Very different were the sensations which inspired the bosom of Alonzo. He had not even calculated on a decision in his own favor. He believed that Beauman would be the choice of Melissa. She had told him that the form of decision was necessary to save appearances--with this form he complied because she desired it, not because he expected the result would be in his favor. He had not therefore attended to the words of Melissa's father with that eagerness which favorable anticipations commonly produce.] But when his name was mentioned; when he found that he was the choice, the happy favourite of Alida's affection, every ardent feeling of his soul became interested, and was suddenly aroused to the refinements of sensibility. Like an electric shock it re-animated his existence, and the bright morning of joy quickly dissipated the gloom which hung over his mind. [_A&M_: But when his name was mentioned--when he found he was the choice--the happy favorite of Melissa's affection--every tender passion of his soul became interested, and was suddenly aroused to the refinements of sensibility. Like an electric shock, it reanimated his whole frame, and vibrated every nerve of his heart. The glooms which hung about his mind were dissipated, and the bright morning of joy broke in upon his soul.] CHAPTER X. "Dark gathering clouds involve the threat'ning skies, The billows heave with the impending gloom; Deep hollow murmurs from the cliffs arise, Ride on the blast, and urge the howling storm." [Charlotte Smith: _Elegy I_: Dark gathering clouds involve the threatening skies, The sea heaves conscious of the impending gloom, Deep, hollow murmurs from the cliffs arise; They come--the Spirits of the Tempest come!] Several weeks passed away, and Theodore felt all that anxiety and impatience which a separation from a beloved object can produce. He framed a thousand excuses to visit Alida, yet he feared a visit might be premature. He was, however, necessitated to make a journey to a distant part of the country, after which he resolved to see her. [_A&M_: A fortnight passed, and Alonzo felt all that anxiety and impatience which a separation from a beloved object can produce. He framed a thousand excuses to visit Melissa, yet he feared a visit might be premature. He was, however, necessitated to make a journey to a distant part of the country, after which he resolved to see Melissa.] He performed the business he went on, and was returning. It was toward evening, and the day had been uncommonly sultry for the autumnal season. A rising shower blackened the western hemisphere; the dark vapours ascended in folding ridges, and the thunder rolled at a distance. [_A&M_: