Alida; or, Miscellaneous Sketches of Incidents During the Late American War.
Page 51
CHAPTER XII.
"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 planhe 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 Iwas convinced that Alida's father (whom I have known for many years)would endeavour to dissolve your intended union with his daughter. Andhowever he may doat on his children, or value their happiness, he willnot hesitate to sacrifice his better feelings to the accomplishment ofhis wishes to see them independent. It appears that you have but oneresource left. You and Alida are now engaged by the most solemn ties, byevery rite except those which are ceremonial; these I would advise youto enter into, and trust to the consequences. Mrs. Raymond has proposedthe scheme to Alida, but implicitly accustomed to filial obedience, sheshudders at the idea of a clandestine marriage; but when her father willproceed to rigorous measures, she will, I think, consent to thealternative.
[_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 havefriends, you have acquirements which will not fail you. In a countrylike this you can scarcely help obtaining a competency, which, with theother requisites you have in your power, will not fail to insure yourindependence 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 ofthe war, and probably I may yet have to join the army. After I have mademy visit on the morrow to Alida's father, we will discourse further onthe 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 intendedvisit. As he approached the house, he saw Alida sitting in a shadyrecess at one end of the garden, near which the road passed. She wasleaning with her head upon her hand in a pensive posture; a deepdejection was depicted upon her features, which enlivened into atransient glow as soon as she saw Theodore. She arose, met him, andinvited 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. Herfather saluted him with a distant retiring bow, as he passed with her tothe parlour. As soon as they were seated, a lady who had lately come toreside some time in the family, (who was a relative of her father's,)entered the room and seated herself by the window, alternately humming atune 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; hethen 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 theconviction that your future resources would be adequate to support herhonourably and independently. Circumstances have since taken place whichrender this point extremely doubtful." He paused for a reply, butTheodore was silent. He continued, "You, perhaps, may say that youracquirements, your prudence, and your industry, will procure you ahandsome income; but to depend on these altogether for your futureexigencies is hazarding peace, honour, and reputation, at a single gameof chance. If, therefore, you have no resources or expectations but suchas these, your own judgment will teach you the necessity of immediatelyrelinquishing all pretensions to the hand of Alida, and from this timeto break off all communication with my daughter." He then immediatelyleft 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? Whatreply could he have made? What were the prospects before him but miseryand wo? Where, indeed, were the means by which Alida was to be shieldedfrom 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 redoubledanguish. He arose and looked around for Alida, but she was not to beseen. He left the house and walked slowly towards Raymond's. At a littledistance he met Alida who had been strolling in an adjoining avenue. Heinformed her of all that had passed; it was no more than they bothexpected, 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.]
[_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 eachother, corresponded. This method it was now thought best to resume. Itwas 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 houseof 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 agedparents now resided. His bosom throbbed with keen anguish when hearrived there: his own fate unconnected with that of Alida. His fatherwas absent when he first reached home, but returned soon after. A beamof joy gleamed upon his countenance as he entered the house. "Were itnot, Theodore, for your unhappy situation," said he, "we should oncemore be restored to peace and happiness. A few persons who were indebtedto me, finding that I was to be sacrificed by my unfeeling creditors,reserved those debts in their hands, and have now paid me, amounting tosomething more than five thousand pounds. With this I can live as welland conveniently as I could wish, and can spare some for your presentexigencies, 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 hisformer liberality, he had yet sufficient for all his wants. "But youraffair 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 byreciting his own wretchedness. He passed a week with them. He saw themonce more comfortably seated at a calm retreat in the country; he sawthem serenely blest in the pleasures of returning peace, and a ray ofjoy 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 hadlast seen her. He thought of the difficulties with which he wassurrounded. He thought of the barriers which were now opposed to theirhappiness; and he immediately set out for the house of Raymond. Hearrived at his residence near the close of the day. Raymond and his ladywere at tea, with several young ladies that had passed the afternoonthere. Theodore cast an active glance at the company, in hopes to seeAlida among them, but she was not there. He was invited, and took a seatat 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. "Youhave come in good time," said he. "Something speedily must be done, oryou lose Alida forever. The day after you were here, her father receiveda letter from Bonville, in which, after mentioning the circumstances ofyour father's insolvency, he hinted that the consequence would probablybe a failure of her proposed marriage with you, which might essentiallyinjure the reputation of a lady of her standing in life; to preventwhich, and to place her beyond the reach of calumny, he offered to marryher 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 inpossession of a splendid fortune, the proposition might possibly allurethe father of Alida, to use his endeavour to bring his daughter to yieldimplicit 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 ifhe should endeavour to persuade her to discard you from her thoughtsentirely, 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 hehimself had ever taught her to hold most inviolable. To add to Alida'sdistress, Bonville arrived there yesterday, and, I hope in some measureto alleviate it, Albert, her brother, came this morning. Mrs. Raymondhas despatched a message to inform Alida of your arrival, and to desireher to come here immediately. She will undoubtedly comply with theinvitation, 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 herhusband, who went out, but soon returned, leading in Alida, after whichhe retired. "Oh, Theodore," was all she could say, her further utterancewas interrupted by her tears. Theodore led her to a seat, and overcomeby sadness was unable to speak. Recovering at length, he begged her tomoderate 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 Ihave so often seen triumphing over affliction?" Her extreme anguishprevented a reply. Theodore endeavoured to console her, thoughconsolation 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 ofuseless 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 fairfields of light and verdure. Tempests are succeeded by calms; wars endin peace; the splendours of the brightest morning arise on the wings ofblackest 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, asthe waves of the ocean gradually cease their tumultuous commotion afterthe turbulent winds are laid asleep. Deep and long drawn sighssucceeded. The irritation of her feelings had caused a more than usualglow upon her cheek which faded away as she became composed, until alivid 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 thepropriety and necessity for Theodore and Alida to enter into the bandsof matrimony.
"The measure would be hazardous," remarked Alida. "My circumstances,"said Theodore. "Not on that account," interrupted Alida, "but thedispleasure of my father."
"Come here, Alida, to-morrow evening," said Mrs. Raymond. "In the meantime you will consider the matter and then determine." To this Alidaassented 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 yardsurrounding the dwelling. It was dangerous for him to go further, lesthe should be discovered even by a domestic of the family. He stood hereawhile looking anxiously after Alida as she walked up the avenue, herwhite robes now invisible, now dimly seen, until they were totallyobscured, mingling with the gloom and darkness of the night, ere shereached 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 eyesof the war-worn soldier, when it ascends in the dusky clouds of earlymorning, while he slumbers on the field of recent battle." With mournfulforebodings he returned to the house of his friend. After passing asleepless night, he arose and walked out into an adjoining field; hestood for some time, leaning, in deep contemplation, against a tree,when he heard quick footsteps behind him. He turned around, and sawAlbert approaching. In a moment they were in each other's arms, andmingled tears. They soon returned to Raymond's where they conversedlargely 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 disco
ursed with my father on the subject," said Albert; "I haveurged him with every possible argument, to relinquish his determinationto 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 nextobject, and in this I trust I have not been unsuccessful. You will seeher 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 alterits decrees. Resignation to its will, whether merciful or afflictive, isone of those eminent virtues which adorn the good man's character, andwill ever find a brilliant reward in the regions of unsulliedhappiness."
[_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 returnto the city. "I would advise you," said he, "to remain here until youraffair comes to some final issue. It must, I think, ere long, beterminated. 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 himthat 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 anxiouslyexpecting Alida. He anticipated the consolation her presence wouldbestow. Albert had told him she was more composed. The evening passedon, 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 thenwalked out on the way whither she was expected to come. He hesitatedsome time whether to advance or return. It was possible, though notprobable, that she might have come some other way. He hastened back tothe 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 preventedher coming. Perhaps she is ill." Theodore shuddered at the suggestion.He looked at his watch: it was past twelve o'clock. Again he hastilysallied 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 feebleglimmering of the twinkling stars. When he came within sight of thehouse, and as he drew near, no lights were visible, all was still andsilent. He entered the yard, walked up the avenue, and approached thedoor. A solemn stillness prevailed around, interrupted only by thediscordance 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 Ihave 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 hecame. As he went back through the garden, he found a person standing atthe foot of it, near the road. After a moment's scrutiny, he perceivedit 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 thedragon?"
[_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 addimpudence to thy interference? Go," said he, "you are unworthy of myanger. Pursue thy grovelling schemes. Strive to win to your arms a ladywho 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 forthe hand of Alida. Whether from freak or fortune the preference wasgiven to you, I know not; and I retired in silence. From coincidence ofcircumstances, I think she will now be induced to give the preference tome, especially after her prospects of connecting with you are cut off bythe 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 recentdisappointment, her feelings delicate and vivid, her affectionsanimated, it would be strange if she could suddenly relinquish prematureattachments founded on such premises. But remove her from your presenceone year, with only distant and uncertain prospects of seeing you again,admit me as the substitute in your absence, and she accepts my hand asfreely as she would now receive yours. I had no design. It never was
mywish to marry her without her free consent;--that I believe I shall yetobtain. Under existing circumstances it is impossible but that you mustbe separated. Then, when cool deliberation succeeds to the wild vagariesof fancy, she will discover the dangerous precipice to which her presentinclinations lead. She will prefer indifference and splendour to loveand 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 returnhome. 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 herfather; but it being later than I was aware of, the family had gone torest. I was about to return, but, looking back again at the house, tosee if I could descry a light, I stood a moment by the garden gate, whenyou approached and discovered me." So saying, he bade Theodore goodnight, 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 hepursued his way to Raymond's. When he arrived at the house of hisfriend, he related all that had passed between himself and Bonville; andfrom what he related, the Raymonds concluded that Alida must be watchedand 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.]]