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 surpassed 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 surpassed 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 embarrassment." [_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 embarrassment.] "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_: