."
...]
Theodore now withdrew slowly from the place, and repassed the way he
came. As he went back through the garden, he found a person standing at
the foot of it, near the road. After a moment's scrutiny, he perceived
it to be Bonville.
[_A&M_:
Alonzo withdrew slowly from the place, and repassed the way he came.
As he jumped back over the garden wall, he found a man standing at
its foot, very near him; after a moment's scrutiny he perceived it
to be Beauman.]
"What, my chevalier, why are you here?" said he to Theodore. "Hast thou,
then, eluded the watchful eyes of Argus, and the vigilance of the
dragon?"
[_A&M_:
"What, my chevalier, [said he to Alonzo] such an adept in the
amorous science already? Hast thou then eluded the watchful eyes of
Argus, and the vigilance of the dragon!"]
[[In _Alonzo and Melissa_, "Argus" and "the dragon" are two
different people, Melissa's father and her aunt.]]
"Unfeeling and impertinent intruder!" retorted Theodore, "dost thou add
impudence to thy interference? Go," said he, "you are unworthy of my
anger. Pursue thy grovelling schemes. Strive to win to your arms a lady
who must ever continue to despise you."
[_A&M_:
"Unfeeling and impertinent intruder, [retorted Alonzo, seizing hold
of him] is it not enough that an innocent daughter must endure a
merciless parent's persecuting hand, but must thou add to her misery
by thy disgusting interference!"--"Quit thy hold, tarquin, [said
Beauman.] Art thou determined, after storming the fortress, to
murder the garrison?"--"Go," said Alonzo, quitting him, "go sir; you
are unworthy of my anger. Pursue thy grovelling schemes. Strive to
force to your arms a lady who abhors you, and were it not on one
account, must ever continue to despise and hate you."]
"Theodore," replied Bonville, "You and I were rivals in the pursuit for
the hand of Alida. Whether from freak or fortune the preference was
given to you, I know not; and I retired in silence. From coincidence of
circumstances, I think she will now be induced to give the preference to
me, especially after her prospects of connecting with you are cut off by
the events which ruined your fortune. You, Theodore, have yet, I find,
to learn the character of woman. It has been my particular study. Alida,
now ardently impassioned by first impressions, irritated by recent
disappointment, her feelings delicate and vivid, her affections
animated, it would be strange if she could suddenly relinquish premature
attachments founded on such premises. But remove her from your presence
one year, with only distant and uncertain prospects of seeing you again,
admit me as the substitute in your absence, and she accepts my hand as
freely as she would now receive yours. I had no design. It never was my
wish to marry her without her free consent;--that I believe I shall yet
obtain. Under existing circumstances it is impossible but that you must
be separated. Then, when cool deliberation succeeds to the wild vagaries
of fancy, she will discover the dangerous precipice to which her present
inclinations lead. She will prefer indifference and splendour to love
and a cottage.
[_A&M_:
"Alonzo," replied Beauman, I perceive thou knowest me not. You and I
were rivals in our pursuit--the hand of Melissa. Whether from freak
or fortune, the preference was given to you, and I retired in
silence. From coincidence of circumstances, her father has now been
induced to give the preference to me. My belief was that Melissa
would comply with her father's will, especially after her prospects
of connecting with you were cut off by the events which ruined your
fortune. You, Alonzo, have yet, I find, to learn the character of
women. It has been my particular study. Melissa, now ardently
impassioned by first impressions, irritated by recent
disappointment, her passions delicate and vivid, her affections
animated and unmixed, it would be strange, if she could suddenly
relinquish primitive attachments founded on such premises, without a
struggle. But remove her from your presence one year, with only
distant and uncertain prospects of seeing you again, admit me as the
substitute in your absence, and she accepts my hand as freely as she
would now receive yours. I had no design--it was never my wish to
marry her without her consent. That I believe I shall yet obtain.
Under existing circumstances it is impossible, but that you must be
separated for some considerable time. Then--when cool deliberation
succeeds to the wild vagaries, the electric fire of frolic fancy,
she will discover the dangerous precipice, the deadly abyss to which
her present conduct and inclinations lead.... She will prefer
indifference and splendor to love and a cottage.]
"At present I relinquish all further pursuit; to-morrow I shall return
home. When Alida, from calm deliberation, and the advice of friends,
shall freely consent to yield me her hand, I shall return to receive it.
I came from my lodgings this evening to declare these intentions to her
father; but it being later than I was aware of, the family had gone to
rest. I was about to return, but, looking back again at the house, to
see if I could descry a light, I stood a moment by the garden gate, when
you approached and discovered me." So saying, he bade Theodore good
night, and walked hastily away.
[_A&M_:
"At present I relinquish all further pursuit; to-morrow I return to
New London. When Melissa, from calm deliberation and the advice of
friends, shall freely consent to yield me her hand, I shall return
to receive it. I came from my lodgings this evening to declare these
intentions to her father, but it being later than I was aware of,
the family had gone to rest. I was about to return, when I saw a
light from the chamber window, which soon withdrew. I stood a moment
by the garden wall, when you approached and discovered me." So
saying, he bade Alonzo good night, and walked hastily away.]
"I find he knows not the character of Alida," said Theodore, as he
pursued his way to Raymond's. When he arrived at the house of his
friend, he related all that had passed between himself and Bonville; and
from what he related, the Raymonds concluded that Alida must be watched
and guarded.
[_A&M_:
--"I find he knows not the character of Melissa," said Alonzo, and
returned to Vincent's.
The next day Alonzo told the Vincents of all that had passed....]
[[Continuous text from _Alonzo and Melissa_ ends here.]]