he desires us to present you his most friendly
respects, and complains of your not writing to him lately so
frequently as usual." Alonzo thanked her for the information--said
that business had prevented him--he esteemed him as his most
valuable friend, and would be more particular in future.]

"We have been thronged with company several days," said Alida. The last
of them took their departure yesterday. And I have only to regret, that
I have nearly a week been prevented from taking my favourite walk to the
grove, to which place you attended me when you were last here. "We will
walk there, then, if you have no objections, as no doubt it is much
improved since that time," said Theodore. They resorted thither towards
evening, and seated themselves in the arbour where they sat some time
contemplating the scenery.

[_A&M_:

"We have been thronged with company for several days, [said Melissa]
once a year .... The last of this company took their departure
yesterday, and I have only to regret that I have for nearly a week,
been prevented from visiting my favorite hill, to which you attended
me when you was last here. It is much improved since then; I have
had a little arbor built under the large tree on its summit: you
will have no objection to view it, Alonzo?" He assured her he
accepted the invitation with pleasure, and towards evening they
resorted to the place and seated themselves in the arbor.]

[[The omitted text, referring to Melissa's father's birthday
celebration, was used earlier in _Alida_.]]

It was the beginning of autumn, and a yellow hue was spread over the
natural beauties of creation. The withering forest began to shed its
decaying foliage, which the light gales pursued along the russet
fields;--the low sun extended its lengthening shadows;--curling smoke
ascended from the neighbouring village and the surrounding cottages;--a
thick fog crept along the valleys;--a grey mist hovered over the tops of
the distant hills;--the glassy surface of the water glittering to the
sun's departing ray;--the solemn herds lowed in monotonous
symphony;--the autumnal insects, in sympathetic wafting, plaintively
predicted their approaching fate.

[_A&M_:

It was the beginning of autumn, and a yellow hue was spread over the
fading charms of nature. The withering forest began to shed its
decaying foliage, which the light gales pursued along the russet
fields. The low sun ext