d other parts of America. What is most remarkable is, that they
all died the year previous to the commencement of the American
war.]

The doors were constructed in the same manner as the gate at which they
entered the yard. They unlocked the door, which creaked heavily on its
hinges, and went in. They ascended a flight of stairs, wound through
several dark and empty rooms, till they came to one which was handsomely
furnished, with a fire burning on the hearth. Two beds were in the room,
with tables and chairs, and other conveniences for house keeping. "Here
we are safe, said Melissa's aunt, as I have taken care to lock all the
doors and gates after me; and here, Melissa, you are in the mansion of
your ancestors. Your great grand father, who came over from England,
built this house in the earliest settlements of the country, and here he
resided until his death. The reason why so high and thick a wall was
built round it, and the doors and gates so strongly fortified, was to
secure it against the Indians, who frequently committed depredations on
the early settlers. Your grandfather came in possession of this estate
after his father's death: it fell to me by will, with the lands
surrounding it. The house has sometimes been tenanted, at others not. It
has now been vacant for a few years. The lands are rented yearly. John,
the person from whose house we last came, is my overseer and tenant.
I had a small room built, adjoining that hut, where I generally reside
for a week when I come to receive my rents. I have thought frequently of
fitting up this place for my future residence, but circumstances have
hitherto hindered my carrying the scheme into effect, and now, perhaps,
it will never take place.

"Your perverseness, Melissa, in refusing to comply with the wishes of
your friends, has induced us to adopt the method of bringing you here,
where you are to remain until Alonzo leaves your neighbourhood, at
least. Notwithstanding your father's injunctions and my vigilance, you
had a clandestine interview with him last night. So we were told by
Beauman this morning, before he set off for New-London, who discovered
him at your window. It therefore became necessary to remove you
immediately. You will want for nothing. John is to supply us with
whatever is needful.--You will not be long here; Alonzo will soon be
gone. You will think differently; return home, marry Beauman, and
become a lady."

"My God! exclaimed Melissa, is