annot have forgotten your own appointment, and consequent
engagement?

(She made no answer.)]

I know, Alida, that you are incapable of duplicity or evasion. I have
promised and now repeat the declaration, that I will silently submit to
your decision. This you have engaged to make, and this is the time you
have appointed. The pain of present suspense can scarcely be surpassed
by the pang of disappointment. On your part you have nothing to fear.
I trust you have candidly determined, and will decide explicitly.

[_A&M_:

Al. I know, Melissa, that you are incapable of duplicity or evasion.
I have promised and now repeat the declaration, that I will silently
submit to your decision. This you have engaged to make, and this is
the time you have appointed. The pains of present suspense can
scarcely be surpassed by the pangs of disappointment. On your part
you have nothing to fear. I trust you have candidly determined, and
will decide explicitly.]

"I am placed in an exceedingly delicate situation," answered Alida,
(sighing.) "I know you are, madam," said Theodore, "but your own honour,
your own peace, require that you should extricate yourself from the
perplexing embarrassment."

[_A&M_:

Mel. (sighing) I am placed in an exceedingly delicate situation.

Al. I know you are,--but your own honor, your own peace,
require that you should extricate yourself from the perplexing
embarrassment.]

"That I am convinced of," replied she. "I know that I have been
inadvertently indiscreet. I have admitted the addresses of Bonville and
yourself, without calculating or expecting the consequences. You have
both treated me honourably and with respect. You are both on equal
grounds as to standing in life. With Bonville I became first acquainted.
As it relates to him, some new arrangements have taken place since you
came here."

[_A&M_:

Mel. That I am convinced of. I now know that I have been
inadvertently indiscreet. I have admitted the addresses of Beauman
and yourself, without calculating or expecting the consequences. You
have both treated me honorably, and with respect. You are both on
equal grounds as to your character and standing in life. With
Beauman I became first acquainted. As it relates to him, some new
arrangements have taken place since you were here, which----]

Theodore interrupted her with emotion. "Of those arrangements I am
acquainted, I received the intelli