pressed Melissa,
perhaps too urgently, to a declaration. Had her predilection been in
his favor, would she have hesitated to avow it? Her parents had
advised her to relinquish and had permitted her to retain one
suitor, nor had they attempted to influence or direct her choice.
Was it not evident, then, from her confused hesitation and
embarrassment, when solicited to discriminate upon the subject, that
her ultimate decision would be in favor of Beauman?]

While Theodore's mind was thus in agitation, he received a second letter
from his friend in the neighbourhood of Alida. He read the following
clause therein with emotions more easily to be conceived than expressed:
"Alida's wedding-day is appointed. I need not tell you that Bonville is
to be the happy deity of the hymenial sacrifice. I had it from his own
declaration. He did not name the positive day, but it is certainly to be
soon. You will undoubtedly, however, have timely notice, and receive an
invitation."

[_A&M_:

While Alonzo's mind was thus agitated, he received a second letter
from his friend in the neighborhood of Melissa. He read the
following clause therein with emotion more easily to be conceived
than expressed:--

"Melissa's wedding day is appointed. I need not tell you that
Beauman is to be the happy deity of the Hymeneal sacrifice. I had
this from his own declaration. He did not name the positive day, but
it is certainly to be soon. You will undoubtedly, however, have
timely notice, as a guest."]

"We must pour out a liberal libation upon the mystic altar, Theodore,
and twine the nuptial garland with wreaths of joy. Bonville should
devote a rich offering to so valuable a prize. He has been here for a
week, and departed for New-York yesterday, but is shortly to return."

[_A&M_:

"We must pour a liberal libation upon the mystic altar, Alonzo, and
twine the nuptial garland with wreaths of joy. Beauman ought to
devote a rich offering to so valuable a prize. He has been here for
a week, and departed for New-London yesterday, but is shortly to
return."]

And why have I ever doubted this event? said Theodore. What infatuation
hath then led me on in the pursuit of fantastic and unreal bliss? I have
had, it is true, no positive assurances that Alida would be disposed to
favour my addresses. But why did she ever receive them? Why did she
enchantingly smile upon me? Why fascinate the soft powers of my h