The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1850-03-29
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PRIDE AND "A s III on.
Tale of Fashionable Life in Charleston.
WRITTEN FOR THE CHARLESTON EVENING NEWS.
ByAac Aahr Of Money anl .Na!rimonA G''.

WRITTEN FOR THE CHARLESTON EVENING NEWS.
Blythe Aa'hor Of Money dnl .ua'rimonH $r.
The spacious saloon of St. Andrews Hall
was brilliantly illuminated. Rich pendants OF
superb chandeliers reflected thousand varying
rsys, eiving to the apartment the appearance of
an enchanted palace. The mostfashionable ball
OF the season was expected to take place that
night; and when the gay throng commenced
pou:iAr in, it was o',;ervca that never had there
been greater dis;,l " of beauty and fashion
In such galaxy of brilliant stars, it would have
been difficult to determine which sbone the
brightest. All sparkled, attired with refined
and exquisite taste Ostrich plumes nodded
gracefully from every quarter; superb French
flowers Of every variety of hue were tastefully
arranged about transparent robes; while dla-
monds sparked and glittered until the eye be-
came dazzled and wearied with their glare. In
short each votary of fashion seemed to vie with
the other in luxury of dress The passages
and doors were crowded with whskered and
moustached gentlemen, presenting dense mass
of human beings, whose only occupation SEEM
ed that of gazing admiration. But we relia
quish the task of giving even partial idea oil
the brIliancy of the scene.
Amid that throng of futtering fans, and white
gloved exquisites, there was not one who ana
not seem at the very acme of enjoyment. Did
we say not ones permit us to correct the mis-
take. Observe yonder fair maiden, halt recll-
ming upon that marble slab, and whose form Is
so beautifully reflected in the mirror beside her.
She at least is not bouyed up by any pleasure
ble emotion, If we only Judge from the deep
flush Of excitement upon that delIcately round
ed cheek, the angry flashes of those dark oTlen-
til eyes, and the sneer which curls those rich
red lips. She at least is not happy; and yet
she is the fairest of the many fair creatures
around her. A few PAGES off stood Edward
Brandon; a young man, ofhandsome, dis'inene
appearance, who was gazing at her with the
most scrutinizing attention. So absorbed was
he, as not to perceive the approach OF top
pisbly dressed person. until he tapped him taa
miliarly on the shoulder, exclaiming, Why
Brandon what can you be gazing at with such
intranced expression
That is what would give kingdom to
know ifit were in my possession: But perhaps
Manly you can satisfy me. Who is that tall
elegant girl leaning upon the table, and who
seems to be eyeing the gay group abont her
with sovereign contempte
The dandy raised his glass who can You
mean Brandon oh it must he the charming and
fashionable Miss NJ
NO. answered Brandon sharply, am ac-
quainted with Miss NJ. and do not think her
charming, though she may be fashionable. l
mean the young lady who is dressed in such
simple taste, in pure white. She has changed
her position and is STOPPING now to whlspe: to
Mrs. Sewcll.' The young gentlemaa's glass
was again raised. ''Pon honor, Brandon, do
not know, but presume she is nobodY. But |
must be off, or lose the chance of securing the
hand ofthc delightful Miss NJ. for the next quad
rilIe'
Puppy mnttered Edward Brandon, 'bathere
comes Frederick Coutenay who has at least
sense enough to answer plain question
Frederick Courtcnay was an eccentric young
man, who professed to be in search of what he
called the unattainable. And what is the rara
aris he is looking for9 We shall inform the
reader in his own words. "A young lady who
has common sense enough to appreciate all the
blessings of this fair earth sufficient prudence to
enjoy them in moderation; who has learning
enough to make pleasant literary companion,
without aiming at the title of u bas blen; suffi-
cient taste in music to melt the heart with the
simple pathos of her voice, without any indica
ton that half of her life has been wasted in ac
quiring the astonishing powers of an opera sing
or, to the exclusion of more useful information;
one who can delneate the pleasing features of
nature, without any desire to shine in the art of
painting; one who has beauty without being
aware of it; sprightliness without levity; mod
esty without prudery; and self-respect without
too much selfpossession." And this is the ideal
which has occasioned Mr.. Courtenay's being
an old bachelor But we have digress"d too
long for Mr. Brandons impatience. Fred, my
der fellow, said he, holding Courtenay by the
button. what do you think of that yonrg la
dy standing by Mrs. Sc ell, and who appears
to have been so totally neglected.
what do think of her! let me sec, think
she has fine dark eyes. Humph, said Brandon
snecringly, you evince great discernment in
finding out what every lady must know, that
she has the finest eyes in the world
'Well,' continued Courtenay with mock gray.
ity | think she has rich complexion, white
teeth. small hands, pretty foot
'Pshaw,' inpatiently muttered Brandon, you
must be great philosopher to find out perfec-
aions which are evident to every one. | mean
what do you think of her altogether. the char
actpr of her face the