With mournful forebodings he returned to the house of Vincent. He arose after a sleepless night, and walked into an adjoining field. He stood leaning in deep contemplation against a tree, when he heard quick footsteps behind him. He turned, and saw Edgar approaching; in a moment they were in each other's arms, and mingled tears. They returned to Vincent's and conversed largely on present affairs.] "I have discoursed with my father on the subject," said Albert; "I have urged him with every possible argument, to relinquish his determination to keep you and Alida separate. I fear, however, he is inflexible." [_A&M_: "I have discoursed with my father on the subject, (said Edgar) I have urged him with every possible argument to relinquish his determination; I fear, however, he is inflexible.] "To endeavour to assuage the grief which rent Alida's bosom was my next object, and in this I trust I have not been unsuccessful. You will see her this evening, and will find her more calm and resigned. You, Theodore, must exert your fortitude. The ways of Heaven are inscrutable, but they are right. We must acquiesce in its dealings; we cannot alter its decrees. Resignation to its will, whether merciful or afflictive, is one of those eminent virtues which adorn the good man's character, and will ever find a brilliant reward in the regions of unsullied happiness." [_A&M_: "To assuage the tempest of grief which rent Melissa's bosom was my next object, and in this I trust I have not been unsuccessful. You will see her this evening, and will find her more calm and resigned. You, Alonzo, must exert your fortitude. The ways of Heaven are inscrutable, but they are right. "We must acquiesce in its dealings. We cannot alter its decrees. Resignation to its will, whether merciful or afflictive, is one of those eminent virtues which adorn the good man's character, and ever find a brilliant reward in the regions of unsullied splendor, far beyond trouble and the tomb."] Albert told Theodore that circumstances compelled him that day to return to the city. "I would advise you," said he, "to remain here until your affair comes to some final issue. It must, I think, ere long, be terminated. Perhaps you and my sister may yet be happy." [_A&M_: Edgar told Alonzo that circumstances compelled him that day to depart for the army. "I would advise you, (said he) to remain here until your affair comes to some final issue. It must, I think, ere long, be terminated. Perhaps you and my sister may yet be happy."] Theodore feelingly expressed his gratitude to Albert. He found in him that disinterested friendship which his early youth had experienced. Albert the same day departed for New-York. [_A&M_: Alonzo feelingly expressed his gratitude to Edgar. He found in him that disinterested friendship, which his early youth had experienced.--Edgar the same day departed for the army. ...]