A mournfully murmuring rivulet purled at a little distance from the garden, on the borders of a small grove, from whence the American wild dove wafted her sympathetic moaning to the ear of Melissa. She sat leaning on a small table by the window, which was thrown up. Her attention was fixed. She did not perceive Vincent and Alonzo as they entered. They advanced towards her. She turned, started, and arose. With a melancholy smile, and tremulous voice, "I supposed (she said) that it was Mrs. Vincent who was approaching, as she has just left the room." Her countenance appeared dejected, which on seeing Alonzo, lighted up into a languid sprightliness. It was evident she had been weeping. Vincent retired and Alonzo and Melissa seated themselves by the window.] "I have broken in upon your solitude, perhaps too unseasonably," said Theodore. It is however the fault of Raymond; he invited me to walk into the room, but did not inform me that you were alone. "Your presence was sudden and unexpected, but not unseasonable," replied Alida. I hope that you did not consider any formality necessary in your visits, Theodore? [_A&M_: "I have broken in upon your solitude, perhaps, too unseasonably (said Alonzo); it is, however, the fault of Vincent, he invited me to walk into the room, but did not inform me that you were alone."-- "Your presence was sudden and unexpected, but not unseasonable, (replied Melissa.) I hope that you did not consider any formality necessary in your visits, Alonzo?"] "I once did not think so," answered Theodore; now I know not what to think--I know not how to act. You have heard of the misfortunes of my father's family, Alida? "Yes, I have heard the circumstances attending that event," said she; an event in which no one could be more deeply interested, except the immediate sufferers, than myself. [_A&M_: Alonzo. I once did not think so. Now I know not what to think--I know not how to act. You have heard of the misfortunes of my father's family, Melissa? Melissa. Yes. I have heard the circumstances attending that event, an event in which no one could be more deeply interested, except the immediate sufferers, than myself.] "Your father is also acquainted with my present situation," said Theodore; and how did he receive the intelligence? "With deep regret," replied Alida. Has he forbidden you to admit my addresses any longer? if even in an unqualified or indirect manner, it is proper I should know it. [_A&M_: Al. Your father is also acquainted with my present situation? Mel. He is. Al. How did he receive the intelligence? Mel. With deep regret. Al. And forbade you to admit my addresses any longer? Mel. No. Not absolutely. Al. If even in an unqualified or indirect manner, it is proper I should know it.]