it; I could not consent to banish myself from my country; to flee
like a felon, to skulk from society with the base view of defrauding
my creditors. No, I have lived honestly, and honestly will I die. By
fair application and long industry my wealth has been obtained, and
it shall never justly be said, that the reputation of my latter days
was stained with acts of baseness and meanness.--I have notified and
procured a meeting of the creditors, and have laid the matters
before them. Some appeared favorable to me; others insinuated that
we were all connected in fraudulent designs, to swindle our
creditors. This I repelled with becoming spirit, and was in
consequence threatened with immediate prosecution.]

[["acts of baseness and meanness": The edition of _Alonzo and
Melissa_ that is generally closest to _Alida_ has the single word
"baseness".]]

Whatever may be the event, I had some hopes that your happiness,
Theodore, might yet be secured. Hence I proposed your union with Alida
before our misfortunes should be promulgated. Your parents are old,
a little will serve the residue of their days. With your acquirements
you may make your way in life. I shall now have no property to give you;
but I would still wish you to ensure to yourself that which you prize
far above, and without which, both honours and emoluments would be
unimportant and worthless."

[_A&M_:

Whatever may be the event, I had some hopes that your happiness,
Alonzo, might yet be secured.--Hence I proposed your union with
Melissa, before our misfortunes should be promulgated.--Your parents
are old; a little will serve the residue of their days. With your
acquirements you may make your way in life. I shall have no property
to give you, but I would still wish you to secure that which you
prize far above, and without which, both honors and emoluments are
unimportant and worthless."]

At this moment a loud rap at the door interrupted the discourse, and
three men were ushered in, which proved to be the sheriff and his
attendants, sent by the more inexorable creditors of Theodore's father
and company, to levy on the property of the former, which orders they
faithfully executed by seizing the lands, tenements, and furniture. We
will not stop the reader to moralize on this disastrous event--the
feelings of the family can better be conceived than described.

[_A&M_:

At this moment a loud rap at the