Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1841-02-02
THE FALL OF PRIDE.
by J. N. MUTTON, ESQ.

oA - Ns ~ SAAAONf AoSss
Itwas brilliant company that assem-
bled at the mansion of Mr.. Roger D'u
glass, on beautiful night in Dece mber
Of eighteen hundred and four. The sur
ViVOrs of that scene Of fesiiviIy, no doub:,
remember with melancholy pleasure the
meeting place Of their youth, and the mo,
ments of real delight tley passed at dif
ferent times within its hospitahle walls.
Their companions we're IhOse whose
brOws are now whitened with the cares
Of years, or who sweeily slumber where
sepulchre shadows spread their gloom.
Let Them turn ovFr the pages of The past,
and think Nnce more upon lights that gilt
tered in.front Of that stately mansiOn-lhe
constant rattle of carriages that for time
hurried along in unbroken process on
the hustle Of poslillions, handing out the
Vislters, and servants directing them
through blazing halls and dazzling ante
chambers 10 the drawing rooms and spen-
did saloon. Let them call to mind the
startling scene that presented itself before
themS when introduced TO the cnngrega-
ted beauty and manly excellence that
crowded the high halls of pleasure Oh
that happy night It was the bright sea
son Of youth and ardent hope, and al,
though gray hairs may blush at The recol-
lection Of many Of the fOllies of earlier
years, yet 10 that hour of gltterance and
sH6w thought may be given with ex.
Ceeding interest-perhaps lis history and
cOnnexiOn with other circumstances may
afford a moments profitable reflection, as
it will teach US how ho gilded efforts of
life go down TO the glOam Of death, and
the glories that hang around the wealth.
est habitalions fade amid the darkness of
the grave.
Calds of invitation were in circulation
for weeks. and many bosom had thrilled
in anxious anticipation Of delight TO be
experienced in common with The giddy
thrOng. Scarcely had the hour arrived,
over which fashion had assumed control,
and dedicated to the interests Of etiquette
and elegant visits, than carrige after car.
riage numbered up to the street enterance,
and visiter after visiler. was hurried
through the crowds at the door, and on
the marble steps, to the denser crowds
within. Half the fashionable in the A.
merican metropolis Of polteness had pas.
sed the shining tairway--hurried thrOIgh
the antichambers, and were seated in ex.
pectation Of happier hours to come, or
whirIing their shining skirts of richest
silk and satin amid the delighted jos'le
of the laughing groups. Gard still fol-
lowed card, announcing the gifted aud the
CAV, and each new name was passed with
smiles of appreciation, or pleasant jest, as
former associations retold the Joys OF
other fesiel scenes.
Softly falls the foot Of time,
That only tfsajs on flowers.
The heearlier moments Of mirth and fes-
tivity swept rapidly away. Groups were
gathering in dfferrentparts ofthe saloon.
and all were more or less absorbed in
conversation, or making arrangements
for future enjoyment, when The names OF
Miss Warrens and Miss Walter, their
cousins, wero announced. A murmur Of
applause went thrO' the multitude, and The
cOuntensaces of the gentlemen seemed
10 brighten with animation, as though
they anticipated rich treat in The addI-
sion she was to make to the company.
But some OF the ladies regarded the ialt
visitant with different feelings, whetheT
from jealousy Of her personal charms, OF
other considerations, let the seqnal show
Tho curl Of scorn,turHed on a few tau
lips, and Miss Helen Hardy, indignant a
che idea Of heing cOmpelledtO be in 'h'
same company with MissWalter, turne'
20 her sister Arabella, who was TO-
deeply engaged in conversation with
party Of gentlemen 10 hear OF attend I
any thing else, and called out in yer
sarcastic tone. "BeIl, did you hes
thaif'i Ea7
"Hear whatg'' inquired Miss AFbell
rather peliishly, little plqued, no dOub
al being interrupted.
1sWhy Harriet Wtller is snn0unceh.'
sHarriei WaTief!n exclaimed Mss A
bella, wllh.a DGtoalh, which 6shionab
ladies' may sometimes swear, but wbic
would be very rude in one celebrated &