Recollecting himself, "I mean the young lady who has lately resided there with her aunt," replied Alonzo. "She was there last night, answered John; her aunt is gone into the country and has not returned." Alonzo then told him the situation of the mansion, and that she was not there. John informed him that she was there about sunset, and according to her request he had left the keys of the gate and bridge with her: he desired Alonzo to tarry there until he ran to the mansion. He returned in about half an hour. "She is gone, sure enough, said John; but how, or where, it is impossible for me to guess."--Convinced that he knew nothing of the matter, Alonzo left him and returned to Vincent's. Vincent and his lady were much surprised at Alonzo's account of Melissa's sudden disappearance, and they wished to ascertain whether her father's family knew any thing of the circumstance. Social intercourse had become suspended between the families of Vincent and Melissa's father, as the latter had taxed the former of improperly endeavouring to promote the views of Alonzo. They therefore procured a neighbouring woman to visit Melissa's mother, to see if any information could be obtained concerning Melissa; but the old lady had heard nothing of her since her departure with her aunt, who had never yet returned.--Alonzo left Vincent's and went to Mr. Simpson's. He told them all that had happened since he was there, of which, before, they had heard nothing. At the houses of Mr. Simpson and Vincent he resided some time, while they made the most dilligent search to discover Melissa; but nothing could be learned of her fate. Alonzo then travelled into various parts of the country, making such enquiries as caution dictated of all whom he thought likely to give him information;--but he found none who could give him the least intelligence of his lost Melissa.