Alida Part 29

[_A&M_:

"The scene is changed since we last visited this place, [said Melissa;] the gay charms of summer are beginning to decay, and must soon yield their splendors to the rude despoiling hand of winter."]

"That will be the case," said Theodore, "before I shall have the pleasure of your company here again." "That may probably be, though it is nearly two months yet to winter," said Alida.

[_A&M_:

"That will be the case, (said Alonzo) before I shall have the pleasure of your company here again."

Mel. That probably may be, though it is nearly two months yet to winter.]

"Great changes may take place within that time," said Theodore. Yes, changes must take place, she answered, but nothing, I hope to embitter present prospects.

[_A&M_:

Al. Great changes may take place within that time.

Mel. Yes, changes must take place; but nothing, I hope, to embitter present prospects.]

As it respects yourself, I trust not, madam. "And I sincerely hope not, as it respects you, Theodore." That wish, said he, I believe is vain.

[_A&M_:

Al. (Peevishly) As it respects yourself, I trust not, madam.

Mel. (Tenderly) And I sincerely hope not, as it respects you, Alonzo.

Al. That wish--I believe--is vain.]

Your feelings accord with the season, Theodore; you are melancholy.

Shall we return?

[_A&M_:

Mel. Your feelings accord with the season, Alonzo; you are melancholy. Shall we return?]

"I ask your pardon, madam; I know I am unsociable. You speak of returning; you know the occasion of my being here. You cannot have forgotten your own appointment and consequent engagement?" She made no answer.

[_A&M_:

Al. I ask your pardon, madam; I know I am unsociable. You speak of returning--You know the occasion of my being here.

(She made no reply.)

Al. You cannot have forgotten your own appointment, and consequent engagement?

(She made no answer.)]

I know, Alida, that you are incapable of duplicity or evasion. I have promised and now repeat the declaration, that I will silently submit to your decision. This you have engaged to make, and this is the time you have appointed. The pain of present suspense can scarcely be surpa.s.sed by the pang of disappointment. On your part you have nothing to fear.

I trust you have candidly determined, and will decide explicitly.

[_A&M_:

Al. I know, Melissa, that you are incapable of duplicity or evasion.

I have promised and now repeat the declaration, that I will silently submit to your decision. This you have engaged to make, and this is the time you have appointed. The pains of present suspense can scarcely be surpa.s.sed by the pangs of disappointment. On your part you have nothing to fear. I trust you have candidly determined, and will decide explicitly.]

"I am placed in an exceedingly delicate situation," answered Alida, (sighing.) "I know you are, madam," said Theodore, "but your own honour, your own peace, require that you should extricate yourself from the perplexing embarra.s.sment."

[_A&M_:

Mel. (sighing) I am placed in an exceedingly delicate situation.

Al. I know you are,--but your own honor, your own peace, require that you should extricate yourself from the perplexing embarra.s.sment.]

"That I am convinced of," replied she. "I know that I have been inadvertently indiscreet. I have admitted the addresses of Bonville and yourself, without calculating or expecting the consequences. You have both treated me honourably and with respect. You are both on equal grounds as to standing in life. With Bonville I became first acquainted.

As it relates to him, some new arrangements have taken place since you came here."

[_A&M_:

Mel. That I am convinced of. I now know that I have been inadvertently indiscreet. I have admitted the addresses of Beauman and yourself, without calculating or expecting the consequences. You have both treated me honorably, and with respect. You are both on equal grounds as to your character and standing in life. With Beauman I became first acquainted. As it relates to him, some new arrangements have taken place since you were here, which----]

Theodore interrupted her with emotion. "Of those arrangements I am acquainted, I received the intelligence from a friend in your neighbourhood. I am prepared for the event."

[_A&M_:

Al. (interrupting her, with emotion) Of those arrangements I am acquainted.

Al. I received it from a friend in your neighbourhood.

Al. You see, Melissa, I am prepared for the event.]

Alida remained silent. "I have mentioned before," resumed Theodore, "that whatever may be your decision, no impropriety can attach to you.

I might add, indeed, from various circ.u.mstances, and from the information I possess, I perhaps should not have given you further trouble on the occasion, had it not been from your own direction. And I am now willing to retire without further explanation, without giving you the pain of an express decision, if you think the measure expedient.

Your declaration can only be a matter of form, the consequence of which I know, and my proposition may save your feelings."

[_A&M_:

(She was silent.)

Al. I have mentioned before, that, whatever be your decision, no impropriety can attach to you. I might not, indeed, from various circ.u.mstances, and from the information I possess, I perhaps should not, have given you farther trouble on the occasion, had it not been from your own direction and appointment. And I am now willing to retire without further explanation, without giving you the pain of an express decision, if you think the measure expedient. Your declaration can only be a matter of form, the consequence of which I know, and my proposition may save your feelings.]

"No, Theodore," replied she, "my reputation depends on my adherence to my first determination; justice to yourself and to Bonville also demand it. After what has pa.s.sed, I should be considered as acting capriciously, and inconsistently, should I depart from it. Bonville will be here to-morrow, and you must consent to stay with us until that time; the matter shall then be decided." "Yes," said Theodore, "it shall be as you say, madam. Make your arrangements as you please."

[_A&M_:

Mel. No, Alonzo; my reputation depends on my adherence to my first determination; justice to yourself and to Beauman, also demand it.

After what has pa.s.sed, I should be considered as acting capriciously and inconsistently should I depart from it. Beauman will be here to-morrow, and----