Melissa and Alonzo were sitting in a room
alone, "well, (said she) am I to hear your excuses?"

Alonzo. For what, madam?

Melissa. For neglecting your friends.

Al. I hope it is not so considered, madam.

Mel. Seriously, then, why have you stayed away so long? Has this
place no charms in the absence of my brother?]

"Would my presence have added to your felicity, Alida?" "You never came
an unwelcome visiter here." "Perhaps I might be sometimes intrusive when
Bonville is your guest." "I have supposed you were on friendly terms,"
said she. "We are, but there are seasons when friendship must yield its
pretensions to a superior claim."

[_A&M_:

Al. Would my presence have added to your felicity, Melissa?

Mel. You never came an unwelcome visitor here.

Al. Perhaps I might be sometimes intrusive.

Mel. What times?

Al. When Beauman is your guest.

Mel. I have supposed you were on friendly terms.

Al. We are.

Mel. Why then intrusive?

Al. There are seasons when friendship must yield its pretensions to
a superior claim.

...]

"Will you answer me one question, Alida, are you engaged to Bonville?"
"He has asked me the same question concerning you," replied she,
(blushing.)

[_A&M_:

Al. Will you, Melissa, answer me one question?
...
Al. Are you engaged to Beauman?

Mel. [blushing] He has asked me the same question concerning you.]

"Do you," continued Theodore, "prefer him to any other?" Alida,
(blushing deeply.) "He has made the same inquiries respecting you."

[_A&M_:

Al. Do you prefer him to any other?

Mel. [deeply blushing, her eyes cast upon the floor] He has made
the same enquiry respecting you.]

"I beg, madam, you will deal with me candidly," said Theodore, (taking
her hand with anxiety.) "I am entitled to no claims, but you know what
my heart would ask. I will bow to your decision. Bonville or Theodore
must relinquish their pretensions. We cannot share the blessing."

[_A&M_:

Al. [Taking her hand with anxiety] Melissa, I beg you will deal
candidly. I am entitled to no claims, but you know what my heart
would ask. I will bow to your decision. Beauman or Alonzo must
relinquish their pretensions. We cannot share the blessing.]

The cheeks of Alida were suffused with a varying glow, her lips were
pale, her voice tremulous, and her eyes cast down. "My father has
informed me," she said, "that it is improper to