consolation for the absence of Theodore, and affected much
regret,--although he said his case was not as deplorable as that of many
others, as he was still among the living. That though he was a person he
could not esteem, still he had felt so far interested in his welfare, as
to make particular inquiries how the British were accustomed to treat
their prisoners. He then gave some dark intimations against his general
character, which could not fail to throw over the mind of Alida a deep
dejection.

[_Alida_ page 158 (chapter XXI):

Alida was truly shocked and surprised at a proposition so unexpected
from Mr. Bolton....]

[_A&M_ (Melissa speaking):

My aunt added her taunts to his severities, and Beauman interfered
with his ill timed consolation.]

[_Alida_ page 168 (chapter XXIII):

He expressed his surprise, and after giving many dark intimations of
his perfidy, he changed the subject....]

She was now apprised of the fate of Theodore:--She was unable to
suppress the feelings of sorrow, that these words of Bonville had
excited. She remained silent; wholly engrossed by the confused thoughts
and sad ideas, that arose in succession in her mind, till at length she
became regardless of all around her.

The penetrating eyes of Mr. More were fixed upon her during this
conversation. He seemed wholly insensible to every other object. He was
apprehensive that her heart was insensible to the strong affection that
pervaded his own,--and he thought should she prove incapable of loving
like himself, and should become devoted to another, thoughts he could
scarcely endure,--though they sometimes impressed the idea that she
might never be interested in his favour. Hope would again flatter him
with the pleasing thought, that her bosom may have been fraught with
congenial feelings, and her heart beat with sensations even more fervent
than his own. Her image filled his waking thoughts, and disturbed with
visionary happiness his sleeping hours,--yet it seemed to his devoted
mind the love of merit alone; and he imagined that while she was happy,
he could never be altogether otherwise.

After Mr. More and Bonville had taken leave, and her parents had retired
to rest, Alida remained by the fire-side till a late hour. She was
meditating on recent circumstances, on the many late trying events which
had crowded so rapidly that they could scarcely be said to succeed each
other, and which had given so great varie