"We have been thronged with company for several days, [said Melissa] once a year .... The last of this company took their departure yesterday, and I have only to regret that I have for nearly a week, been prevented from visiting my favorite hill, to which you attended me when you was last here. It is much improved since then; I have had a little arbor built under the large tree on its summit: you will have no objection to view it, Alonzo?" He assured her he accepted the invitation with pleasure, and towards evening they resorted to the place and seated themselves in the arbor.] [[The omitted text, referring to Melissa's father's birthday celebration, was used earlier in _Alida_.]] It was the beginning of autumn, and a yellow hue was spread over the natural beauties of creation. The withering forest began to shed its decaying foliage, which the light gales pursued along the russet fields;--the low sun extended its lengthening shadows;--curling smoke ascended from the neighbouring village and the surrounding cottages;--a thick fog crept along the valleys;--a grey mist hovered over the tops of the distant hills;--the glassy surface of the water glittering to the sun's departing ray;--the solemn herds lowed in monotonous symphony;--the autumnal insects, in sympathetic wafting, plaintively predicted their approaching fate. [_A&M_: It was the beginning of autumn, and a yellow hue was spread over the fading charms of nature. The withering forest began to shed its decaying foliage, which the light gales pursued along the russet fields. The low sun extended the lengthening shadows; curling smoke ascended from the surrounding cottages. A thick fog crept along the vallies, a grey mist hovered over the tops of the mountains. The glassy surface of the Sound glittered to the sun's departing ray. The solemn herds lowed in monotonous symphony.--The autumnal insects in sympathetic wafting, plaintively predicted their approaching fate.] The scene is changed since we last visited this place, said Alida; "the gay charms of summer are beginning to decay, and must soon yield their splendours to the rude despoiling hand of winter." [_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_: