n-in-law under
your present embarrassments. The case is difficult, but not
insurmountable. You must first see Alida; she is now in the next room;
I will introduce you in; converse with her, after which I will lay my
plan before you."

Theodore entered the room. Alida was sitting by a window which looked
into a pleasant garden, and over verdant meadows where tall grass waved
to the evening breeze; further on, low valleys spread their umbrageous
thickets where the dusky shadows of night had began to assemble. On the
high hills beyond, the tops of lofty forests, majestically moved by the
billowy gales, caught the sun's last ray. Fleecy summer clouds hovered
around the verge of the western horizon, spangled with silvery tints or
fringed with the gold of evening. A mournfully murmuring rivulet purled
at a little distance from the garden, on the borders of a small grove,
from whence the American wild dove wafted her sympathetic moaning to the
ear of Alida. She was leaning on a small table as she sat by the window,
which was thrown up. Her attention was fixed. She did not perceive
Raymond and Theodore as they entered. They advanced towards her; she
turned, started, and arose. With a melancholy smile she said she
supposed it was Mrs. Raymond who was approaching, as she had just left
the room. Her countenance was dejected, which, on seeing Theodore,
lighted up into a languid sprightliness. It was evident she had been
weeping. Raymond retired, and Theodore and Alida seated themselves.

"I have broken in upon your solitude, perhaps too unseasonably," said
Theodore. It is however the fault of Raymond; he invited me to walk into
the room, but did not inform me that you were alone.

"Your presence was sudden and unexpected, but not unseasonable," replied
Alida. I hope that you did not consider any formality necessary in your
visits, Theodore?

"I once did not think so," answered Theodore; now I know not what to
think--I know not how to act. You have heard of the misfortunes of my
father's family, Alida?

"Yes, I have heard the circumstances attending that event," said she; an
event in which no one could be more deeply interested, except the
immediate sufferers, than myself.

"Your father is also acquainted with my present situation," said
Theodore; and how did he receive the intelligence?

"With deep regret," replied Alida.

Has he forbidden you to admit my addresses any longer? if even in an
unqualified or indirect manner,