father, in my uncle's name, stating the
particulars of my cousin's death, and applying them to me. The epitaph
on her tombstone was likewise so devised that it would with equal
propriety apply either to her or to me.

[Footnote A: This was formerly the case.]

* * * * *

"To undeceive you, Alonzo, continued Melissa, was the next object. I
consulted with Alfred how this should be done.----"My sister, he said,
(in our private circles he always called me by the tender name of
sister,) I am determined to see you happy before I relinquish the
business I have undertaken: letters are a precarious mode of
communication; I will make a journey to Connecticut, find out Alonzo,
visit your friends, and see how the plan operates. I am known to your
father, who has ever treated me as a relative. I will return as speedily
as possible, and we shall then know what measures are best next to
pursue."

"I requested him to unfold the deception to my mother, and, if he found
it expedient, to Vincent and Mr. Simpson, in whose friendship and
fidelity I was sure he might safely confide.

"He soon departed, and returned in about two months. He found my father
and mother in extreme distress on account of my supposed death: my
mother's grief had brought her on the bed of sickness; but when Alfred
had undeceived her she rapidly revived. My father told Alfred that he
seriously regretted opposing my inclinations, and that, were it possible
he could retrace the steps he had taken, he should conduct in a very
different manner, as he was not only deprived of me, but Edgar also, who
had gone to Holland in an official capacity, soon after receiving the
tidings of my death. "I am now childless," said my father in tears.
Alfred's feelings were moved, and could he then have found you, he would
have told my father the truth; but lest he should relapse from present
determinations, he considered it his duty still with him, to continue
the deception.

"On enquiring at your father's, at Vincent's, and at Mr. Simpson's,
he could learn nothing of you, except that you had gone to New London,
judging possibly that you would find me there. Alfred therefore
determined to proceed to that place immediately. He then confidentially
unfolded to your father, Vincent, and Mr. Simpson, the scheme, desiring
that if you returned you would proceed immediately to Charleston. My
father was still to be kept in ignorance.

"Alfred proceeded