Theodore and Alida again promenaded to the spot which had been chosen
for their habitation; they projected the structure of the buildings,
planned the gardens, the artificial groves, the walks, and the green
retreat of the summer-house; and already they realized in imagination
the various domestic blessings and felicities with which they were to be
surrounded.

[_A&M_:

About three weeks previous to the appointed marriage day, Alonzo and
Melissa one afternoon rode out to the village which had been chosen
for their future residence.... they projected the structure of the
buildings, planned the gardens, the artificial groves, the walks,
the mead, the fountains and the green retreat of the summer house,
and they already saw, in anticipation, the variousdomestic blessings
and felicities with which they were to be surrounded.]

Nature was adorned with the bridal ornaments of spring; the radiant sun
was sinking behind the groves, casting his sable shades over the valley,
while the retiring beams of day adorned the distant eastern eminences
with yellow lustre; the birds sung melodiously in the grove; the air was
freshened by light western breezes, bearing upon their wings all the
entrancing odours of the season; while around the horizon clouds raised
their brazen summits, based in the black vapour of approaching night;
and as its darkening shades were advancing, Theodore and Alida returned
home. They seated themselves awhile on the piazza, to contemplate the
splendours of the evening, and to witness the beauties of one of the
most picturesque draperies painted in the landscape of nature.

[_A&M_:

... nature was adorned in the bridal ornaments of spring; the sun
was sunk behind the groves, which cast their sombre shades over the
valley, while the retiring beams of day adorned the distant eastern
eminences with yellow lustre. The birds sung melodiously in the
grove, the air was freshened by light western breezes, bearing upon
their wings all the entrancing odors of the season. Around the
horizon clouds raised their brazen summits, based in the black vapor
of approaching night.

They slowly ascended the hill south of the town, where they paused a
few moments to enjoy the splendors of the evening scene. This hill,
which commanded a prospect of all the surrounding country, the
distant Sound, and the adjacent towns and villages presented to the
eye, on a single view, perhaps on