As he prepared to retire to rest, he saw a book lying on the table near his bed. On taking it up he found it to be _Young's Night Thoughts_, a book which, in happier days, had been the solace of many a gloomy, many a lucid hour. He took it up and the first lines he cast his eyes upon were the following: "Song, beauty, youth, love, virtue, joy: this group Of bright ideas--flowers of Paradise, As yet unforfeit! in one blaze we bind. Kneel, and present it to the skies; as all We guess of Heaven! And _these_ were all her own And she was mine, and I was--was most blest-- Like blossom'd trees o'erturn'd by vernal storm, Lovely in death the beauteous ruin lay-- Ye that e'er lost an angel, pity me." His tears fell fast upon the book! He replaced it and flung himself into bed. Sleep was far from him; he closed not his eyes till the portals of light were unbarred in the east, when he fell into interrupted slumbers. When he awoke, the morning was considerably advanced. He arose. One consolation was yet left--to see his parents happy. He went down to order his carriage; his favourite stranger, the young officer, was in waiting, and requested a private interview. They immediately retired to a separate room, when the stranger thus addressed Alonzo: "From our short acquaintance, you may, sir, consider it singular that I should attempt to scrutinize your private concerns, and more extraordinary you may esteem it, when I inform you of my reasons for so doing. Judging, however, from appearances, I have no doubt of your candour. If my questions should be deemed improper, you will tell me so." Alonzo assured him he would treat him candidly. "This I believe, said the young officer; I take the liberty therefore to ask if you are an American?"----"I am," answered Alonzo. "I presume, said the stranger--the question is a delicate one--I presume your family is respectable?" "Sacredly so," replied Alonzo. "Are you married, sir?" "I am not, and have ever been single." "Have you any prospects of connecting in marriage?" "I have not, sir." "I may then safely proceed, said the stranger; I trust you will hear me attentively; you will judge maturely; you will decide correctly, and I am confident that you will answer me sincerely.