ds
The pleasing intercourse of happy friends.

Albert, the brother of Alida, during his residence in New-York, had
formed an indissoluble friendship with a young gentleman who had lately
graduated at Columbia College. His name was Theodore. He was about
twenty years of age: he had been esteemed an excellent student. His
appearance was manly, open, and free. His eye indicated a nobleness of
mind; he was naturally cheerful, although his aspect was tinged with
melancholy, and his disposition was rather of the romantic cast. His
father was an eminent merchant in the city, and had long been engaged in
the various scenes of commerce. His son was designed for the law; but as
the students were allowed some vacant time after their graduation before
they entered upon their professional studies, he thought to improve this
interim in mutual friendly visits, mingling sometimes with select
parties in the amusements of the day, and in travelling through some
parts of the United States.

[_A&M_ (opening paragraph):

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 designed 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 amusement of the day, and in travelling
through some parts of the United States.]

[_A&M_:

Alonzo 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; although his aspect was tinged with
melancholy, yet he was naturally cheerful. His disposition was of
the romantic cast....]

The spring was advancing, and already began to shed its cheering
influences over the face of nature, when, after a long period of clouds
and darkness, the sun, with his illuminating beams, was chasing away the
gloomy remains of winter, and recalling again to life and animation the
innumerable beauties of creation.

The day was fixed on when Alida was to return to her native residence.
Albert was to attend her home, and he invited his friend Theodore to
accompany him. It was