soared high in the air, consecrating its matin lay to morn's approaching
splendours. The woodlands began to ring with native melody--the forest
tops, on high mountains, caught the sun's first ray, which, widening and
extending, soon gem'd the landscape with brilliants of a thousand
various dies.

[Footnote A: The American lampyris, vulgarly called the
lightning-bug.]

As Alonzo came out of the fields near the road, he saw two persons
passing in an open chair. They suddenly stopped, earnestly gazing at
him. They were wrapped in long riding cloaks, and it could not be
distinguished from their dress whether they were men or women. He stood
not to notice them, but made the best of his way to Vincent's, where he
arrived about noon.--Rejoiced to find that he had discovered Melissa,
they applauded the plan of her removal, and assisted him in obtaining a
carriage. A sedan was procured, and he set out to return, promising to
see Vincent again, as soon as he had removed Melissa to Mr. Simpson's.
He made such use of his time as to arrive at the mansion at the hour
appointed. He found the draw-bridge down, the gate open, and saw, as had
been agreed upon, the light at the lower window, glimmering through the
branches of trees. He was therefore assured that Melissa was alone. His
heart beat; a joyful tremor seized his frame; Melissa was soon to be
under his care, for a short time at least.--He drove up to the house,
sprang out of the carriage, and fastened his horse to a locust tree: The
door was open; he went in, flew lightly up stairs, entered her
chamber--Melissa was not there! A small fire was blazing on the hearth,
a candle was burning on the table. He stood petrified with amazement,
then gazed around in anxious solicitude. What could have become of her?
It was impossible, he tho't, but that she must still be there.

Had she been removed by fraud or force, the signal candle would not have
been at the window. Perhaps, in a freakish moment, she had concealed
herself for no other purpose than to cause him a little perplexity. He
therefore took the candle and searched every corner of the chamber, and
every room of the house, not even missing the garret and the cellar.
He then placed the candle in a lantern, and went out and examined the
out-houses: he next went round the garden and the yard, strictly
exploring and investigating every place; but he found her not. He
repeatedly and loudly called her by name; he was answered