ensations of Alonzo's bosom, at
this recital of woe. But he endeavoured to mitigate her sorrows by the
consolation of more cheering prospects and happier hours.

Vincent and his lady now came into the room. They strenuously urged the
propriety and the necessity of Alonzo and Melissa's entering into the
bands of wedlock immediately. "The measure would be hazardous," remarked
Melissa. "My circumstances"--said Alonzo. "Not on that account,
interrupted Melissa, but my father's displeasure----" "Will be the same,
whether you marry Alonzo, or refuse to marry Beauman," replied Vincent.
Her resolution appeared to be staggered.

"Come here, Melissa, to-morrow evening, said Mrs. Vincent; mean time you
will consider the matter, and then determine." To this Melissa assented,
and prepared to return home.

Alonzo walked with her to the gate which opened into the yard
surrounding her father's house. It was dangerous for him to go farther.
Should he be discovered with Melissa, even by a domestic of the family,
it must increase the persecutions against her. They parted. Alonzo stood
at the gate, gazing anxiously after Melissa as she walked up the long
winding avenue, bordered with the odour-flowing lilac, and lofty elm,
her white robes now invisible, now dimly seen as she turned the angles
of the walk, until they were totally obscured, mingling with the gloom
and darkness of the night. "Thus, said Alonzo, thus fades the angel of
peace from the visionary eyes of the war-worn soldier, when it ascends
in the dusky clouds of early morning, while he slumbers on the field of
recent battle."--With mournful forebodings he returned to the house of
Vincent. He arose after a sleepless night and walked into an adjoining
field. He stood leaning in deep contemplation against a tree, when he
heard quick footsteps behind him. He turned, and saw Edgar approaching:
in a moment they were in each other's arms, and mingled tears. They
returned to Vincent's and conversed largely on present affairs. "I have
discoursed with my father on the subject, said Edgar. I have urged him
with every possible argument to relinquish his determination: I fear,
however, he is inflexible.

"To assuage the tempest of grief which rent Melissa's bosom was my next
object, and in this I trust I have not been unsuccessful. You will see
her this evening, and will find her more calm and resigned. You, Alonzo,
must exert your fortitude. The ways of Heaven are inscrutable, but they