y light western breezes, bearing upon their wings all the
entrancing odours of the season; while around the horizon clouds raised
their brazen summits, based in the black vapour of approaching night;
and as its darkening shades were advancing, Theodore and Alida returned
home. They seated themselves awhile on the piazza, to contemplate the
splendours of the evening, and to witness the beauties of one of the
most picturesque draperies painted in the landscape of nature.

CHAPTER XI.

The dreadful din of war is heard
Wide spreading o'er the land and sea;
The battle's shout and cannon's roar
Proclaim the nation shall be free.

The nodding plumes, like waving pines,
Are shaken by the morning breeze;
The gilded armour brightly shines,
And patriots sigh for victories.

The tumults of a second war with Great Britain still increased, and was
not only exhausting the finances of the country, but called for a still
greater sacrifice--all the bravest American youth. A large army of
reinforcements was shortly expected from England to land on our shores,
and the confused noise of the warriors, with more vigorous and intrepid
combat, were already anticipated.

Theodore had received a commission in a regiment of militia, and was
pressed by several young gentlemen of his acquaintance, who had enlisted
in the army, to join it also. He had an excuse: his father was a man in
extensive business, was considerably past the prime of life, had a
number of agents and clerks under him, but began to feel himself unable
to attend to the various and burthensome duties and demands of a
mercantile life. Theodore was his only son; his assistance, therefore,
became necessary, until, at least, his father could bring his business
to a close, which he was now about to effect.

Theodore stated these facts to his friends; told them that on every
occasion he should be ready to fly to the post of danger when his
country was invaded, and that as soon as his father's affairs became
settled, he would, if necessary, join the army.

The president was now active in making every exertion in his power, to
rouse the feelings of his countrymen to act their parts with honour in
the scene that was now before them. He knew that much of the
responsibility rested on himself. The capacity he was in with regard to
the nation, caused the most material and important business--of
directing and superintending the weighty affairs of governm