visited the spot, and were enraptured with its pensive, romantic
beauties.]

"Here," said Theodore, "we will one day pass our time in all the
felicity of mind which the chequered scenes of life will admit. In the
spring, we will roam among the flowers; in summer, we will gather
strawberries in yonder fields, or raspberries from the adjacent
shrubbery. The breezes of fragrant morning and the sighs of the evening
gale will be mingled with the songs of the various birds which frequent
the surrounding groves. We will gather the bending fruits of autumn, and
will listen with pleasure to the hoarse, murmuring voice of winter--its
whistling winds, its driving snow and rattling hail--with delight."

[_A&M_:

"Here, (said Alonzo, one day to Melissa) will we pass our days in
all that felicity of mind which the chequered scenes of life admit.
In the spring we will rove among the flowers. In summer we will
gather strawberries in yonder fields, or whortleberries from the
adjacent shrubbery. The breezes of fragrant morning, and the sighs
of the evening gale, will be mingled with the songs of the thousand
various birds which frequent the surrounding groves. We will gather
the bending fruits of autumn, and we will listen to the hoarse voice
of winter, its whistling winds, its driving snow, and rattling hail,
with delight."]

The bright gems of joy glistened in the eyes of Alida as Theodore
described this pleasing scene of anticipation.

[_A&M_:

The bright gems of joy glistened in the eyes of Melissa. With Alonzo
she anticipated approaching happiness, and her bosom beat in
rapturous unison.]

Winter came on; it rapidly passed away. Spring advanced, and the
marriage day was appointed. Preparations for the hymenial ceremony were
making, and invitations had already gone abroad. Albert was particularly
sent for, and all was approaching to readiness for this happy event.

[_A&M_:

Winter came on; it rapidly passed away--Spring advanced, and the
marriage day was appointed.
...
Preparations for the hymeneal ceremony were making, and invitations
had already gone abroad. Edgar, the brother of Melissa, had entered
the army in the capacity of chaplain. He was soon expected home,
where he intended to tarry until the consummation of the nuptials,
before he set out for the camp.]

[[The omitted text, concerning Alonzo's military plans, will be
used later in _Alida_.]]