to hear himself declared the favourite choice of
the fair.

What then must have been his disappointment when the name of Alonzo was
pronounced instead of his own! The highly finished scene of pleasure and
future prosperity which his ardent imagination had depicted, had
vanished in a moment. The rainbow glories which gilded his youthful
horizon, had faded in an instant--the bright sun of his early hopes had
set in mournful darkness. The summons of death would not have been more
unexpected, or more shocking to his imagination.

Very different were the sensations which inspired the bosom of Alonzo.
He had not even calculated on a decision in his own favour. He believed
that Beauman would be the choice of Melissa. She had told him that the
form of decision was necessary to save appearances: with this form he
complied because she desired it, not because he expected the result
would be in his favour. He had not therefore attended to the words of
Melissa's father with that eagerness which favourable anticipations
commonly produce. But when his name was mentioned; when he found he was
the choice--the happy favourite of Melissa's affection, every tender
passion of his soul became interested, and was suddenly aroused to the
refinements of sensibility. Like an electric shock, it reanimated his
whole frame, and vibrated every nerve of his heart. The glooms which
hung about his mind were dissipated, and the bright morning of joy broke
in upon his soul.

Thus were the expectations of Alonzo and Beauman disappointed--how
differently, the sequel has shown.

Melissa's father retired immediately after pronouncing the declaration;
the two young gentlemen also soon after withdrew. Alonzo saw the tempest
which tore the bosom of his rival, and he pitied him from his heart.

A fortnight passed, and Alonzo felt all that anxiety and impatience
which a separation from a beloved object can produce. He framed a
thousand excuses to visit Melissa, yet he feared a visit might be
premature. He was, however, necessitated to make a journey to a distant
part of the country, after which he resolved to see Melissa. He
performed his business, and was returning. It was toward evening, and
the day had been uncommonly sultry for the autumnal season. A rising
shower blackened the western hemisphere; the dark vapour ascended in
folding ridges, and the thunder rolled at a distance. Alonzo saw he
should be overtaken. He discovered an elegant seat about one hu