ters. This method it was now thought best to
relinquish. It was agreed that Alonzo should come frequently to
Vincent's, where Melissa would meet him as she could find opportunities.
Having concluded on this, Melissa returned home, and Alonzo to the house
of his friend.

Vincent, after Alonzo had related the manner of his reception at
Melissa's father's, urged the plan he had projected of a private
marriage. Alonzo replied, that even should Melissa consent to it, which
he much doubted, it must be a measure of the last resort, and adopted
only when all others became fruitless.

The next morning Alonzo returned to the hut where his aged parents now
dwelt. His bosom throbbed with keen anguish. His own fate, unconnected
with that of Melissa, he considered of little consequence. But their
united situation tortured his soul.--What was to become of Melissa, what
of himself, what of his parents!--"Alas, said Alonzo, I now perceive
what it is to want the good things of this life."

Alonzo's father was absent when he arrived, but returned soon after.
A beam of joy gleamed upon his withered countenance as he entered the
house. "Were it not, Alonzo, for your unhappy situation, said he, we
should once more be restored to peace and comfort. A few persons who
were indebted to me, finding that I was to be sacrificed by my unfeeling
creditors, reserved those debts in their hands, and have now paid me,
amounting to something more than five hundred pounds. With this I have
purchased a small, but well cultivated farm, with convenient tenements.
I have enough left to purchase what stock and other materials I need;
and to spare some for your present exigencies, Alonzo."

Alonzo thanked his father for his kindness, but told him that from his
former liberality he had yet sufficient for his wants, and that he
should soon find business which would amply support him. "But your
affair with Melissa, asked his father, how is that likely to terminate?"
"Favourably, I hope, sir," answered Alonzo. He could not consent to
disturb the tranquillity of his parents by reciting his own
wretchedness.

A week passed away. Alonzo saw his parents removed to their little farm,
which was to be managed by his father and a hired man. He saw them
comfortably seated; he saw them serenely blest in the calm pleasures of
returning peace, and a ray of joy illuminated his troubled bosom.

"Again the youth his wonted life regain'd,
A transient sparkle in his eye o