How great the contrast-- how severe her afflictions! She felt not the loss of wealth, she sighed not for the smiles of former associates.... She looked upon her finger, there was the plain gold ring-- the only one of all her jewels that she had not parted with-- she vowed she would keep and cherish it through every trial and affliction-- it was George's last gift. Where was he now? What dangers he must have encountered, what hardships endured; and what might he not yet have to suffer before he returned, if indeed he ever should return-- she had not heard from him in a long time; and when he last wrote he was ignorant of her father's failure. Would he be faithful to his plight in this reverse of fortune?] Thus meditated Alida. At length she articulated in a calmer tone, and her feelings became more composed. Infinite Ruler of events! Great Sovereign of this ever-changing world! Omnipotent Controller of vicissitudes! Omniscient Dispenser of destinies! In thy hands are all things terrestrial, and the condition of our lives are at thy disposal. The beginning, the progression, and the end is thine. Unsearchable are thy purposes!-- mysterious thy movements!-- inscrutable thy operations! Thy will must be done. To bow in submission to thy decrees, is right:-- for we are unable to scrutinize the past, and incompetent to explore the future. [_A&M_ (Alonzo speaking): Infinite Ruler of all events; Great Sovereign of this ever changing world! Omnipotent Controller of vicissitudes! Omniscient Dispenser of destinies! The beginning, the progression, the end is thine. Unsearchable are thy purposes! mysterious thy movements! inscrutable thy operations! An atom of thy creation, wildered in the mazes of ignorance and woe, would bow to thy decrees. Surrounded with impenetrable gloom, unable to scrutinize the past, incompetent to explore the future--] Alida had lived retired since she had been in town, although in the midst of gay scenes of every description. The acquaintance she had made were few. Her second mother had no relatives there, except her sister's children, which formed a principal part of her society. [[_Alida_ page 105 (chapter XIII), referring to Alida's "second mother", says that "her many excellent qualities had endeared her to numerous friends and acquaintances".]] Her oldest nephew was about twenty-five years of age. The personal appearance of Mr. Bolton was highly prepossessing. He was particularly distinguished for his genuine politeness, affability, and witticism.