Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1855-07-29
F'ISaaC Swan is Crazy. .
BY MRS. HEILEN KNIGHT.


The Dorcas circle is famous place for work
buy fingers are very busy piles of flannel, cloth
and chintz are rapidly transmitted into all sorts of
comfortable garments for the poor, and from the
abundant supply, one might almost have fancied
them a contribution to the British soldiers at the
Crimea; many poor widow in her lonely cham
Der, and old men shivering on their creakng beds,
and forlorn families scourged with drunken fathers,
will be clothed with the garments through the
bowling winter, and what is almost as good COM
| forted by the warm sympathies of the Christian
woman. 1t is redeeming in this sinful world 70
think how many full streams of charity flow from
| honest hearts and open larders; and generous en-
deavors, into all the dark by-ways of sorrow and
wretchedneSs.
But the Dorcas circle is something more than
| this. Is meetings in the village are like those
"on' change" of the merchants in the city, the pr-
ces.current are quoted-news, domestic and for
eign, is thoroughly canvassed; the state of the
stocks-in reputation if not in railroads-s ascer-
tained-sometimes there is great rise and fall ia
the par value As the circle gets ready for its af
ternoon session, it breaks up into little knots of
people having affnites for each other. wing
and talking, talking and sewing-an ex'raordina-
ry amount of both in the process of accomplis-
ment. Small items of news pass to and iro like
shuttle cocks secrets are let out in corners, and
grayer matters are laid on the table. Several re-
spectacle heads together; voices were provoi-
ingly lowered; expressive interjections seasoned
the discourse; snatches Of sentences, like Oliver
Twists erusts, only whetted the appetite for more.
Mrs DR.. Hemingway was trying to unravel
tangled piece Of domestic history relating to her
third or fourth cousins, the Swans; but Mrs Jones
did not know that, when her curiosity getting the
best of her courtesy she drew her chair to her next
neighbor, nearer the knot, and asked, "What is 1t
they are talking about?"
al Jeliece it is Mr.. Swan, the young man that is,
or is about to be, engaged to Jane Treat, was the
answer in an under tone.
''Did they say he was crGsy?'
"Mrs. Hemingway says it is the best construc-
ton she ever but on his conduct"
Poor fellow - sighed Mrs. Jones. II thought
as much; nice appearing young man; don't know
him +; but what did he do ?"
The young lady shook her head-did not know,
"and they did rot positively pronounce him crazy
she added "NO dear no only likely TO be-
understand"
Meanwhile the shadows heightened; the circle
broke up, and by twOs and by threes, the ladies,
Young and 3D. dispersed to their different homes.
Mrs Jones joined Mrs. Brown, and a brisk talk
blends with the brisk walk
"They say young Swan behaves very odd-cra-
" ;" said Mrs Jones, after the discussion of sew
eral matters nearer home. i
Mrs Brown, not apparently in a susceptible
frame, appeared feebly impressed with the news;
perhaps she was thinking Of the twins at home for
her home now bore in sight She soon bade her
neigdbor good night, and tripped in to the bright
green door, which little Katy opened TO receive
her. Mrs Browns nursery duties fairly over, hus-
band and tea await her in the sitting room, and
Mrs Browns maiden sister is there, and friend
Mr.. Brown brought home to spend the night
Pleasant tea-table amenities.
aWell, Eliza, what news from the circle this al
ternoon ?" asked Mr.. Brown.
Sine had laid up several items of interest, for /
husbands prove capital listeners in such cases. !
"Why they say young Swan is crazy she coutn- /
ued, after exhausting her own peculiar stock. !
"Jane Treats admrer you know; keeps the Tubbs |
Academy lie will have to leave bis school, l !
dare say and be sent to the hospital Such pity !
for young man ~
THAT is bad, exclaimed Mr.. Brown; "fne lit !
tie fellow; who tod your"
Mrs Jones mentioned it as we were coming !
home"
"She did very likely some relation; she was
Swan; did you learn any of the particulars ?" Mrs.
Brown bad not ....s.
al ain not at all surprised" said the maiden sis
Ter "he certainly appeared like it the last time he
preached here"
"Swan? Isaac Swan ?" inquired the friend Il |
knew him when boy-very shy-great student" |
"They are just the people" said Mrs. Brown
"Poor young man." she sighed; every promising -
and this circumstance seemed to confirm the sad /
report.
In few days Mr.. Brown went to the city
Finishing his business, he paid flying visit to his
uncle's counting-room. The friendly old merchant |
was the counsel and helper of many young man
in his hard scramble for an education, and many |
poor minister thrown upon the unstable waters |
of public opinion.
''There is young Swan somewhere in your
neighborhood," he said to his nephew during the |
course of the conversation.
"Yes-Isaac. head Of Tu5b'5 Academy Insane
they say" answered Brown in his off hand way.
Insane !" echoed the old gentleman
ayes; wife had it direct from relative Of his |
only few days ago.