The next morning Beauman set out for New-London; Alonzo observed that he took a tender leave of Melissa, telling her in a low voice that he should have the happiness of seeing her again within two or three weeks.] After he was gone, as Alida and Theodore were sitting in the room alone, "Well," said she, "am I to hear your excuses, Theodore?" "For what, madam?" "For neglecting your friends." "I hope it is not so considered, madam." "Seriously, then, why have you stayed away so long? Has this place no charms in the absence of my brother?" [_A&M_: After he was gone, as Melissa and Alonzo were sitting in a room alone, "well, (said she) am I to hear your excuses?" Alonzo. For what, madam? Melissa. For neglecting your friends. Al. I hope it is not so considered, madam. Mel. Seriously, then, why have you stayed away so long? Has this place no charms in the absence of my brother?] "Would my presence have added to your felicity, Alida?" "You never came an unwelcome visiter here." "Perhaps I might be sometimes intrusive when Bonville is your guest." "I have supposed you were on friendly terms," said she. "We are, but there are seasons when friendship must yield its pretensions to a superior claim." [_A&M_: Al. Would my presence have added to your felicity, Melissa? Mel. You never came an unwelcome visitor here. Al. Perhaps I might be sometimes intrusive. Mel. What times? Al. When Beauman is your guest. Mel. I have supposed you were on friendly terms. Al. We are. Mel. Why then intrusive? Al. There are seasons when friendship must yield its pretensions to a superior claim. ...] "Will you answer me one question, Alida, are you engaged to Bonville?" "He has asked me the same question concerning you," replied she, (blushing.) [_A&M_: Al. Will you, Melissa, answer me one question? ... Al. Are you engaged to Beauman? Mel. [blushing] He has asked me the same question concerning you.] "Do you," continued Theodore, "prefer him to any other?" Alida, (blushing deeply.) "He has made the same inquiries respecting you." [_A&M_: Al. Do you prefer him to any other? Mel. [deeply blushing, her eyes cast upon the floor] He has made the same enquiry respecting you.] "I beg, madam, you will deal with me candidly," said Theodore, (taking her hand with anxiety.) "I am entitled to no claims, but you know what my heart would ask. I will bow to your decision. Bonville or Theodore must relinquish their pretensions. We cannot share the blessing." [_A&M_: Al. [Taking her hand with anxiety] Melissa, I beg you will deal candidly. I am entitled to no claims, but you know what my heart would ask. I will bow to your decision. Beauman or Alonzo must relinquish their pretensions. We cannot share the blessing.]