Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1852-1852, 1852-09-14


of their rival, one by. one retired from the field
Thus were matters crcumstanced, when the event
full day appointed for the final public exhibition
of the syrens powerssapproached.
Never had there been such a demand for tick
cts. All classes We'd with each other in giving
parting testimonials ofrespectt to their songstress,
and the rich and great loaded her with hand
some presents For three days previously not a
ticket was to be procured; and hence it was an
nounced that no pay office would be kept open.
On the morning of the concert day visitor
was announced to Henrietta Count Kannhcim.
On being introduced, he stated that he had ar
rived the preceding night at Berlin, as plenpo-
Tertiary from the court ofE-, and had learn
ed with chagrin that the enjoyment he had so
long promised himself of hearing Henrietta, was
likely to be denied him. He had therefore ia
ken the liberty ofappealing to herself, to enquire
| if there were no means Of his obtaining admis-
sion into the concert room. Henrietta express
sed herself highly fattered by the compliment on
the part of the count, but assured his excellency
that she was altogether powerless in the matter,
as, literally speaking, every place had long been
engaged.
The count expressed great modification on re-
ceivine this answer. @Must 1 then," said he,
abandon all hopes of hearing this wonder, by
which so many have been entranced!"
"I know but one way" returned Henrietta,
smiling, "of averting such an evil, and that is by
your allowing me to sing an air to you on the
spot"
The offer was made with so much grace and
modestv that Count Klannhem was quite de-
lighted; and seating himself at her panno, Hen
rietta sang several canzoncttes with her charac-
teristic sweetness.
The count was much moved; he pressed her
hand gratefully, and before he dropped it, said,
in the. words of Schiller-"Accept remembran-
Ger of this hour" placing on her finger, as he
spoke, a brilliant ring He then retired, reques
ting her not to mention his visit, as he had not
vet publicly announced his arrival.
The concert, it is almost superfuous to say,
passed off with the utmost eclat. The applause
was almost stunning; roses and myrtles were
thrown into the orchestra at the feet of the sin
eer, and tears gushed from her eyes on bidding
farewell, for the last time, to her generous audi
tors.
The following morning Henrietta was some
what surprised by a visit from an elderly minis
ter. who addressed her as follows:
"My daughter fame reports you to be kind
hearted and charitable, no less than accomplish
cd, and l have been tempted, in my compassion
for destitute family, to make trial Of your good
ness. The parties in favor Of whom( seek to in
terest you, know to be as deservin as they are
unfortunate; the father is now in knfnement
for debt; but a few hundreds woud>st once lib
crate him, and rc-establish them all. Will you
be the ministering angel to effect this benevolent
purpose"
Henrietta was touched with the speakers ven
cradle manner and urgent appeal. tshe answer
ed: 81 am but too happy in being e to do this.
Fortune has been liberal to me, apl( 1il would it
become me to hesitate in aiding t.r5 distressed"
She then inquired the sum, produced it, and the
minister retired, exclaiming, as he received her
bounty, "God will reward you, my daughter?'-
His voice had a prophetic tone nor was the pro-
phccy false.
Henrietta. had scarcely time to recoect and
felicitatate herself on this occurrence, before an
elegant carriage stopped at her door, and her for
mcr visitor, Count Klannhcim, was announced
After some mutual passages Of ceremony, the
count, though with rather an embarrassed air,
spoke as follows:
81 ain not man of many words; nor will
attempt TO deny that it is chiefly on your account,
lovely Henrietta, am at present in Berlin. Our
prince, man in his best years, has found it ne
ccssary, from political considerations, to take a
step repugnaat to his taste, and is about to mar
~. He anticipates in his spouse those charms of
society which i.c seeks. In short, he has seen
you"
"Procecd no further, cntreat, count " ex-
claimed Henrietta, shrinking; Il believe | an
ticipatc what you would say"
"Perhaps YOU consider the affair in a false
light. The prince will avow that he not only
loves but also honors you. Can you blame him
if in spite of the duties his state imposes, he
still feels he has Il human heart :"
The fair girl rose from her seat bosom
hcavcd tumutuo,lsly-shc took hastily from her
FINGER the Jewel Which Count Klannheim had
previously fixed there, and returned it to hlm.
ii know now" cried she, "the object OF this glft"
and the starting tears prevented further speech.
The count, visby moved, wassilcnt few min
utcs, during which Henrietta stood as if expec-
tine him to retire. At length he resumed: "Well
then, ! will proceed to unfold to You the aohole
of nv commission"
"Not another word, pray" she answered; Il
dare mott wW not hear you!"
"You darc The prince anticipated your re-
ply, and was prepared to meet it. So entire is
his deviation to you, Henrietta, that he is even