The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1849-04-04
FEMALE INGENUITY.

VI all the stratagems resorted 10 by fe-
male ingenuity to obtain sni,able husband,
we know of none 80 extraordinary as that OF
the FrcRch lady. who gave oat that her head
resembled a Deaths Head"
Among the numerous lovers who, in con.
sequence of the immense wealth she was
reputed 10 possess, aspired to the honor of
her hand. in spite Of the terrors of her face
there were reckoned no less than seventeen
hundred and nineteen. She showed TO
person who was IN her confidence, twenty.
five or thirty letters, which she had received
from Belgium. written by well Snown char
acters, who said they would never revolt,
though she should prove 10 be the most
hideous object in the world. They were
disposed to fauer, caress, and we'd the
plague itself. so that they could procure
abundance Of gold. All their letters she
left unanswered, but to few. who solicited
her hand in gallant style, she was generous
enough to order her secretary to return her
thanks.
The mind of The Young lady did not tend
to union in consequence of the above invita-
tions; vet her heart was not insenslble. In
the brilliant circles in which she moved. CO.
vercd constantly with mask, she dlslln.
ouished a yo,IEg man OF noble and interest
inc couutenancc. whose mind had been well
cultivated. / C had a fortune which placed
hlm above interested views. The young
man, on his part. was so much charmed
with the graces and delicate sentiments
which The young lady with invisible features
displayed in her conversation, that he at
length declared all his happiness depended
on union. She did NOT deny the impress
sion he had made on her, nor conceal the
pleasure she should feel in accer'ing to his
proposals, but expressed 10 him al the same
time the dread, that he would repen, on be.
holding her face, which she described to be
that of death, IN its mos, terrific form. She
urged him TO beware of rashness. and con-
slider we'll, whether he could bear tie
wreiched disappointment he might incur.
"Well well r said the young man, sac
cept my hand, and never unmask to any but
the eyes Of your husband
Il CONSENT replied she but remember
that shall NOT survive the appearance OF
alright and disgust, and perhaps contempt,
you may feel after marriage -.
IL will never shrink from the proof; IT IS
your heart, and no, your figure, | love-"
"In eight days." said the lady, "you shall
be satisfied"
They prepared for the marriage; and
Notwithstanding the refusal OF the generous
Young man to accept million francs in
bank bills, she settled all her property upon
him.
"lf you have not courage cnoug Ii to suffer
for your companion" said she 81 shall a!
least be consoIed by the reflection that J
have enriched him whom love, and he VIII
perhaps drop tear to my memory"
Returning from the altar, she threw her,
self on her knees before her spouse, and
placed her hand upon her mask. What
situation for the husband His heart palpl
ta,ed-his face turned pale-the mask
(ell-HE BEHELD AN ANGEL OF BEAUTY! She
then exclaimed, aiFectionateiy:
"You have not deserved deformliy; you
merit the love Of bcaulyw
The happy couple left Paris the next day
for Livonia, where the great property "t the
lady was situated.