The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1840-02-22

am no agrarian," he would often say, "nol
have anyutopian notions ofperfect equa-
| lity; am therefore aware that there must
always exist different classes in society,
such as working men and men of wealth,
men gifted with intellect, and others only
one remove from idiocy, but let us never
acknowledge that worst of all tyrannies,
the oligarchy of mere wealth. A man of
enlightened mind and virtuous principles
is my equal, whatever be his occupation,
and whether his hand be hardened by the
blacksmith's hammer, or soiled by the ink
ofthe learned professions, it is one which |
can grasp with respect"
His notions much displeascd his fastidi-
Gus sisters, and they took great pains to
convince him of his folly. But it was in
vain they tried to initiate him into the mys-
tcries cf modern fashions: he would nei-
ther conceal his face beneath an over
growth of moustache and beard, nor
would he initiate the long cared asses of
South America in the longitude of his su-
perb raven locks. He even refused to car
ry the indispensable cane, alledging that
since such a sudden lameness had fallen
upon the spindleshanked men of fashion,
it was the duty of those who could still
boast some solidity of understanding to
depend upon themselves for support. The
ladies pronounced him very handsome,
but shockingly questionable; while the
gentlemen, who found their rent-roll was
not likely to be diminished, either at the
billiard table or the race-culIrse, discussed
his character as they picked their teeth on
the steps of the Broadway hotels, and
wondered how he contrNed to spend his
money.
The simple story of Jessie Murray had
deeply affected Carleton, and the rcmcm-
brance of her sweet countenance did not
tend to decrease his interest. How much
of self mingles with the best feelings of
humanity! Had Jessie been a freckled,
red-haired, snub-nosed girl, Fred would
probably have soon forgotten her sisterly
devotion, but she was too pretty to vanish
quickly from his mind. Some how or
other it happened almost every morning,
that he found Unnecessary ii to see his sisters
at an early hour when he was sure Of fin
ding them in the sewing room. His pres
|cnce became at length quite mheed by
Jessie, as well as his sisters, and while he
amused himself in romping with his little
nephew, or quizzing the changes oftashion
which usually occupied his sters' THOUGHTS
he had constant opportunities Of studying
the character of "our Jessie" He noticed
her quiet good sense, her fine taste, her
cheerful manners, her unaffected humility,
the patience with which she bore the ca
prices of his sisters, and he repeated to
himself again and again. ''what a pity she
should be obliged to lead such life~
One winter evening, as he was hurrying
to an appointment, he met Jessie whowith
her bonnet drawn over her face, and with
her cloak drawn close around her, was
hurrying in an opposite direction. To turn
and Join her was his first impulse.
"Wherc are you going at so late an hour,
Miss Murray" he asked.
"Home," she answered, still hu1ying
onward.
"At least allow me to accompany you"
said he.
"Oh, no, sir" said she, 1T is not ncces-
sary. l 60 home alone every evening""
"But you are liable to insult, and should
not venture out without protector"
"We, poor gtrls, are obliged to be our
own protectors, Mr.. Carleton said Jessie,
'"When my mother is we'll she usually
comes to meet me, but in such cold wea-
ther don't wish her to risk her health"
sand your brother?"
"Hc is at New Haven college sir. Mr..
Carleton, let me beg you not to go out of
your way for me-"
Fred only answered by drawingher arm
through his. Jessie at first seemed alarm
ed; but, assured by his respectful manner,
she consented to accept his escort, and
they soon reached hel mothers door. The
light of cheerful fire cleaned through the
half opened shutters, and as Fred looked
in the room, he could not avoid noticing
the perfect ncatness of its arrangement.