pting to observe the lucid object, inadvertently betrays its own
weakness; and persons of their unhappy complexion, regard all praises
conferred upon another, as derogatory from their own value. And a person
without merit may live without envy; but who would wish to escape it on
these terms!

[_NY Weekly_: Detraction:

Superior excellence is the general mark for calumny; and envy is
usually led to asperse what it cannot imitate. A little mind is
scandalized at the pre-eminence of its neighbour, and endeavours to
depreciate the virtues which it cannot attain to. Thus the
distempered eye is impatient of prevailing brightness; and, by
attempting to observe the lucid object, inadvertently betrays its
own weakness. Pride is the fruitful parent of Detraction; and it is
the unjust estimate which men set upon themselves, that generates in
their minds this ridiculous contempt of greater worth. Persons of
this unhappy complexion regard all praises conferred upon another as
derogatory from their own value.]

[_NY Weekly_: Moral Maxims:

A man without merit may live without envy; but who would wish to
escape on these terms?]

CHAPTER XXXI.

May he again return, and with him bring
A soft serenity on pleasure's wing;
While anxious fears, and doubt, shall disappear,
The heavy mists of gloomy thought to clear.

The scenes of solitude were now more pleasing to Alida than ever. She
loved to wander through the shady grove and lonely valley, and adapt
their retirement to her own particular situation. She would often stray
as far as the cottage or the farmhouse, at a little distance, and would
sometimes take the winding path through a beautiful piece of wood which
led to Raymond's, where the thick foliage formed a grateful shade.

There she would indulge herself in solitary thought. "How changeable are
all things terrestrial," said she, "the varied year has its seasons, and
winter and summer are constantly in pursuit of each other. The elements
are frequently disturbed by storms and tempests, so, in like manner, is
the human breast at intervals troubled and discomposed, and often
remains overshadowed with pensive sadness and cheerless reverie; and
these desponding ideas must continue to have influence over the mind,
till the sunshine of reason and religion kindly dispels the gloom, and
awakens anew the feelings of the heart to the rays of hope and more
enlivening sensations." She