to walk into the room, but did not inform me that you were alone."--
"Your presence was sudden and unexpected, but not unseasonable,
(replied Melissa.) I hope that you did not consider any formality
necessary in your visits, Alonzo?"]

"I once did not think so," answered Theodore; now I know not what to
think--I know not how to act. You have heard of the misfortunes of my
father's family, Alida?

"Yes, I have heard the circumstances attending that event," said she; an
event in which no one could be more deeply interested, except the
immediate sufferers, than myself.

[_A&M_:

Alonzo. I once did not think so. Now I know not what to think--I
know not how to act. You have heard of the misfortunes of my
father's family, Melissa?

Melissa. Yes. I have heard the circumstances attending that event,
an event in which no one could be more deeply interested, except the
immediate sufferers, than myself.]

"Your father is also acquainted with my present situation," said
Theodore; and how did he receive the intelligence?

"With deep regret," replied Alida.

Has he forbidden you to admit my addresses any longer? if even in an
unqualified or indirect manner, it is proper I should know it.

[_A&M_:

Al. Your father is also acquainted with my present situation?

Mel. He is.

Al. How did he receive the intelligence?

Mel. With deep regret.

Al. And forbade you to admit my addresses any longer?

Mel. No. Not absolutely.

Al. If even in an unqualified or indirect manner, it is proper I
should know it.]

"It certainly is," said Alida. Soon after we received the intelligence
of your family misfortunes, my father came into the room where I was
sitting: 'Alida,' said he, 'your conduct has ever been that of a dutiful
child,--mine, of an indulgent parent. My ultimate wish is to see my
children, when settled in life, happy and honourably respected. For this
purpose I have bestowed on them a proper education, and design suitably
to apportion my property among them. On their part, it is expected they
will act prudently and discreetly, especially in those things which
concern materially their future peace and welfare: the principal
requisite to insure this is a proper connexion in marriage.' Here my
father paused a considerable time, and then continued: 'I know, my
child, that your situation is a very delicate one. Your marriage-day is
appointed; it was named under the fairest pros