Alonzo, Melissa and her father
Interview between Alonzo and Melissa’s Father.
Frontispiece from 1870? New York edition of Alonzo and Melissa.
Based on references to datable external events (shown here in boldface), the story covers at least ten years. The parts of the book that take place in Connecticut are filled with descriptions of changing seasons. Europe and the southern states have no climate.
two young gentlemen of Connecticut ... graduated at Yale College
Beauman ... came regularly once in two or three months
Beauman’s visits to Melissa became more frequent
[Beauman’s] visits became more and more frequent.
It was summer, and towards evening when [Alonzo] arrived.
To accommodate Beauman’s repeated visits, a full year would have to pass.
The troubles which gave rise to the disseveration of England from America had already commenced, which broke out the ensuing spring into actual hostilities, by the battle of Lexington, followed soon after by the battle of Bunker Hill.
The battles were in April and June of 1775; “the ensuing spring” would mean that the year is 1774.
Winter came on; it rapidly passed away. Spring advanced ...
1774 changes to 1775.
The spring opened ... the colonies, which had now been dissevered from the British empire, by the declaration of independence
This is the same spring as in the previous quotation, but if the Declaration of Independence (July 1776) is in the past, it would have to be the spring of 1777.
It was at the latter end of the month of May ...
May 1775 or 1777, depending on one’s chosen chronology.
The particulars of this action, in the early stage of the American war, are yet remembered by many.
The “action” may be a conflation of two different episodes involving the Trumbull, neither of them early in the war: the first was in June 1780, the second in late August 1781. The Trumbull was towed to New York, not to London.
... who died there about eighteen months ago ...
Alonzo took sail shortly after learning of Melissa’s death, so we are now in early 1783.
[Melissa’s gravestone] October 26, 1776
In the 18th year of her age.
Depending on the chronology chosen, Melissa’s reported death could have been in 1775, 1777 or 1781. Her 18th year is properly the year leading up to her 18th birthday, but may mean that she was 18 years old.
... to be opened that night only, with the tragedy of Gustavus.
Gustavus was written by Henry Brooke in 1739 and immediately banned. Its American premiere was in Baltimore on 14 June 1782.
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Beginning of Endnotes
In the 1851 text, quotations are shown either as inset verse or in quotation marks. In the 1804 original, some were printed in italics; in some of these, the italics were lost in later editions. Only a few quotations have been identified. Some of the others may be paraphrases.
Call round her laughing eyes, in playful turns,
The glance that lightens, and the smile that burns.
Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles), 1731-1802, “The Temple of Nature, or, The Origin of Society”.
But far beyond the pride of pomp, and power,
He lov’d the realms of nature to explore;
...
Timothy Dwight (president of Yale), 1752-1817, The Conquest of Canaan. The Cambridge History of English and American Literature says that the poem was “written by the time he was twenty-two, but published when he was thirty-three and should have known better.”
musing, moping melancholy.
Arthur Murphy, The Upholsterer or What News (1758), I:i “musing, moping, melancholy lover”
The breeze’s rustling wing was in the tree
This unidentified line is also quoted in Mitchell’s Albert and Eliza.
the “stilly sound” of the low murmuring brook
Misprinted in 1851 as “slitty sound”. Probably John Home, Douglas (1756) IV:i.
“the confused noise of the warriors, and garments rolled in blood,”
The 1804 text has “warrior”. Isaiah 9:5 (King James): “For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood.”
until “the heavens were arrayed in blackness.”
Isaiah 50:3: “I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.”
he cast a “longing, lingering look”
Thomas Gray (1716-71) Elegy.
“Blue trembling billows, topp’d with foam,”
The 1804 and 1811 texts have the correct form “tumbling billows”. Anarchiad, a New England Poem (1786-87) with joint authors Joel Barlow (1754-1812), David Humphreys (1752-1818), John Trumbull (1750-1831) and Lemuel Hopkins (1750-1801).
“dingy scud”
Printed “dirgy scud” in all but the 1804 original. Possibly from Charles Dibdin (b. 1745), “Ev’ry Inch a Sailor”:
The wind blew hard, the sea ran high,
The dingy scud drove ’cross the sky ...
... like Patience on a monument ...
Twelfth Night II:iv.
The “days of other years”
Possibly from “Ossian” (James MacPherson); the phrase is used often.
Here may the “widowed wild rose love to bloom!”
May be a paraphrase of another line in The Conquest of Canaan.
“Song, beauty, youth, love, virtue, joy ....”
Identified in the text as Edward Young, Night Thoughts, 1745. The couplet on the title page is from the same source.
“To tie those bands which nought but death can sever.”
May be “bonds” as in 1804 text. The phrase “that naught but death can sever” occurs in Spenser, Amoretti VI (1595).
“white as the southern clouds”
The phrase occurs in a translation of Salomon Gessner, as well as in an 1817 text (Pennie, “The Royal Minstrel”). Both passages are descriptions of sheep.
“a good old age”
The phrase occurs at least four times in the King James Bible.
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Beginning of Endnotes
Within the text, differences between the 1851 and other editions are marked typographically:
Changed words and phrases are underlined.
Missing words and longer passages are shown in lighter type. Most of these represent text lost after 1804 (newspaper serial) or 1811 (first book publication).
Words and phrases missing from other editions—generally
1870—are shown on a grey
background.
The editions used for comparison were:
1804
Weekly installments in The Political Barometer, Poughkeepsie,
N.Y.
This version was only available in an online transcription.
A number of questioned words were checked with the transcriber,
Hugh MacDougall of the Cooper Society.
1811
Plattsburgh, N.Y. “Printed For The Proprietor.”
The first of the pirated editions. Some copies have no author
credit.
1851
Boston. “Printed for the Publishers.”
Attached to the end, without page break, is a short narrative poem with
prose introduction, “Henry and Julia, a tale of real life” (omitted from
this e-text).
1864
Philadelphia, Lippincott.
With two exceptions, this is a reprint of the 1851 edition, including
obvious typographical errors and with identical punctuation. There is a
new frontispiece (the 1851 edition had none). The “Henry and Julia” poem
is omitted. Instead, the final page compresses the last two pages (one
full page plus seven lines of text and a four-line footnote) of the 1851
edition into one, using a noticeably smaller font.
1870?
New York, Leavitt & Allen.
The date is hypothetical, based on librarian’s notation. The book is
probably a reprint of the 1836 Boston edition, which has the same page
count (significantly different from other known editions); 1836 is also
a
plausible date for the frontispiece.
In the 1804 and 1811 texts, dialogue is usually punctuated as
“To this place (said Melissa) have I taken....“
with some variation between brackets [ ] and parentheses ( ). In the 1870 text, dialogue has “modern” punctuation using single quotes:
‘To this place,’ said Melissa, ‘have I taken....’
The earlier versions are more likely to use “American” spellings such as “jail” (but “gaoler”) and “honor”; later editions (published in the U.S.) use “British” spellings such as “gaol” and “honour”. The older form “shew” appears only in the earliest editions.
The spelling “stupify” is used consistently, and “vallies” is almost universal. The spellings “discreet(ly)” and “discrete(ly)” seem to have been used interchangeably. Names in “New” such as “New London” were generally hyphenated in 1804; later versions have fewer hyphens, but they never disappear altogether.
The ampersand & appears a few dozen times in the original (1804) version; in 1811 most were changed to “and”, and in later editions it survived only in the form “&c.”
The 1804 and 1811 texts use “consolate” for “console” almost everywhere, and the name is spelled Wyllys, changed in later editions to Wyllis. The 1811 text consistently uses the spelling “whipperwill”, and often uses “come” and “become” for “came” and “became”. The 1851 text often uses non-standard spellings such as “visiter”, “suiter”, “persuit”. The 1870 text consistently spells “lilly” with two l’s, and uses “set” for “sit”; it often interchanges or omits “the/this/that” and similar.
With lingering gaze Edinian spring survey’d
for Edenian
The panic and general bustle ... is yet well remembered by many
“is” for “are”
to level on the property of the former
common error or variant for “levy”
this measure, once adopted, her father must consent also
sentence structure is the same in all editions
constructed of several tier of hewed timbers
“tier” used as a plural
he should conduct in a very different manner
sentence structure is the same in all editions
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Beginning of Endnotes
This is not an exhaustive list. Like the body text, it generally omits typographical errors and non-significant variations in punctuation and spelling. In addition, the table omits some types of changes noted in the body text:
Spelling and punctuation have been regularized in some cases.
| 1804 | 1811 | 1851/64 | 1870? |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the time of the late American revolution | ... the late revolution | ||
| at the day appointed | on the day appointed | ||
| her aspect was attempered with a pensive mildness | her aspect was tempered ... | ||
|
For far beyond the pride and pomp of power . . . The heaven embosom’d sun; the rainbow’s die |
For far beyond the pride and pomp of power . . . The heaven embosom’d sun; the rainbow’s dye |
For far beyond the pride or pomp of power . . . The heaven embosom’d sun; the rainbow’s die |
|
| a few days, during which time they passed in visiting select friends and in social parties | ... and social parties | a few days, which time they passed in was visiting select friends and in social parties | |
| the sound of various instrumental music | ... of instrumental music | ||
| mortgages on lands and houses for security | ... securities | ||
| attracted him hither. If he had admired the manly virtues of the brother, could he fail to adore the sublimer graces | attracted him thither. If he had admired the manly virtues of the brother, could he fail to adore the sublime graces | ||
| the milder and more refined excellencies of the other | ... of the latter | ||
| He came regularly, about once in two or three months | He came regularly, once in ... | ||
| It was not probable, therefore, that he would be objectionable to Melissa’s friends—Nor to Melissa herself——said Alonzo, with an involuntary sigh. | “It is not probable therefore that he will be objectionable to Melissa’s friends or to Melissa herself,” said Alonzo, with an involuntary sigh. | ||
| Was it not then highly probable that he had secured her affections? | Was it not highly probable then that ... | ||
| the foliage glittering to the western ray | ... glittering the western ray | ... glittering in the western ray | |
| the extremest verge of the horizon. “This is a most beautiful scene,” said Melissa. | the extreme verge of the horizon. “This is a most beautiful scene,” said Melissa. | the extreme verge of the horizon. “This is a most delightful scene,” said Melissa. | |
| he was not always my beau-man | he was not always my Beauman | ||
| He formally addresses you. | He formerly. | same as 1804 | |
| Al. Melissa. [A pause ensued.] | .... [A pause.] | ||
| but his fears declared otherways | ... otherwise | ||
| friendship must yield its pretensions to a superior claim | friendship must yield to a superior claim | ||
| Were Beauman here, my position might be demonstrated | Was Beauman here ... | ||
| She was still silent. | She was silent. | ||
| Mel. (confused.) If it be a proper one. You are entitled to candour. | ... If it be a proper one you are ... | ||
| her voice tremulous, her eyes still cast down.) My parents have informed me that it is improper to receive the particular addresses of more than one. | ... the particular address of more than one. | same as 1804 | her voice trembles ... |
| But— (she hesitated.) | But (she blushed.) | ||
| Darted her silvery intercepted ray | Darted his silvery ... | same as 1804 | |
| nor had they attempted to influence or forestal her choice | ... to influence or direct her choice | ||
| We must pour a liberal libation upon the mystic altar | We must pour out a liberal libation to the mystic altar | ||
| And why have I ever doubted this event“ said Alonzo. ”What infatuation hath thus led me on the pursuit of fantastic and unreal bliss? | And why have I doubted this event“ said Alonzo. ”What infatuation hath thus led me on to the pursuit ... | ||
| and will convince both Melissa and Beauman | and I will convince Melissa and Beauman | ||
| she has treated me as a friend to her brother. She was the unsuspecting object of my passion. She was unconscious of the flame | she has treated me as a friend to her brother. She was unconscious of the flame | ||
| said that business had prevented him; he esteemed him as his most valued friend | said that business prevented him; he esteemed him as his most valuable friend | ||
| to which you attended me when you was last here | ... when you last was here | ||
| The solemn herds lowed in monotonous symphony. The autumnal insects in sympathetic wailings plaintively predicted | ... insects in sympathetic waftings ... | ... insects in sympathetic wafting ... | ... lowed in solemn symphony. The autumnal insects in sympathetic wafting ... |
| the rude despoiling hand of winter | the despoiling hand of winter | ||
| She was still silent | She was silent. | ||
| The “stilly sound” of the low murmuring brook | The “slitty sound” ... | The distant sound ... | |
| the frequent lights darted their paly lustre thro’ the gloom | ... their palely lustre ... | ... their pale lustre ... | |
| but other subjects engaged the mental attention of Alonzo | but the other subject ... | ||
| Alonzo and Beauman pledged their honour to abide explicitly by these injunctions | ... abide implicitly by these injunctions | ... abide implicitly to these injunctions | |
| That time has now arrived | That time has arrived | ||
| the deep and solemn silence of night | the deep and sullen silence of night | ||
| bowed to the minutia of female volatility | bowed to the minutiae of female volatility | ||
| Note that “minutiae” is the correct form. All earlier versions, including the 1804 original, have the incorrect word “minutia”. | |||
| finally appointed a day to give both him and Alonzo a determinate answer | ... to give him and Alonzo a determinate answer | ||
| to make a journey into a different part of the country | to make a journey to a distant part ... | ||
| thither he hasted to gain shelter from the approaching storm | thither he hastened ... | ||
| In a moment he discovered that it was Melissa. | In a moment, however, he discovered that it was Melissa. | ||
| Alonzo felt all the force of the remark | Alonzo felt the force ... | ||
| remaining beauties of Summer | remaining beauties of the summer | ||
| the battle at Lexington, followed soon after by the battle at Bunker’s Hill | the battle at Lexington, followed soon after by the battle at Bunker Hill | the battle of Lexington, followed soon after by the battle of Bunker Hill | |
| Alonzo and she frequently discoursed upon the subject, and they agreed | Alonzo and she frequently discoursed, and they agreed | ||
| orchards, arbours, and cultured fields | ... cultivated fields | ||
| The inhabitants of this modern Avernum | ... Auvernum [sic] | ||
| Such was the place chosen for the future residence of Alonzo and Melissa | Such was the place for the residence ... | ||
| the confused noise of the warrior, and garments rolled in blood | ... of the warriors ... | ||
| this modern Vacluse [sic] | this modern Vaucluse | ||
| the walks, the meads, the fountains | the walks, the mead, the fountains | ||
| Around the horizon electric clouds raised their brazen summits, based in the black vapor of approaching night | Around the horizon clouds raised their brazen summits, based on the ... | ||
| and the adjacent towns and villages, presented to the eye, on a single view, perhaps one of the most picturesque draperies | and the adjacent towns and villages, perhaps one of the most picturesque draperies | ||
| she had an uncle who lived near Charleston, in South Carolina | she had an uncle near Charleston, South Carolina | ||
| was expected to arrive before the appointed marriage day | ... before the appointed day | ||
| He would frequently start up in the bed | ... in bed | ||
| He scarcely spoke a word, and after the table was removed | ... after the cloth was removed | ||
| that the reputation of my latter days was stained with acts of baseness and meanness. | ... with acts of baseness. | ||
| I had some hopes that your happiness, Alonzo, might yet be secured | ... might be secured | ||
| We would not stop the reader to moralize on this disastrous event | We will not ... | ||
| I know the old gentleman too well | I know that old gentleman too well | ||
| fringed with the gold of even | fringed with the gold of evening | ||
| Her countenance appeared dejected, which on her seeing Alonzo | ... which on seeing Alonzo | ... appeared to be dejected, which on her seeing Alonzo | |
| Thus spake my father, and immediately withdrew | Thus spoke my father, and immediately withdrew | ||
| Mr. and Mrs. Vincent are now my only confidents | ... confidants | ||
| but the sound, late so cheerful and sprightly | but the sound, so cheerful and sprightly | ||
| a deep dejection was depicted upon her features | ... in her features | ||
| Alonzo was received with a cool reserve | ... a cold reserve | ||
| Melissa’s father soon entered | Melissa’s father entered | ||
| if you marry in your present situation? I know you have talents and have had an education. But what are they without means? You have friends | if you marry in your present situation? You have friends | ||
| the hand of Melissa.” Thus spake the father of Melissa, and immediately left the room. | the hand of Melissa”—and immediately left the room. | ||
| it was a shock their fortitude could scarcely sustain | ... scarcely contain | ||
| Disappointment seldom finds its votaries prepared to receive her | ... her votaries ... | ||
| but could not counteract the will of her father | but could not contradict the will of her father | ||
| after Alonzo had related the manner of his reception | after Alonzo had related his reception | ||
| of little consequence. But their united situation tortured his soul.—What was to become of Melissa, what of himself | of little consequence. But what was to become of Melissa, what of himself | ||
| With part of this I have purchased a small, but well cultivated farm | With this I have ... | ||
| a ray of joy illumined his troubled bosom | a ray of joy illuminated his troubled bosom | ||
| Like morn’s gay hues, the fading splendors fled | Like morn’s gray hues ... | ||
| He thought on Melissa, from whom he had heard nothing since he last saw her.—He thought on the difficulties which surrounded him. He thought on the barriers which were opposed to his happiness | He thought of ... thought of ... thought of | ||
| The day after you left here, her father received a letter | The day after you were here ... | ||
| “Where is your fortitude and your firmness,” said he | “Where,” said he, "is your fortitude and your firmness | “Where is your fortitude and firmness,” said he | |
| war ends in peace | wars end in peace | ||
| transports them to another and a better world | transports them to another and better world | same as 1804 | |
| but where, alas were the means of alleviation? | but alas! where were ... | ||
| ordered her to prepare to become the wife of Beauman | ordered her to become the wife of Beauman | ||
| You suffer the Jack-a-lantern fancy to lead you | ... Jack-with-a-lantern ... | ||
| Marry Beauman, and you roll in your coach | ... you will roll in your coach | ||
| I give you now two days to consider the matter | ... to consider of the matter | ||
| bordered with the odor-flowering lilac | bordered with the odour-flowing lilac | ||
| He turned, and saw Edgar approaching: in a moment they were in each other’s arms, and mingled tears | He turned round and saw Edgar approaching: in a moment they were in each other’s arms, and mingling tears | ||
| You, Alonzo, must exert your fortitude | You, Alonzo, must ever exert your fortitude | ||
| It must, I think, ere long, be determined | ... be terminated | ||
| it is in your power to remove them; and if you are a man of honour you will remove them. You cannot wish | it is in your power to remove them. You cannot wish | ||
| half squeaking through her nose, which was well charged with rappee, “did’nt I tell you so? I knew the fellow would come to no terms | ... I knew the fellow would not come to terms | half speaking through her nose, which was well charged with rappee, “did’nt I tell you so? I knew the fellow would not come to terms | |
| And I should not wonder if you should soon find that the girl had eloped, and your desk robbed into the bargain.” | ... find the girl had eloped, and your desk robbed in the bargain | I should not wonder if you should soon find the girl had eloped, and your desk robbed in the bargain | |
| his eyes flashed resentment | his eyes flashed in resentment | his eyes flashed with resentment | |
| unless she was already apprised of it | unless she was apprised of it | unless she was appraised of it | |
| the feeble glimmer of the twinkling stars | the feeble glimmering of the twinkling stars | ||
| “Thou still knowest me, Curlow,” said Alonzo | ... Carlow ... | ||
| Here all was solemn, dark and silent as in front | Here all was solemn and silent as in front | ||
| Be calm, Alonzo, said she, I think it will not long last | ... not last long | ||
| I believe they will trust me to see her | I believe they will let me see her | ||
| “Unfeeling and impertinent intruder (retorted Alonzo) | ... intruder, [retorted Alonzo] | ... intruder? retorted Alonzo | ... intruder? retorted Alonzo |
| and were it on no other account, must ever continue to despise and hate you | and were it not on one other account ... | and were it not on one other account, must ever continue to hate and despise you | |
| From a coincidence of consequences | From coincidence of circumstances | ||
| the family had retired to rest | the family had gone to rest | ||
| Alonzo’s feelings were on the wrack until she returned | ... on the wreck until she returned | ... on the rack until she returned | |
| Melissa’s aunt (the old maid) had invited her to ride out with her | Melissa’s aunt had ... | ||
| he had sent their daughter to a different part of the country | ... a distant part of the country | ||
| living with the different relatives of the family | living with the relatives of the family | ||
| He sat silent a few moments; then suddenly started up | ... suddenly starting up | ||
| Melissa had not, indeed, the most distant suspicion of the designs of her father and aunt. The latter informed her that she was going to take a morning’s ride, to which she consented. She did not even perceive the trunk which was fastened on behind the carriage | Melissa had not the most distant suspicion of the designs of her father and aunt. The latter informed her that she was going to take a morning ride, to which she consented. She did not even perceive the trunk that was fastend [sic] on behind the carriage | ||
| Melissa had frequently attended her father or mother | ... her father and mother | ||
| her aunt ordered the driver to proceed a different way | her aunt had ordered ... | ||
| They arrived at another small village | They arrived at another village | ||
| Melissa’s aunt, handing the driver a large bunch of keys | Melissa’s aunt handed the driver ... | ||
| “La me!” she cried | “La me!” cried she | ||
| the opposite side of the house from whence she alighted | ... from where she alighted | ||
| This was done, while John and his wife went out, and Melissa’s aunt | This done, while John and his wife went out, Melissa’s aunt | ||
| hoping to see the return of the carriage | hoping to see the carriage return | ||
| surrounded by high, thick walls | surrounded by a high, thick wall | ||
| They unlocked the door, which creaked heavily on its hinges | ... the door, which screaked ... | same as 1804 | |
| as I have took care to lock all the doors and gates after me | as I have taken care ... | ||
| circumstances have hitherto hindered my carrying the scheme into effect | circumstances have hitherto hindered me from carrying my scheme into effect | ||
| She started up, stared around her with a wild and agonizing countenance | ... a wild agonizing countenance | ||
| She remained seemingly insensible throughout the night: just at morning, she fell into a slumber, interrupted by incoherent moanings, convulsive startings, long sighs | She remained seemingly insensible through the night: just at morning, she fell into a slumber, interrupted by incoherent moanings, convulsive startings, long drawn sighs | ||
| taking the key of that with her. She generally returned before sunset. When Melissa was so far recovered | taking the key of that with her. When Melissa was so far recovered | ||
| A few medical and odoriferous herbs | A few medinical [sic] and odoriferous herbs | A few medicinal and odoriferous herbs | |
| The out buildings were generally in a ruinous situation | ... in a ruinous condition | ||
| through several upper rooms to the chamber she inhabited | ... the chamber they inhabited | ||
| West, all was wilderness, from a brook which wound along at a little distance from the garden wall. North, were the uneven grounds she had crossed when she came there | ... from which a brook wound along ... | ... from which a brook wound along a little distance from the garden wall.... | ... from which a brook wound along a little distance from the garden wall. North, were the uneven grounds which she had crossed when she came there |
| South, was the Sound and Long Island | South, was the Sound of Long Island | ||
| Melissa passed much of her time in tracing the ruins | Melissa passed much time in tracing the ruins | ||
| She could have been contented here to have buried all her afflictions | ... buried her afflictions | ||
| while the disconsolate tear of reflection glittered in her eye | while the disconsolate tear glittered in her eye | ||
| more solicitous and importunate. A subject so hateful to Melissa sometimes provoked her to tears; at others her keen resentment | more solicitous and impertinent.... | more solicitous and impertinent. A subject so hateful to Melissa sometimes provoked her to tears; at other her keen resentment | same as 1811 |
| Melissa sat up until a late hour, expecting her; she then went to the gate | ... a late hour in the night, expecting her; she went to the gate | ... a late hour of the night, expecting her; she went to the gate | |
| “I had forgotten,” said her aunt, “that my rents became due this week | ... that my rents become due this week | ||
| she heard a noise as of several people trampling in the yard below | she heard a noise of several people ... | ||
| It was extremely dark, she could discern nothing. All was still and she thought she might have been deceived | It was extremely dark; she thought she might have been discovered | ||
| to collect some debts of those to whom she had rented lands | ... rented some lands | ||
| and in the day time, in walking around the yard and garden | and in the day, in walking ... | ||
| She stepped softly to the window, suddenly raised it, and held out the candle. She fancied she saw the glimpse of two or three dark forms pass swiftly along, but so indistinctly that it was impossible to determine whether they were real, or only shadows produced by objects intervening the light of the candle. She listened and gazed | She stepped softly to the window, suddenly raised it, and held out the candle. She listened and gazed | ||
| All was still; she shut the window, and in a short time went to bed | All was silent ... | ||
| she heard loud noises in the rooms below | she heard noises in the rooms below | ||
| a cold chilly sweat ran down her face | ... run down her face | ||
| grasped her arm which lay on the outside of the bed clothes | grasped her arm which lay outside of the bed clothes | ||
| no visible being was in the room except herself. She sat down, pondering these strange events. Was it not possible that she was right | .... Was it not probable that she was right | no visible being was in the room except herself; how then could she account for these events? Was it not probable that she was right | |
| Might not this be the effect of a terrified and heated imagination? Or if false keys had been made use of to enter the rooms below, might they not be also used to enter her chamber? But could her room | Might not this be the effect of a terrified and heated imagination? But could her room | ||
| She knew she could not sleep | She knew she could not go to sleep | ||
| The moon had arisen and cast a pale, imperfect lustre over the landscape. She recollected the opening and shutting of the doors—perhaps they were still open | The moon had arisen and cast a pale lustre over the landscape. She recollected the opening and shutting of the door—perhaps they were still open | ||
| She examined the others; they were in the same situation | ... they were all in the same situation | ||
| As soon as her scattered senses collected, she concluded that whoever had been in the house were there still | ... whatever had been in the house was there still | As soon as her senses were collected, she concluded that whatever had been in the house was there still | |
| ascended in pyramidal columns to the zenith | ascended in pyramidial columns to the zenith | ascended in pyramidical columns the zenith | |
| A small spot of ineffable brightness succeeded | A spot of ... | ||
| both sides of it were smoothe [sic] as glass | ... as smooth as glass | ||
| The events of the past night, therefore, remained inscrutable | The events of the last night ... | ||
| the gate opened and the house entered by the means of false keys. Her father would as soon do this as to confine her | ... by means of false keys. Her father would as soon do this as to confine her | ... by false keys. Her father would as soon do this as confine her | |
| Innumerous stars glittered in the firmament, intermingling their quivering lustre with the pale splendours of the milkyway [sic] | Innumerable stars glittered in the firmament, intermingling their quivering lustre with the pale splendours of the milk way | Innumerable stars glittered in the firmament, intermingling their quivering lustre with the pale splendours of the milky way | |
| But why should she fear? She knew of no one she had injured. She knew of none she had displeased | But why should she fear? She knew of none she had displeased | ||
| the horizon was overclouded, and it had begun to rain | ... and it began to rain | ||
| convinced that she was safe and secure, she concluded to go to bed | convinced that she was safe and secure, she went to bed | ||
| leaving, however, two candles burning in the room. As she for two nights had been deprived of her usual rest | leaving, however, candles burning in the room. As she for two nights had been deprived of her rest | ||
| a broad flash like that of lightning, transiently illuminated her chamber | a broad flash like lightning, transiently illuminated the chamber | ||
| the sounds seemed to be in the rooms directly over her head | the sound seemed to be in the room ... | ||
| filled the house with the electric effluvium. She listened for a repetition of the thunder—but a very different sound soon grated | filled the house with electric effluvium. She listened for a repetition of the thunder—but a very different sound grated | ||
| the doors below alternately open and shut, flapping furiously | the doors below alternately open and shut, slapping furiously | ||
| The 1804 text uses long “s". The reading ”flapping" is the transcriber’s best guess, but the condition of the text does not allow certainty. | |||
| she perceived some person crawling on to its foot | ... on its foot | ||
| instantaneously she sprang from the bed to the floor—with convulsive grasp, seized the candle | ... with convulsed grasp, seized the candle | instantly she sprang from the bed to the floor—with convulsed grasp, seized the candle | |
| she was alarmed by a deep, hollow sigh | she heard a deep, hollow sigh | ||
| Not the least noise had been heard since she last returned | ... since she returned | ||
| Towards evening Melissa took her usual walk around the enclosure | ... took a walk around the enclosure | ||
| the light gales bore revigorating coolness | the light gales bore invigorating coolness | ||
| the flowery verdure of the fields were changing to a russet hue | ... was changed to a russet hue | the flowery verdure of the field was changed to a russet hue | |
| hammering on the hollow trunk of some dry and blasted tree, filled the woods with reverberant echoes | hammering on some dry and blasted trees ... | hammering on some dry and blasted trees, filled the woods with reverberating echoes | |
| the images of departed joys | the images of departing joys | ||
| in this house of gloom rest, in undisturbed silence | in this house of gloom rests ... | ||
| throughout these now solitary demesnes | throughout these solitary demesnes | ||
| yonder halls and apartments shone with brilliant illumination. Now all is sad, solitary and dreary, the haunt of sprites and spectres of nameless terror | yonder halls and apartments shone in brilliant illumination. Now all is sad, solitary and dreary, the haunt of spirits and spectres of nameless terror | ||
| All that now remains of the head that formed, the hand that executed | ... the head that formed and the hand that executed | ||
| the rising shower, which slowly ascended in gloomy pomp | the rising shower, which ascended in gloomy pomp | ||
| The lightning more broader and brighter flashed | The lightning broader and brighter flashed | The lightning broader and brighter flashes | |
| Convolving clouds pouring smoky volumes | Convolving clouds poured smoky volumes | ||
| Slantways, the large heavy drops of rain began to descend | Slant-wise ... | ||
| It seemed nothing less than the crush of worlds | ... the crash of worlds | ||
| pass another night in the lonely mansion | ... the lone mansion | ||
| a voice behind her exclaimed, “Gracious heaven! Melissa!” | a voice exclaimed ... | ||
| “No one except myself, Alonzo,” she answered | “No one except myself,” she answered | ||
| He followed her up to her apartment and seated himself by the fire | He followed her to her apartment ... | ||
| separated from society, and no one present to interrupt them | separated from society, and no one to interrupt them | ||
| Alonzo and Melissa heard little of it | ... heard a little of it | ... heard but little of it | |
| what course her aunt and she had taken | what course her aunt had taken | ||
| where he accidentally found Melissa on a visit, as mentioned before | [Footnote] See page 26. |
[no footnote] | |
| desiring Alonzo to remain at his house until he returned | desiring Alonzo to remain until he returned | ||
| they were deeply interested in his favour and the welfare of Melissa | ... in his affairs and in the welfare of Melissa | ||
| It is possible that Melissa is | It is not possible but that Melissa is | ||
| At length a large, tall tree, which stood near him, on the verge of the moat, or rather, in that place, river, was hurled from its foundation | At length a large tree, which stood near him, on the verge of the moat, or rather in that place, was hurled from its foundation | ||
| He scrambled up on the trunk, and made his way on to the wall | ... made his way on the wall | ||
| found the door open, which Melissa had left so in her fright | ... had left in her fright | ||
| they could not endure the idea of another and an immediate separation | ... another and immediate separation | ||
| It would not be safe for Alonzo to stay there | It would not be safe for Alonzo to stay | ||
| I would not wish unjustly to censure your father | I would not censure your father | ||
| Melissa sighed, wiping a tear which fell from her eye. “Unqualified obedience to my parents,” said she, “I have ever considered the first of duties | Melissa sighed, wiped a tear which fell from her eye. “Unqualified obedience to my parents,” said she, “I have ever considered one of the first duties | ||
| for reasons which Alonzo knew nothing of. But should she leave it in the way she had proposed, she was not sure but she would be immediately remanded back, more strictly guarded, and more severely treated. To continue there | for reasons which Alonzo knew nothing of. To continue there | ||
| Melissa was to leave the draw-bridge down | Melissa was to have the draw-bridge down | ||
| he passed over, and she slowly withdrew | he passed over and slowly withdrew | ||
| The fire-fly* sunk feebly twinkling amidst the herbage of the fields | The fire-fly sunk feebly twinkling amongst the herbage of the
fields [No footnote] |
||
| and assisted him in obtaining a carriage | and assisted him to obtain a carriage | ||
| and another burning on the table | and another was burning on the table | ||
| By what means she had thus suddenly disappeared | By what means had she thus suddenly disappeare | ||
| John’s hut was situate about one mile north from the mansion where she had been confined. When he came out near the road | John’s hut was situated about one mile north ... | John’s hut was situated about one mile north from the mansion where she had been confined. When he came near the road | |
| John stared in amazement | John started in amazement | ||
| her aunt is gone into the country and has not returned | her aunt has gone ... | ||
| John informed him that she was there about sunset | ... he was there about sunset | ||
| He returned in about half an hour | He returned in half an hour | ||
| the latter had taxed the former of improperly endeavoring | ... with improperly endeavoring | ||
| 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 told him all that had happened since he was there, of which, before, they had heard nothing. At the house of Mr. Simpson and Vincent | ||
| and she wished to marry somebody else | and she wishes to marry somebody else | ||
| Alonzo did not long hesitate what course to pursue | Alonzo did not hesitate long ... | ||
| the idea could not pluck the thorn from his bosom | ... from his own bosom | ||
| I have got considerable money at command | ... at my command | ||
| He answered, that perhaps all might yet come right | ... come to right | ||
| his resources had not yet failed him | his resources had not failed him | ||
| he reached Killingsworth | ... Killingworth | ||
| through the night was wrecked with severe pain | ... racked with severe pain | ||
| it might prove an injury to her if she was there, and could answer no valuable purpose if she was not | ... if she were ... if she were not | ||
| he could not distinguish her features | he did not distinguish her features | ||
| he now had a side view of her face, and was more than ever convinced that it was Melissa | he had a side view of her face, was more ... | ||
| he found it was Melissa’s cousin | he found it to be Melissa’s cousin | ||
| Do you not think, said Mrs. Wyllis, “that she resembles their cousin Melissa, who resided there some time ago?” | ... her cousin Melissa ... | ||
| what course to pursue, he was at a loss to determine upon. | what course to pursue, he was at a loss to determine. | ||
| Alonzo felt no strong curiosity farther to examine her features | Alonzo felt no curiosity ... | ||
| An incident tended to confirm his resolution | ... this resolution | ||
| her fine eyes were closed for ever | her fine eyes had closed for ever | ||
| and shook the trembling frame of Alonzo | and shocked the trembling frame of Alonzo | ||
| the sun of peace may yet dispel the glooms of these distressful hours | ... dispel these distressful hours | ||
| the death list arrested his attention | the death list attracted his attention | ||
|
“Died, of a consumption...” [See below] |
|||
| The fanciful part of our readers may be ready to cast it aside | ... may cast it aside | ||
| the geni which animated and enlivened it | the genius which animated and enlivened it | ||
| Arouse your hero. Call to his aid | Arouse your hero: call to his aid | Arouse your hero? call to his aid | |
| to what pathos of grief and wretchedness | to what paths of grief and wretchedness | ||
| regions where my guardian angel is gone | regions where my guardian is gone | same as 1804 | |
| nature triumphed over disease of body, he slowly recovered | nature triumphed over disease of body—he slowly recovered | nature triumphed over disease of body, and he slowly recovered | |
| an uncle who resided near Charleston in South Carolina (See Barometer No. 110.) | an uncle who resided near Charleston in South Carolina* [Footnote] See page 39. |
[No footnote] | |
| roved, he knew not whether [sic] | roved, he knew not where | ||
| the dircle sung mournfully in the grass | ... on the grass | ||
| through which they had passed, were recalled to his mind | ... were called to his mind | ||
| His fancy saw her—felt her gently leaning on his arm | His fancy saw her—he felt ... | ||
| Again was he enraptured by the melody of her voice | Again he was enraptured ... | ||
| the first time he saw her at her cousin’s (See Barometer No. 105. See also allusions to this scene in several subsequent parts of the story.) | [Footnote] See page 7. See also ... |
[Footnote] See page 8. See also ... |
[No footnote] |
| his former bliss and anxiety, where every countenance would tend to renew his mourning, where every door would be inscribed with a memento mori | his former bliss and anxiety, where every door would be inscribed with a memento mori | ||
| the breezes rustled from their woody coverts | the breezes rushed from their woody coverts | ||
| the willderness [sic] of its waters | its wilderness of waters | ||
| A new scene now opened to Alonzo | A new scene was now opened to Alonzo | ||
| Blue tumbling billows, topp’d with foam | Blue trembling billows ... | ||
| The dingy scud first flew swiftly along the sky | The dirgy scud ... | ||
| It appeared to be of about equal force and dimensions | It appeared to be of equal force and dimensions | ||
| the ship went down and was for ever buried | the ship went down and was buried | ||
| as there existed no parental or other impediments to our union | as there were no ... | ||
| the friend and intimate of my angel in my absence. They were now almost every day together, so that I had frequently opportunities | the friend and inmate of my angel in my absence. They were ... | the friend and inmate of my angel in my absence. They were now almost every day together, so that I had frequent opportunities | |
| promised to obey her injunctions | proceeded to obey her injunctions | proceeded to obey her injunction | |
| No, it was not this that caused you to perjure your plighted vows | No, it was not that which ... | ||
| I had worked up my feelings almost to the frenzy of distraction | I worked up my feelings ... | ||
| gently pressed in the hand of the stranger | ... in the hands of the stranger | ||
| a little arbour, at a few yards distant from where I was | a little arbour, a few yards distant from where I was | a little arbour, a few yards distant from where I sat | |
| “I forgive you, Henry,” she said, “I forgive your mistake | “I forgive you,” Henry, she said, “forgive your mistake | same as 1804 | |
| I made no defence; was condemned to death | I made no defence; and was condemned to death | ||
|
frequently enter the prison to console and comfort him [Here alone, the 1804 form is “console” rather than “consolate”.] |
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| But the grief that preyed at his heart had wasted him to a skeleton | ... to a mere skeleton | ||
| trusting in the mercy of his Creator through the merits of a Redeemer | ... the sufferings of a Redeemer | ||
| were loose and could easily be removed | were loose and could be easily removed | ||
| every article of which he cut into narrow strips | ... narrow slips | same as 1804 | |
| a piece of long timber | a long piece of timber | ||
| as useless encumbrances without his clothes | as a useless encumbrance ... | ||
| You must have experienced a severe gale indeed | You have experienced ... | ||
| The sailor mused a few minutes | The sailor mused for a few minutes | ||
| Alonzo entered it to see how the sick and disabled American prisoners were treated | ... and disabled prisoners were treated | ||
| [Note] were treated with much more humanity than those who were imprisoned in America |
[Footnote] [same text as 1804] |
[Footnote] ... imprisoned at Halifax and other places in America |
|
| he now found that he had lost his leg | he now discovered ... | ||
| it is possible I have been undesigningly accessory | ... undesignedly accessory | ||
| to render him more comfortable. Beauman replied that he was not: “For the comforts of life,” said he | ... “For the comforts of this life,” replied he | ... “For the comforts of this life,” said he | to make him more comfortable. Beauman replied that he was not: “For the comforts of this life,” said he |
| he would fall into incoherent mutterings | ... muttering | ||
| a natural stone was placed at its head | ... at his head | ||
| bearing a large trunk on his shoulder, and directing Alonzo | ... and directed Alonzo | ||
| not with a view to returning to America; he had yet no relish for revisiting | not with a view of returning ... | not with a view of returning to America; he had no relish for revisiting | |
| Of this Alonzo gave a minute account | Of this Alonzo gave him a minute account | ||
| Alonzo enquired for the name to whom the note was addressed | ... the man to whom ... | ||
| Alonzo gave his employer no room to complain | ... no reason to complain | ||
| Alonzo dressed himself in deep mourning | Alonzo dressed in deep mourning | ||
| he took it up and found it to be a curiously wrought purse | ... a curious wrought purse | ||
| what he esteemed most invaluable | what he esteemed most valuable | ||
| Lost, between the hours of 9 and 10 last evening, in the Rue de Loire | Lost, between the hours of nine and ten last evening, in the Rue de Loir [sic] | ||
| had hitherto taken no notice of what had passed | ... of what passed | ||
| a letter from his father, while he was at the army | ... while at the army | ... while with the army | |
| Last evening I lost the miniature which I suppose you have found | ... which I suppose you to have found | ||
| which I probably dropped on replacing in my pocket | ... on replacing it in my pocket | ||
| it has become a most precious and invaluable relique | ... and valuable relique | ||
| The next morning as they were about to part | ... about to depart | ||
| and sighed as ardently for some other trifle | and sighed as earnestly ... | ||
| turns to some other source to supply the vacuum | ... to supply vacuum | ||
| Stripped of all but their intrinsic value | Stripped of all their intrinsic value | ||
| inordinate passion, or what you would call pure affection | ... what some would call ... | ||
| pining for a hopeless object | ... a hapless object | ||
| which will sail for any part of America in some time | ... for some time | ||
| Ah! had this but have happened in time to save a life | Ah! had this but happened ... | ||
| consecrated piles, and funereal monuments of the sacred dead | sacred piles, and funeral monuments ... | ||
| October 26, 1776 | Oct. 26, 1776 | same as 1804 | |
| how tenderly pensive does she beam her lovely eyes upon me! | how tenderly does she beam her lovely eye upon me! | ||
| There [pointing to the grave] there behold how my dearest wishes | Then ... | ||
| the first holy whisper of her consecrated lips | the first holy whispers ... | ||
| determining to proceed on early in the morning | ... proceed early in the morning | ... proceed on early the next morning | |
| which before sunrise encreased to a violent storm | which before sunrise had encreased to a violent storm | ||
| was to be opened for that night only | was to be opened that night only | ||
| To the general enquiry of “what’s the matter?” | To the general enquiry, “what’s the matter?” | ||
| forbade that he should re-pierce the ten thousand wounds | forbade that he re-pierce ... | ||
|
Song, beauty, youth, love, virtue, joy: this group . . . As yet unforfeit! in one blaze we bind. | Song, beauty, love, virtue, joy: this group . . . As yet a forfeit! in one blaze we bind. |
||
| They immediately retired to a separate room, where the stranger | ... when the stranger | ||
| private concerns; more extraordinary may you esteem it | private concerns, and more extraordinary you may esteem it | ||
| “Are you unmarried, sir?” “I am now, and have ever been single.” | “Are you married, sir?” “I am now, and have ever been single.” | “Are you married, sir?” “I am not, and have ever been single.” | |
| numberless suitors have sighed for her hand | numberless suitors sighed ... | ||
| It seemed that if she could but speak with him | ... speak to him | ||
| This extraordinary dream she has communicated | ... she had communicated | ||
| Her father, who has but two children besides herself, being dotingly fond of her | Her father, who has but two children, one besides herself, being doting fond of her | Her father, who has but two children, one beside herself, being dotingly fond of her | |
| in a railing way told her I had seen her invisible beau | in a rallying way ... | in a rallying way told her that I had seen ... | |
| she thought but little of it | she thought little of it | ||
| my leaving you so abruptly, and of my not returning | ... and not returning | ||
| Now, sir, it is necessary for me farther to explain | Now, sir, it is necessary farther to explain | ||
| on reviewing the incidents which led to | on reviewing the incidents which to | ||
| I have experienced a sufficient change of objects and of country | ... and country | ||
| a silk girdle, with diamond clasps | a silken girdle ... | ||
| Did not Alonzo see her death announced in the public prints? | ... her death in ... | ||
| And is not all this sufficient to prove | And is not this ... | ||
| However the author may succeed in description | ... in his description | ||
| the bower on her favorite hill | the bower of ... | ||
| Have we not, according to the advice of the moralist (See Barometer, No. 118.) |
[No footnote] | ||
| their tears fell in one immingling shower | ... one intermingling shower | ||
| you were proof against the whole arcana of beauty | ... the whole arena of beauty | ||
| Indeed, sir, I cannot but applaud your discrimination | ... your determination | ||
| the true novel style | the novel style | ||
| “There I confess,” said he, looking at Alonzo | Then I confess ... | ||
| He is the son of a deceased uncle | ... my deceased uncle | ||
| a servant took charge of Alonzo’s carriage | ... took care ... | ||
| the eldest, a son about ten years of age | the eldest son, about ten years of age | ||
|
to its members and its guests. [See below] It was agreed that Alonzo |
|||
| I told her that as I had been placed there by my father, I should not consent to a removal unless by his express orders | I told her that I had been placed there by my father, and should not consent | ||
| I hardly know what I did wish | I hardly knew ... | ||
| As we passed out of the gate, I looked back at the mansion | ... back to the mansion | ||
| which put him in a terrible fluster | ... a terrible flutter | ||
| we have little peace in the house | we have but little peace in the house | ||
| the servant delivered a packet of letters | ... a package of letters | ||
| my uncle found it impossible to submit to these stern injunctions | ... these firm injunctions | ||
| soon after the birth of their first child | ... the first child | ||
| Inconsolable and comfortless, my uncle put the child out to nurse | ... the child to nurse | ||
| He finally married to an amiable and respectable woman | He finally married to an amiable woman | ||
| yet soon greatly alleviated the pangs of early sorrow | yet greatly ... | ||
| he considers you to have formed an improper connection | he considers you have ... | ||
| I have seen some troubles in this way myself, in my early days; perhaps my counsel may be of some service | I have seen some troubles in that way myself, in my early days; perhaps my council may be of some service | ||
| I immediately gave him a correct account | I immediately gave a correct account | ||
| write to your father, advising him not to proceed too rashly | ... desiring him ... | ||
| her health evidently decreasing after she came to this place | ... decreasing. After ... | ||
| and was thereafter retained in the family | and was therefore ... | ||
| In Charleston it was also generally supposed | In Charleston it was generally supposed | ||
| he was not only deprived of you | he was not only deprived of me | ||
| except that you had gone in search of me. Vincent conjectured that you had gone to New London | except that you had gone to New London | ||
| He then confidentially unfolded to your father | He then confidently ... | ||
| from whence you then came, to where you went | from whence you then came, or where you went | ||
| she had undoubtedly given him his lesson | ... given him instructions | ||
| he finally initiated himself so far in my aunt’s favor | he initiated himself ... | ||
| he had left a wife and family in Virginia in indigent circumstances | he had a wife and family in Virginia in indigent circumstances | ||
| yesterday morning at my uncle’s house in town, which Alfred had proposed for the scene of action | ... my uncle’s house, which ... | ||
| I trust that difficulty will soon be removed | I trust that that difficulty ... | ||
| if he had ever known Doctor Franklin | if he ever knew Dr. Franklin | ||
| I have inflicted a wound still deeper on my own bosom | ... in my own bosom | ||
| your daughter was the subject of my earliest affection | ... the object of ... | ||
| I shall in some measure realize former happy anticipations | ... former anticipations | ||
| bowed his gratitude and after appointing that day week, departed | bowed his head in gratitude; and after appointing ... | ||
| when a person rapped to the door below | ... at the door below | ||
| to intervene their happiness, no determined rival, no obdurate father | to intervene their happiness, no obdurate father | ||
| The sun blended its mild lustre with the landscape’s lovely green | ... the landscapes’ ... | same as 1804 | |
| encircled by a wreath of flowers | ... a wreath of artificial flowers | ||
| Edgar then rising, motioned to the intended bride and bridegroom | ... mentioned to ... | ||
| “Where tides of heavy sorrows swell’d,” | ... sorrow ... | ||
| “And do I receive thee from the dead!” he said. “I am anxious to hear the mystery unfolded | And I receive thee as from ... the mighty mystery unfolded | ||
| But wearied with the bustles of life | But wearied with the business of life | ||
| who all soon left it under the foolish pretence or impression of hearing strange noises and seeing frightful objects, and such is the superstition of people | who all left it under the foolish pretence or impression of hearing noises ... | who all left it under the foolish pretence or impression of hearing noises and seeing frightful objects, and such is the superstition of the people | who all left it under foolish pretence or impression of hearing noises and seeing frightful objects, and such is the superstition of the people |
| which might lead to the elucidation | which might tend to the elucidation | ||
| they struck a fire and lit candles, which they had brought with them | ... and lighted candles ... | ... and lighted candles, which they brought with them | |
| where no objects presented, they lay flat on the ground, with orders not to stir, or to discover themselves | where no object presented, lay flat on the ground, with orders not to stir, or discover themselves | ||
| so that nothing should be discovered from without. Things thus arranged, they observed almost an implicit silence | so that nothing could be discovered from without. Things thus arranged, they observed almost an implicit silence | so that nothing could be discovered from without. Things thus arranged, they observed almost implicit silence | |
| For a long time no sounds were heard | ... no sound was heard | ||
| to prevent discovery took off their shoes | to prevent discovery they took off their shoes | ||
| “Those rascally cow-boys detained us too long.”—— “Well, well, never mind it | “Rascally cow-boys ... | “Rascally cow-boys detained us too long.”—— “Well, never mind it | |
| a noise as if several doors shut to | ... shut too [this spelling is used several times] |
||
| gave the signal to the men without | gave the alarm ... | ||
| the chairs on which these now invisible beings had sat, had all disappeared | ... had disappeared | ||
| That they were part of a gang | That they were a part of a gang | ||
| sold at a very extortionate price | sold at very extortionate prices | ||
| struck immense sums of it | struck immense quantities of it | ||
| which had heretofore been only in the open woods | which had therefore ... | same as 1804 | |
| we recrossed from the mansion. To get over the wall we used ladders of ropes, placing a flat piece of thick board | we recrossed from the old mansion.... placing a flat of thick board | ||
| on touching a spring, it would suddenly fly open | ... it would fly open | ||
| so that on emergency we could traverse every apartment | so that on an emergency ... | ||
| a beautiful young lady asleep in the only bed in the room | ... on the only bed in the room | ||
| to dispossess the fair tenant of premises to which | ... of the premises to which | ||
| As soon as we were prepared, we returned to the mansion | As soon as they were ... | ||
| exhibiting the person before her in all his horrific appearances | exhibited ... | ||
| some of the same material being placed in its mouth | some material being placed in its mouth | ||
| not having yet stripped off his ghostly habiliments | not having stripped off ... | ||
| which in the night appears like coals of fire | ... looks like coals ... | ||
| the generous midshipman, John Brown | ... Jack Brown | ||
| as there were several other British prisoners in the jail | ... in jail | ||
| put under the hands of a barber, cleaned, furnished with a change of clothes | ... cleansed ... | ||
| his ship was ordered for America | ... to America | ||
| went before the magistrates of the town | ... the magistrate of the town | ||
| planned the structure of their family edifice. (See Barometer No. 109-110.) |
[Footnote] See pages 34 and 38. |
[No footnote] | |
| This intimation according with the ardent wishes of Alonzo, the site | This intimation accorded with the ardent wishes of Alonzo. The site | ||
| Spring, with its verdured fields | 1864 only Spring, with its verdurous fields This difference is on the last page of the book: see above. |
same as 1804 | |
| commencing sprightly, but ending plaintive and melancholy | ... plaintively and melancholy | ||
Death Notice:
1804/1811:
1851/64:
1870: |
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1804 Additional Paragraph:And here, were we to adopt the method of some novel writers, we might close our history, and leave it for imagination to paint the sequel. But there are some mysteries, which if not elucidated, will render our story incomplete, and besides were we to stop here, the real finishing stroke would still be wanting; we shall therefore pass with as much rapidity as possible over the remaining incidents of our story, rendered already too lengthy for a weekly paper. what happened after they parted at the old mansion. |
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