The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1850-04-12

ry feeling, but that of selfish qualification, cher.
ished by morbid sentiment, digni6ed by the
name Of love he pursues his unthinking career
till recalled to reflection, some sudden calam-
ity, a bed of sickness, perhaps where the image
of the wronged one rises to his troubled fancy.
But she who would have soothed and comfort
ed, and smoothed his passage to the tomb, had
alas gone there, before him.
The Springs, this season were covered with
the beauty fashion and elegance of several
neighboring states, matrons digni6ed. and state.
ly with speculating eyes; bellies both bromide and
brunette; polished and the most accomplished
gentlemen all partaking with liberality
of whatever in the shape of amusement was
was presented. Classic fountains sent up their
cooling water towards the heavens; flowers
bloomedin beautiful pasterres medicinal springs
| invited the invalid, to quaf and restore to the
faded cheek the bloom of health. Age sought
the Hygean fount, in hopes of renewing youth,
or at least extending earthly pilgrimage. A.
mong the numerous visitors to this favored
spot was Edward Brandon whose health had
been slightly impaired, and made him glad of
an excuse to visit the place, near which EN-.
ma lived. Not that he intended to seek her no
he would trust to chance for an Interview
| But in this he was disappointed. Mrs. Sewells
health was declining and Emma never left her,
besides she felt no inclination for the haunts of
gaiety.
1t was one of those starlight nights in August;
the atmosphere during the day had been sultry
and oppressive but as is usual in those noun
famous regions the night proved cool and in.
vigorating Edward Brandon leaving the sounds
of revelry bent his footsteps to the quiet retreat
of Mrs. Sewell where he could at least behold
the mansion which contained the Idol of his
soul. Indulgent reader, remember that Bran
don was still very young man. A little ro-
nance is therefore excusable. With folded
arms he stood gazing at the noble residence
now shrouded in darkness Beloved Emma
exclaimed he may the peace of innocence
ever thus enfold thee! and may thy visions
be as pure as thy spotless SOUL While he yet
gazed there was slight illumination; a fash
which subsidized into darkness. Then small
lambent fame shot up from the roof, it grew
larger, and yet larger, with volume of smoke.
Gracious Heavensp exclaimed the watcher
'the house has by some accident taken fire.
To leap over the low wall which surrounded
the dwelling to thunder at the front door to
vociferate with stentorian lungs fire-fre-was
the work of an instant. But the inmates SEEM
ed wrapped in the embraces of death so pro
found was their sleep. No sign oflife respond.
to his loud summons. Hastily he ran to the
back of the house where he supposed the sleep
ing apartments were: Equally unsuccessful
here he next rushed to the servants rooms and
succeeded in rousing them. By this time the
fire had made considerable progress. Emma
had been awakened by the first noise With
a confused idea that her benefactress was Ill,
and with much agitation she ran to the door
and found it fastened. In her excitement and
confusion she forgot that she had shot the under
bolt. With shaking hands she now turned
and returned the key, but her efforts to open
the door were useless, and she too became sen.
sible of the smell of burning shingles. Instinc-
lively she rushed to the window, where bright
glare iumed every outward object. The ter
rified girl now ran from window, to window,
and again and again, tried the lock Of the door
Alas there was no egress. Then came the
noise of confused voices mingled with the
cracking of the Aames She shriekcd aloud,
in her despair, for help-but the uproar was too
great for any hope of being heard At length
the horrible conviction flashed upon her mind
that she must endure a frightfal death. With
heroic fortitude she resigned herself to her fate.
In the meantime the frontdoorhad been burst
open and Mrs. Sewel (stupifed with fright and
powerful anodyne which had prevented her
hearing the noise) was placed in safety on
the lawn. Brandon now frantically rushed
from room to roomin search of Emma, loud.
ly calling her by name. "She must have
escaped" said he at length, and leaving the
burning building he flew to Mrs. Scwell who
seated in large rocking chair was philosophi.
cally viewing the rapid destruction of her noble
mansion. Is Miss Sewell not with you madam9'
asked Brandon after hasty glance Emma
screamed the alarmed Mrs. Sewell, Il thought
it was her who had reused me-
Brandon waited to hear no more but madly
rushed back to the building. The front part Of
the roof was burning rapidly and the back part
had already caught. Unmindful ofthe danger
Brandon loudly called for the ladder which
was placed against one of the upper windows.
With one foot upon the first round he was in
the act of ascending when he felt himself for
chilly held back by some one pinioning his arms,
while rough voice cried out Il cannot stand
by tamely and see fellow throw away his life
whoever is in that house must perish; in few
minutes, the roof will i:.l, S.i in The speaker
was sturdy old farmer. 'Unhand me IN