The cheeks of Alida were suffused with a varying glow, her lips were pale, her voice tremulous, and her eyes cast down. "My father has informed me," she said, "that it is improper to receive the particular addresses of more than one. I am conscious of my inadvertency, and that the reproof is just. One, therefore, must be dismissed." But, (she blushed deeper,) and a considerable pause ensued. [_A&M_: Mel. [Her cheeks suffused with a varying glow, her lips pale, her voice tremulous, her eyes still cast down.] My parents have informed me that it is improper to receive the particular addresses of more than one. I am conscious of my inadvertency, and that the reproof is just. One therefore must be dismissed. But--[she blushed.] A considerable pause ensued.] At length Theodore arose. "I will not press you further," said he. "I know the delicacy of your feelings; I know your sincerity; I will not therefore insist on your performing the painful task of deciding against me. Your conduct in every point of view has been discreet. I would have no just claims, or if I had, your heart must sanction them, or they would be unhallowed, and unjustifiable. I shall ever pray for your felicity. Our affections are not under our direction; our happiness depends on our obedience to their mandates. Whatever, then, may be my sufferings, you are unblameable, and irreproachable." [_A&M_: At length Alonzo arose--"I will not press you farther, [said he] I know the delicacy of your feeling, I know your sincerity; I will not therefore insist on your performing the painful task of deciding against me. Your conduct, in every point of view, has been discreet. I could have no just claims, or if I had, your heart must sanction them or they would be unhallowed and unjustifiable.--I shall ever pray for your felicity. Our affections are not under our direction; our happiness depends on our obedience to their mandates. Whatever, then, may be my sufferings, you are unblamable and irreproachable."] He took his hat in extreme agitation, and prepared himself to take leave. Alida had recovered in some degree from her embarrassment, and collected her scattered spirits. [_A&M_: He took his hat in extreme agitation, and prepared to take his leave. Melissa had recovered in some degree from her embarrassment, and collected her scattered spirits.] "Your conduct, Theodore," said she, "is generous and noble. Will you give yourself the trouble, and do me the honour to see me once more?" "I will," said he, "at any time you shall appoint." [_A&M_: "Your conduct, Alonzo, (said she) is generous and noble. Will you give yourself the trouble, and do me the honor to see me once more?" "I will, [said he] at any time you shall appoint."] "Four weeks, then," said she, "from this day, honour me with a visit, and you shall have my decision, and receive my final answer." "I will be punctual to the day," he replied, and bade her adieu.