rfulness. At supper he ate nothing, discoursed
much, but in an unconnected and hurried manner, interrupted by long
pauses, in which he appeared to be buried in contemplation.]

After supper he asked Theodore "if it were not possible that his union
with Alida could be concluded within a few days?" Theodore, startled at
so unexpected a question, replied, that such a proposal would be
considered extraordinary, perhaps improper; besides, when Alida had
named the day, she mentioned that she had an uncle who lived at a
distance, whose daughter was to pass the summer with her, and was
expected to arrive before the appointed time. It would, he said, be a
delicate thing for him to anticipate the nuptials, unless he could give
some cogent reason for so doing, and at present he was not apprised that
any such existed. His father, after a few moments' hesitation, answered,
"I have reasons which, when told,"--here he stopped, suddenly arose,
hastily walked the room in much visible agony of mind, and then retired
to his chamber.

[_A&M_:

After supper he asked Alonzo if it were not possible that his
marriage with Melissa could be consummated within a few days.
Alonzo, startled at so unexpected a question, replied, that such a
proposal would be considered extraordinary, perhaps improper;
besides, when Melissa had fixed the day, she mentioned that she had
an uncle who lived near Charleston, in South Carolina, whose
daughter was to pass the summer with Melissa, and was expected to
arrive before the appointed day. It would, he said, be a delicate
point for him to request her to anticipate the nuptials, unless he
could give some cogent reasons for so doing, and at present he was
not apprised that any such existed. His father, after a few moments
hesitation, answered, "I have reasons, which, when told"--here he
stopped, suddenly arose, hastily walked the room in much visible
agony of mind, and then retired to his chamber.]

Theodore and his mother were much amazed at so strange a proceeding.
They could form no conjecture of its cause, or its consequence. Theodore
passed a sleepless night. His father's slumbers were interrupted; he was
restless and uneasy: his sleep was broken and disturbed by incoherent
mutterings and plaintive moans. In the morning when he appeared at
breakfast, his countenance wore the marks of dejection and anguish. He
scarcely spoke a word; and after the cloth was removed, he orde