as derogatory from their own value. And a person
without merit may live without envy; but who would wish to escape it on
these terms!

CHAPTER XXXI.

May he again return, and with him bring
A soft serenity on pleasure's wing;
While anxious fears, and doubt, shall disappear,
The heavy mists of gloomy thought to clear.

The scenes of solitude were now more pleasing to Alida than ever. She
loved to wander through the shady grove and lonely valley, and adapt
their retirement to her own particular situation. She would often stray
as far as the cottage or the farmhouse, at a little distance, and would
sometimes take the winding path through a beautiful piece of wood which
led to Raymond's, where the thick foliage formed a grateful shade.

There she would indulge herself in solitary thought. "How changeable are
all things terrestrial," said she, "the varied year has its seasons, and
winter and summer are constantly in pursuit of each other. The elements
are frequently disturbed by storms and tempests, so, in like manner, is
the human breast at intervals troubled and discomposed, and often
remains overshadowed with pensive sadness and cheerless reverie; and
these desponding ideas must continue to have influence over the mind,
till the sunshine of reason and religion kindly dispels the gloom, and
awakens anew the feelings of the heart to the rays of hope and more
enlivening sensations." She had just returned home one afternoon from
Raymond's, when her brother, who had been absent on business to the
city, drove up the avenue, accompanied by Mr. More.

Albert informed his sister of the arrival of Theodore. She almost
fainted at the intelligence, so unexpected: and although she wished of
all things, to learn all the circumstances attending his absence, yet
she dreaded the event, to behold him again, fearing the truth of
Bonville's suggestions.

In the midst of these thoughts and fears, Theodore alighted at the
house, and was shown by the servant into the drawing-room.

Theodore, regardless of all around him, as soon as he beheld Alida, he
grasped her hand, exclaiming with rapture, "Has the period at length
arrived, and am I indeed once more so happy as to meet again my
much-esteemed and long-lost friend."

Alida gazed on him in silence. He saw her extreme agitation, and after
they were seated, he observed more particularly her altered appearance.
What surprise and grief was manifest in his countenance, whe