The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1841-02-24

has given evidences of a quality, Which
|either from a blindness to. her faults, OF
because circumstances have never called
my attention to it, Il have heretofore been
entirely ignorant of. 1t is true, | heartily
disapprove of her course, but l do not
view it as any diminution Of the affection
or regard she has shown you. She is act
ing thus only to excite your jealousy, or,
perhaps, to test your love still further
Depend upon it, she has affection for you.
| could read 1t in her couptenance, as truly
as I have read your thoughts when she
leaned on the piano as / was playing.
Your attention to Emma was a fair retail
alton, and it has had the desired effect. l
well saw how little she could brook the
pleasure you seemed to take in her socie-
ty; and when all others were anxious for
the revival of your fainting partner, she
appeared to be troubled alone by your in
terested vigilance"
A brief, but significant reply, convinced
Juliet of the relief which her remark had
given him, and she was again gratifed to
see an unfeigned brightness breaking and
dispensing the cloud Of despondency.-
How strange is the vacilation of lovers
heart! how changeable is his hope!
"a breath may make it, or breath Destroy"
Gordon once more commenced con-
versation with Miss Stanhope, which was
continued until the party were summoned
to dinner by Mrs. Shelman. He handed
her to the table, where he sat next to her,
and where the pleasure derived from the
social proximity of his loved one, was a far
sweeter feast than all the rich viands be-
fore him. Who more agreeable than
Augusta, when she desired to please? Her
affable and winning manners gained SO
much upon Edward as to make him for
give, and almost forget her previous treat
ment.
The afternoon, occupied with the same
amusements as the morning, flew with
the same rapidity; but not so with Cor
don. Strange to say, Miss Stanhope
sought the company of Harper more
earnestly than ever, employing the whole
power of her, charms to captivate him;
and to. crown the chagrin Of the lover,
Frank was to be her escort in the moon
light return. AS before, Gordon accom-
panied Miss Wesley, who was. it seems,
like Juliet, persuaded of Augusta's pre-
J ference for him, notwithstanding contrary
appearances, and who offered all the
friendly consolation she could.
But let US view our hero once more in
his solitude, and when the necessity for
suppressing his emotions no longer exist
ed, Did he return to the couch of re-
pose that night, buoyant. with increased
hope? Not so. Where are those "vlslons
of happiness that danced DER his mind" J"
those cheering prospects that filled his
soul with ecstacy? Alas! gone, or all
merged in the death rage of jealousy,
which now agitates his breast.
aIn vain reproaclics lend their idle aid, ~
( Deccitfu pride, and resolution frail,
Giving false peace moment Fancy pours,
J. Afresh, Eer beauties on his busy thoughts;
! Her first endearmcnts twining round the soul,
/ With all the witchcraft of cnsnaring love.
Strait the fierce storm involves his mind anew,
Flames thro the nerves, and boils along the veins,
While anxious doubt distracts the tortured heart"
But does gall unmixed fill up this bitter
chalice? If so, the poison would, indeed,
be intolerable. Some consolation comes
on recollecting the remark of juliet; at
least, enough to fix his resolution of ad'
dressing Augusta the nextda and there
j. by determining his fate:
:, "For cen the sad assurance of his fears,
! Were ease to what he feels"
The morning of the 18th broke tan
and beautiful on the lovers eyes. heavy
from the protracted absence of sleep; moi
was his mind or body now to appreciate
its invigorating freshness. With him ii
was momentous day. 1t was the day
to determine whether he is to be allied tc
the object of his love, or to taste misery
isS failure At half past tsa L Ru&zu u4Afs Of sp
peared at the door of Miss Stanhope':
dwelling. Harper had just taken leave
i of her, and met him On the Threshold, =
. his countenance expressing satisfaction
and delight, which would have diverted
any other but the resolute Gordon from
his purpose. He entered the drawing
room, where he found Augusta sitting or
a sofa with her face turned towards the