It was some time before he renewed his visits again. In the interim he received a letter from a friend in the neighbourhood of Alida's father; an extract from which follows: "We are soon to have a wedding here; you are acquainted with the parties--Alida M. and Bonville. Such at least is our opinion from appearances, as this gentleman is now there more than half his time. You will undoubtedly be invited. We had expected that you would have put in your claims, from your particular attention to the lady. She is a fine girl, Theodore." I shall never be a guest at Alida's wedding, said Theodore, as he hastily paced the room; but I must again see her before that event takes place, when I shall lose her forever. [_A&M_: It was some time before Alonzo renewed his visit. In the interim he received a letter from a friend in the neighbourhood of Melissa's father; an extract from which, follows: "We are soon to have a wedding here; you are acquainted with the parties--Melissa D.---- and Beauman. Such at least is our opinion from appearances, as Beauman is now here more than half his time. You will undoubtedly be a guest. We had expected that you would have put in your claims, from your particular attention to the lady. She is a fine girl, Alonzo." "I shall never be a guest at Melissa's wedding," said Alonzo, as he hastily paced the room, "but I must once again see her before that event takes place, when I lose her forever."] The ensuing day he repaired to her father's. He inquired for Alida; she was gone with a party to the shores of the sound, attended by Bonville. At evening they returned. Bonville and Theodore addressed each other with much seeming cordiality. "You have deserted us, Theodore," said Alida, "we concluded you had forgotten the road to this place." "Was not that a hasty conclusion?" said Theodore. "I think not," she answered, "if your long absence should be construed into neglect. But we will hear your excuse," said she, smiling, "by and by, and perhaps pardon you." [_A&M_: The next day he repaired to her father's. He enquired for Melissa, she was gone with a party to the shores of the sound, attended by Beauman. At evening they returned. Beauman and Alonzo addressed each other with much seeming cordiality. "You have deceived us, Alonzo, (said Melissa)--We concluded you had forgotten the road to this place." "Was not that a hasty conclusion?" replied Alonzo. "I think not, she answered, if your long absence should be construed into neglect. But we will hear your excuse (said she smiling) by and by, and perhaps pardon you."] He thanked her for her condescension. [_A&M_: He thanked her for her condescension.] The next morning Bonville set out to go to New-York. Theodore observed that he took particular leave of Alida, telling her, in a low voice, that he should have the happiness of seeing her again, within two or three weeks certainly. [_A&M_: