ll deal sincerely with you. Mrs. Raymond has been my friend
and associate from my earliest years--Raymond you know. In them we can
place the utmost confidence. From them you will be enabled to obtain
information should I be prevented from seeing you. My reliance on
Providence, I trust, will never be shaken, but my future prospects, at
present, are dark and gloomy."

[_A&M_:

It is difficult to determine, (replied Melissa.) Should my father
expressly forbid our union, he will go all lengths to carry his
commands into effect. Although a tender parent, he is violent in his
prejudices, and resolute in his purposes. I would advise you to call
at my father's house tomorrow, with your usual freedom. Whatever may
be the event, I shall deal sincerely with you.... Mrs. Vincent has
been my friend and associate from my earliest years. Vincent you
know. In them we can place the utmost confidence. My reliance on
Providence, I trust, will never be shaken, but my future prospects,
at present, are dark and gloomy.]

"Let us not despair," said Theodore; "perhaps those gloomy clouds which
now hover around us, may yet be dissipated by the bright beams of joy.
Worth and innocence are the care of Heaven,--there rests my hope.
To-morrow, as you propose, I will call at your father's. If I should be
debarred in future from seeing you, I will write as formerly, and direct
the letters to Raymond."

[_A&M_:

Let us not despair, (answered Alonzo) perhaps those gloomy clouds
which now hover around us, will yet be dissipated by the bright
beams of joy. Innocence and virtue are the cares of Heaven. There
lies my hope. To-morrow, as you propose, I will call at your
father's.]

Alida now returned home, attended by Theodore. A whip-poor-will tuned
its nightly song at a distance; but the sound which had so late appeared
to them cheerful and sprightly, now passed heavily over their hearts.

[_A&M_:

Melissa now prepared to return home; a whipperwill tuned its nightly
song at a little distance; but the sound, late so cheerful and
sprightly, now passed heavily over their hearts.]

CHAPTER XII.

"O, happiness, deceitful in thy dream,"
Though wreaths all blooming hang upon thy brow,
And quick dissolves the visionary gleam,
Succeeded soon by various scenes of wo.

When Theodore returned to the house of his friend, he unfolded the plan
he had projected.

[_A&M_:

When A