had just returned home one afternoon from
Raymond's, when her brother, who had been absent on business to the
city, drove up the avenue, accompanied by Mr. More.

[_NY Weekly_: The Nettle and the Rose:

.... As the year has its seasons, and winter and summer are
constantly in pursuit of each other, so changeable likewise is the
condition of mortals; and as the elements are frequently disturbed
by storms, hurricanes, and tempests, so is the mind of man
frequently ruffled and discomposed, till the sun-shine of reason
and philosophy bursts forth and dispels the gloom.....]

Albert informed his sister of the arrival of Theodore. She almost
fainted at the intelligence, so unexpected: and although she wished of
all things, to learn all the circumstances attending his absence, yet
she dreaded the event, to behold him again, fearing the truth of
Bonville's suggestions.

In the midst of these thoughts and fears, Theodore alighted at the
house, and was shown by the servant into the drawing-room.

Theodore, regardless of all around him, as soon as he beheld Alida, he
grasped her hand, exclaiming with rapture, "Has the period at length
arrived, and am I indeed once more so happy as to meet again my
much-esteemed and long-lost friend."

Alida gazed on him in silence. He saw her extreme agitation, and after
they were seated, he observed more particularly her altered appearance.
What surprise and grief was manifest in his countenance, when he saw the
paleness of her cheek, and the roses that once spread their healthy hue
over them, now seemed fled for ever. In a length of time, she became
somewhat more composed; but in what light to consider Theodore, she yet
did not know, and former ideas still clouded her imagination.

At length she assumed sufficient courage, to ask him, why he had not
thought proper to inform any of his friends of the circumstances
attending his absence.

Theodore could scarcely remain silent while Alida was speaking; he was
surprised beyond all description at what he heard. "Can it be possible,"
said he, "that you have missed of information concerning me, when I
delayed not to inform you of all my movements, every opportunity I had
to convey intelligence." He then informed her that the letters had been
sent to Raymond, and those for herself were enclosed, and committed to
his care; and through this channel, he had related minutely all the
various trials and circumstances attending his une