There she would indulge herself in solitary thought. "How changeable are all things terrestrial," said she, "the varied year has its seasons, and winter and summer are constantly in pursuit of each other. The elements are frequently disturbed by storms and tempests, so, in like manner, is the human breast at intervals troubled and discomposed, and often remains overshadowed with pensive sadness and cheerless reverie; and these desponding ideas must continue to have influence over the mind, till the sunshine of reason and religion kindly dispels the gloom, and awakens anew the feelings of the heart to the rays of hope and more enlivening sensations." She had just returned home one afternoon from Raymond's, when her brother, who had been absent on business to the city, drove up the avenue, accompanied by Mr. More. Albert informed his sister of the arrival of Theodore. She almost fainted at the intelligence, so unexpected: and although she wished of all things, to learn all the circumstances attending his absence, yet she dreaded the event, to behold him again, fearing the truth of Bonville's suggestions. In the midst of these thoughts and fears, Theodore alighted at the house, and was shown by the servant into the drawing-room. Theodore, regardless of all around him, as soon as he beheld Alida, he grasped her hand, exclaiming with rapture, "Has the period at length arrived, and am I indeed once more so happy as to meet again my much-esteemed and long-lost friend." Alida gazed on him in silence. He saw her extreme agitation, and after they were seated, he observed more particularly her altered appearance. What surprise and grief was manifest in his countenance, when he saw the paleness of her cheek, and the roses that once spread their healthy hue over them, now seemed fled for ever. In a length of time, she became somewhat more composed; but in what light to consider Theodore, she yet did not know, and former ideas still clouded her imagination. At length she assumed sufficient courage, to ask him, why he had not thought proper to inform any of his friends of the circumstances attending his absence.