CHAPTER VII.
"Come, Friendship, twine a wreath for me, And weave it with the choicest flowers, To cheat the ling'ring steps of time, And gladden all life's passing hours."
The time now arrived when Theodore was to enter upon his professionalstudies, and he became engaged in the office of an eminent attorney inNew-York. He frequently absented himself, however, to accompany Albertto visit his father's family, and since his acquaintance with Alida,there was a charm that attracted him thither. If he had admired themanly virtues of the brother, could he fail to adore the gentle gracesof the sister? If all the sympathies of the most ardent friendship hadbeen drawn forth toward the former, must not all the softersensibilities of the heart be attracted by the milder and more refinedexcellencies of the other?
Bonville had become the admirer of Alida; of course he and Theodoresometimes met. He had made no serious pretensions, but his particularityindicated something more than fashionable politeness. His manners, hisindependent situation, entitled him to respect. "It is not probable,therefore, that he will be objectionable to her friends, or to Alidaherself," said Theodore, with an involuntary sigh, and as his visitsbecame more frequent, an increasing anxiety took place in his bosom. Hewished her to remain single; the idea of losing her by marriage, gavehim inexpressible regret. What substitute could supply to him the happyhours he had passed in her company? What charm could wing the lingeringmoments when she was gone?
How different would be the scene when debarred from the unreservedfriendship and conversation of Alida. And unreserved it could not be,were she not exclusively mistress of herself. But was there notsomething of a more refined texture than friendship in his predilectionfor the company of Alida? If so, why not avow it? His prospects, hisfamily, and of course his pretensions might not be inferior to those ofBonville.
But perhaps he was preferred. His opportunities: his prior acquaintancewith the lady. Distance was no barrier to his addresses. His visitsbecame more and more frequent. Was it not then highly probable that hehad gained her affections?
Thus reasoned Theodore, but the reasoning tended not to allay thetempest that was gathering in his bosom. He ordered his carriage, andwas in a short time at the seat of Alida's father. It was summer, andtowards evening when he arrived. Alida was sitting by the window when heentered the hall. She arose and received him with a smile. I have justbeen thinking of an evening's walk, said she, but had no one to attendme, and you have come just in time to perform that office. I will ordertea immediately, while you rest from the fatigues of your journey.
When tea was served up, a servant entered the room with a letter whichhe had found in the yard. Alida received it. "'Tis a letter," said she,which I sent by Bonville to a lady in the village, and the careless manhas lost it. Turning to Theodore, I forgot to tell you, that your friendBonville has been with us a few days; he left us this morning. "Myfriend," replied Theodore, hastily. "Is he not your friend?" inquiredAlida. "I beg pardon, madam," said he "my mind was absent." "Herequested us to present his respects to his friend Theodore," said she.Theodore bowed and turned the conversation.
They now walked out, and took a winding path which led through pleasantfields until they reached the water, and continued to pursue their wayalong the shore till they came to a beautiful and shady grove, where thethick foliage afforded a delightful retreat from the warm rays of thesun, and at the extremity of which was a sloping eminence, whichcommanded an extensive prospect of the surrounding country, part ofLong-Island sound and the junction of the bay with the eastern river.
A soft and silent shower had descended. A thousand transitory gemstrembled upon the leafy foliage, glittering in the western ray. A brightrainbow sat upon a southern cloud; the light gales whispered among thebranches, agitated the young harvest to billowy motion, and moved thetops of the deep green forest with majestic grandeur; while flocks,herds, and cottages were scattered over the resplendent landscape.
"This is a most delightful scene," said Alida. "It is, truly," repliedTheodore, "do you think that New-York can boast of so charming aprospect?" "Yes, one," answered she, it is the walk on the battery, thewater prospect is similar to this, but the landscape is not sovariegated.
See that ship, Theodore, coming down the sound, how she ploughs throughthe white foam, while the breezes flutter in the sails, varying with thevivid rays of the sun. "Yes," said Theodore, it bounds with rapidmotions over the waves, and ere the day has departed it will probablysafely reach the wharf of the city.
They walked leisurely around the hill, and then moved slowly towardshome. The sun was sinking gradually behind the western horizon. Twilightarose dimly in the east, and floated along the air. Darkness began tohover around the woodlands and valleys. The beauties of the landscapeslowly receded; the breezes had gone down with the sun, and a perfectcalm succeeded.
"I shall never forget this charming promenade," said Theodore, as heapproached the threshold of the door, with a deep drawn sigh, "and theremembrance of the sweet pensive scenery of this delightful spot, willever continue to haunt my memory."
Alida; or, Miscellaneous Sketches of Incidents During the Late American War. Page 10