her was my early friend--she has treated me as a friend to her
brother. She was unconscious of the flame which her charms had
kindled in my bosom. Her evident embarrassment and confusion on
receiving my declaration, witnessed her surprise and prior
attachment. What could she do? To save herself the pain of a direct
denial she has appointed a day when her refusal may come in a more
delicate and formal manner--and I must meet it."]

CHAPTER IX.

The time draws near when I shall meet those eyes, that may
perchance look cold on me--"but doubt is called the beacon
of the wise, the test that reaches to the bottom of the worst."

[_Troilus and Cressida_, II.ii:
but modest doubt is called
The beacon of the wise, the tent that searches
To th' bottom of the worst.]

On the appointed day, Theodore proceeded to the house of Alida's father,
where he arrived late in the afternoon. Alida had retired to a little
summer-house at the end of the garden. A servant conducted him thither.

[_A&M_:

At the appointed day, Alonzo proceeded to the house of Melissa's
father, where he arrived late in the afternoon. Melissa had retired
to a little summer house at the end of the garden; a servant
conducted Alonzo thither.]

She was dressed in a flowing robe of white muslin, richly embroidered.
Her hair was in dishevelled curls; she was contemplating a bouquet of
flowers which she held in her hand. Theodore fancied she never appeared
so lovely. She arose to receive him.

[_A&M_:

She was dressed in a flowing robe of white muslin, embroidered with
a deep fringe of lace. Her hair hung loosely upon her shoulders--she
was contemplating a bouquet of flowers which she held in her hand.
Alonzo fancied she never appeared so lovely. She arose to receive
him.]

We have been expecting you for some time, said she; we were anxious to
inform you that we have just received a letter from my brother, in which
he desires us to present you his most friendly respects, and complains
of your not visiting him lately so frequently as usual. Theodore thanked
her for the information; said that business had prevented him; he
esteemed him as his most valuable friend, and would be more particular
in future.

[_A&M_:

"We have been expecting you some time, [said Melissa,] we were
anxious to inform you, that we have just received a letter from my
brother, in which