The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1850-04-05
CAMDEN SOUTH HCAROLINA APRIL s. 1850.

A few days after he called again, without see-
ing her. Again the following evening with
equal unsuccess. 1t was evident to all, that she
sedulously avoided him. The next morning
Mrs. Sewell sought Emma, who in the solitude
of her chamber, was communing with her own
sad thoughts; wien that lady entered, and
drawing chair close to her, and taking her
hand, said with much seriousness, MY dear
girl, kindly feelings toward you, and love for my
sister, prompts me to speak earnestly to you
Are you aware, that you are violating, not only
all the rules Of etiquette, but even of good breed.
ing, in treating young man of Mr.. Brandon's
station as you do that you are standing in your
own light, throwing awaya an opportunity which
may never again occur, Of placing yourselfin
situation where you can never be looked down
uponp
Emma at first mention of Brandon's name,
felt the warm blood gushing to her cheek, but
calmly replied, 4 am fully aware of all this mad.
am, but my motives are at least laudable.'
And pray what are your motives asked
Mrs. Sewell abruptly.
Sewell went on. Perhaps some romantic, and
fastidious notion, of not being able to love him.
Emma became deathly pale, and covering
her face with her hands, burst into tears. Mrs.
Sewell much surpriseda asked, Emma, why this
emotionP speak child.
Emma drying her eyes, replied, If speak
Mrs. Sewell, it must be the truth, suffer me then
to remain silent
Mrs. Sewel unused for moment, and then
said. On one condition, will not ask another
question: which is this, that during your sojourn
under my roof, you will receive Mr.. Brandon
as my ,itor, and treat him with civity, and
not absent yourself when he calls again. EN-
MA much agitated, could not reply; but at length
said; This is due to you madam, and consent;
but oh recollect Mrs Sewell, that by it, the
reace and happiness. of more than one indiyidu-
al may be sacrificed
Bnt, it seemed, as though Emma's feelings
were not destined to any severe test. Brandon
had at length, come to the conclusion, that his
suit was hopeless; and had resolved to conceal
his modification, and disappointment, by abb
senting himself awhile from the city. About a
week elapsed; and Brandon at the expiration of
to his surprise land we need not say) pleasure,
found Emma in the drawing room, though he
had previously sent in his name. The evening
passed away delightfully."-, an so did another, and
another. The intended journey was of course
given up, for Emma no longer avoided Brandon.
To be sure she did not seem in good spirits;
what of that! she had never been gay; but al
ways contemplatve. Frequently, now, there
was observed shade of melancholy, upon her
expressive countenance; her, perfectly chiseled
features, no longer wore the calmness, and Sc
rehity, which usually characterized them; some
times, w.ie4 Brandon addressed her, she would
start, and blush, and, now and then, there was
touching tone of tenderness in her voice when
she spoke to him, which kindled the brightest
hopes in his bosom, though she never saw him
alone, always contriving that Lucy should be
with her. At length Brandon's passion in
creased to such degree, as to overcome all pru-
dental motives. He had come to the conclu-
sion that Emma was not only necessary to his
happiness, but to his very existence. Besides,
he could not but fatter himself, that Emma en-
tertaincd for him, delicate and refined regard
and he therefore resolved to know his fate at
once. A few days after this, Emma, coming
out of her chamber, was met by servant, who
placed a letter in her hand. She turned back,
broke the seal and read,
beloved EMMA:
My feelings will no longer permit me to re-
main silent, my fate is in your hands; it is In
your power only, to raise me to the highest
state of felicity; or doom me to unutterable mis-
cry l offer my hand, and with it. heart,
which for some time, been devoted to you. Re-
turn not an immediate answer, reflect week,
at the expiration of that time, will call for
reply Yours for ever
EDWARD BRANDON
The letter dropped from Emma's trembling
hands and sinking into seat, she burst into a
violent paroxysm of weeping, then throwing
herself upon her knees, and prayed to be dcliv.
cred from temptation, and for firmness, to ad-
here to her fixed determination. After this she
rose, and calmly sat down to write, not to Bran
don, but to her kind protectress; and from the
tenor of her letter no one could have surmsed
that she was suffering deeply.
DEAR AND KIND FRIEND
Send Harry for me without delay: yearn
to breathe once more the.pure mountain atmos'
phere; and, to roam amid the vast solite OF ma.
ture. Mountain, streams andvaIlcy have more
charms for me, than dusty streets. The song
of the woodland choristcr, and the lowing OF the
cattle, are more musical for me, than the busy
hum of men, and the rattling Of carriages, and
carts. The warm unsophisticated hearts of
the country, are more congenial, than the arti-
fetal ones of the city. Mrs. Sewell is all kind