ne of the chamber
windows; it grew brighter; a candle entered the chamber; the sash was
flung up, and Melissa seated herself at the window.

The weather was sultry, she held a fan in her hand; her countenance,
though stamped with deep dejection, was marked with serenity, but pale
as the drooping lily of the valley. Alonzo placed himself directly under
the window, and in a low voice called her by name. She started wildly,
looked out, and faintly cried, "Who's there?" He answered, "Alonzo."
"Good heavens, she exclaimed, is it you, Alonzo? I was disappointed in
meeting you at Vincent's this evening; my father will not suffer me to
go out without attendants. I am now constantly watched and guarded."

"Watched and guarded! replied Alonzo: At the risque of my life I will
deliver you from the tyranny with which you are oppressed."

"Be calm, Alonzo, said she, I think it will not last long. Beauman will
soon depart, after which there will undoubtedly be some alteration.
Desire Mrs. Vincent to come here to-morrow; I believe they will let me
see her. I can, from time to time, inform you of passing events, so that
you may know what changes take place. I am placed under the care of my
aunt, who suffers me not to step out of her sight. We pass the night in
an adjoining chamber--from whence, after she had fallen asleep, I stole
out, and went down with a design of walking in the garden, but found the
doors all locked and the keys taken out. I returned and raised this
window for fresh air. Hark! said she; my aunt calls me. She has waked
and misses me. I must fly to her chamber. You shall hear more from me
to-morrow by Mrs. Vincent, Alonzo." So saying, she let down the window
sash, and retired.

Alonzo withdrew slowly from the place, and repassed the way he came.
As he jumped back over the garden wall, he found a man standing at its
foot, very near him: after a moment's scrutiny he perceived it to be
Beauman. "What, my chevalier, said he to Alonzo, such an adept in the
amorous science already? Hast thou then eluded the watchful eyes of
Argus, and the vigilance of the dragon!"

"Unfeeling and impertinent intruder, retorted Alonzo, seizing hold of
him; is it not enough that an innocent daughter must endure a merciless
parent's persecuting hand, but must thou add to her misery by thy
disgusting interference!"

"Quit thy hold, tarquin, said Beauman. Art thou determined, after
storming the fortress, to murder the garrison?"

"Go, sai