The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1841-12-15
THE BASHFUL MAN.


written 1t will bear repetition
= As nv object is bu. to give specimen OF the
numerous nniscortures That necessarily beset me
the moment appear in ladies' society, snail
merely sneak of those that befel me atthe only
dinner in Paris to whch was invited. Though
laden with Introductory letters, never deliver
cd another.
tpass by the various eiFir!s made before l
could muster sufficient resolution to deliver to
Madame o. the one that procured for me and
friend who came with me, the dinner inquestion;;
I pass by my trepslation at the everlasting peal
with which the bell responded tony timld touch
Scarcely could distinguish the Parle= an SH-
;sse over the porter's lodge, where probably
Swiss never stood since ist erection. pass by
several minor blundcrs: such as asking rhe port
or to direct us to "la chambre de Madame' mean
mo her drawine-room. Suffice it :osay, that my
less nervous companion, dictionary in hand cold,
w led the way; that having traversed good
number of courts and stairs, we at length arrived
safely at an anie-room, where stood servant
before pair of folding doors. which ne threw
wide open, and announced us by pair OF names
that we should never have recognized as our
own, had we met them elsewhere.
Already agitated, and persprlng with nervous
trepidation, this osten:atious mode OF entrance
so different from the republican simplicity TO
which was accustomed, was formidable trial
to me. My cheeks tinged, my knees tremoleu'
2 and nv heart beat violently. | SUNK silently
behind nv unabashed companion, and endeaVor-
ed to rather sufficient courage to conceal the
tremor that shook me like an ague tit. Madame
O. rose to receive us; and, as we approached her
it became necessary that l should deploye from
behind nv friend. But in so doing, did not
notice large pet dog, who comfortable stretch
ed on ared velvet cushion, lay mapping beside
his mistress, directly in my path. On ! went,
anxious only to get through the Introductory
ceremonies rs soon as possible, and then to en-
. sronce mvself in some remote corner Where,
"The world forge ting, by the world forgot"
/ might escane all notice or remark . But truly
saws the French proverb, MAN proposes, but
God dsposes;" and very unfortunate were his
dispositions for my intention AS fastened on,
all glowing with confusion, and quaking with
fright, lust as began my bow, stumbled over
the de.ested pet, and was suddenly precipltated
head foremost, like an ancient batterng-ram, in
to the lap of Mss P; overturning episodicaly a
countryman of my own who was seated next
her, balancing his chair on its two hind legs. 70
save himself, he instiuctively grasped the back
of her chair and his weight at her rear, acting at
the same moment that was hurled at her in
'front.' decided all hestation and over we all roll
ed together. the chairs uppermost The vile
cur who had been at the bottom of the whole |
mischief, seized me by the leg, and, receiving a {,
hearty kick in return, added his bowling to the |
chorus of dismay that now filled the apartment
Happily, the female sufferer in this malice en-
crossed all the sympathy and attention of the
company, but we'll knew, that in the short min
ute that had elapsed since had entered the
apartment, had made three mortal enemies of
man, dog and lady
For my own part, as soon as had eXtrlcated
myself from the terrible crash, confusion, and !
shame retreated into the most obscure corner
of the room where | sought to hide myself
and my overwhelming modification behind the ',
guests who were lounging about there.
The call to dinner served as relief to my en-
for hoped that would engross ev
cry ones attention, which now, could not help
feeling, must be occupied with my awkardness. !
Following the company to the dnng-room, |
saw that each plate contained card, on which
was written, the name of the guest who was to
occupy the place thus designated. Every one
seemed to find his own place by magic; but for
ne, four or five times did | make the circuit OF
the table, lookingin vain formine. Indeed,
know not but might have continued running
about all dinner time unnoticed among the crowd
of servants, had not Madame O.'s eyes at length s
detected me as circled round and round with
an Historically increasing rapidity, my eyes dim
with confusion, and a clammy perspration be-
dewing every pore of my body; and at length
sunk into my seat when found, fairly exhausted t
with modification and shame. Here, again, | {
found myself embarrassed with my hat, which,
having observed that all retained in the draw {
ing-room, still grasped with nervous pcrtinac-
ty. This at length disposed Of as | thought {
at the time, with wonderful ingenuity; for hung
it by the brim between my knees, spreading my
over its open cavity.
Ny seat was next to a young lady, whom of
course | was expected to entertain. Ienter-
tain! Wofully already, had l entertained the
company, but found myself infinitely better
adapted to entertain company en- masse than
singulatim.
The ordinary routine of French dinner now
commenced, Soup and bouille, fish, fowl, and
flesh; entre'nets and hors dGurrs, while Sc
ries of servants appeared each instant at our
elbows, inviting US to partake of thousand
different dishes, and as many kinds of wine, all
under strings of names which no more under
stood, than understood their composition, or
than they did my gaucheries. Resolute TO avoid
all further opportunities for displaying my pre-
dominant trait, | sat in the most obstinate ST.
lence, saying yes to every thing that was Of
fered me, and eating with most devoted appl-
cation til1 in evil bour ,,,, Co.