The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1855-06-05
COUSIN LAURA.
A LEAF FROM A BAcnELoR's JOURNAL.

Hnen nrst saw Laura ", She was an
only and petted child; but her extreme beauty
and captivating arclness rendered her wIims
and caprices enduiable. In my college vaca.
tions she was my chief playmate, and many
long ramble through dale a1rd over mountain
top - did we enjoy together. Then, despite her
mothers anxiety lest her idol sshould be sun.
burnt, she would throw off hat and shawl, and
bound over the green sward, defying me to
follow at an equal pace. And when,tilI strip
ling that was, ran past her, the loud laugh
echoed among the hills "''a- 1
During my last two college years, did not
see her at all, nor, except slight accidental
meeting when was travelling, for the next
two; then accepted an invitation to spend
the winter at my uncle's. ltried to recall the
pleasant visits of my boyhood to my memory,
and to imagine myself again living over the
same enjoyments. But could not forget that
Laura had become young lady, and l nstnc-
lively .shrank from the idea Of playing the
gallant "nolens volens" to my cousin. l had
become retired man of books, and, notwith.
standing good share Of self:complacency, l
was certain that natures had denied the. requi-
sites + all accomplished ladies' man. thought
I should enjoy the lonely walks over the frozen
ground, and1he novelty of a winter in coun..
try village; but for social enjoyments, they
were out of the question.
| arrived at my uucle's in the evening. The
old coup were sitting at the freside, of course
glad to see me. Laura was at party. "So,"
thought |, " she did not stay at home to re-
ceive me-" and my vanity was SO much wound
ed, that was obliged to console myself with
the idea that possibly might not have been
expected. Pleading illness retired early, and
was aroused from my slumbers by the merry
voices of young people approaching the house.
Lau,a was returning. Evidentlya coquette," u
thought |, as sank into a second sleep. De.
ternined not to like Laura, was vexed to re.
member in the morning that my dreams had
been of her. | strolled out before breakfast,
and on turning down a ravine which had al.
ways been tavorite haunt in, my boyhood.--
Laura was before me. would have escaped
if could, but she came forward with so much
ease and frankress--
"Cousn jamie, i am glad to see you.
hoped to 6lId you when returned last night"
(Then | aoas expected.) ~s..
1t is most agonizing to man suffering from
fit of mauvatse honte, to see the perfect sell:
command Of woman. Here was l. suffering
from the fear that should lcse my heart, while
Laura seemed to have forgotten that there Was
such rhisg as heart in the world. Doubt
less looked like fool but notwithstanding
my ill-humor and embarrassment, bowed in
my heart to her surprising beauty. | encased
myself, in my imagination, in armor W. ich
Was arrow proof Laura" said /, :" is doubt.
less expecting that shall be her willing slave"
Of course, was constantly with her, and |
could not deny that few young ladies possessed
her excellencles of mind and heart. | discov.
cred, too, that she Was nota coquette; placing
admiration ints proper light, grateful for it
when voluntary, but never seeking to call it
forth. Contrary to my expectations, found
in my con, crsation must draw largely onmy
book knowledge, for with books she had long
held sweet communion. Su close Lecame our
intimacy, that | was surprised aud piqued when
I found the charms Of ball and party were suf.
icient to lure her from the pallor; for in my
scholastic dignity, had forsworn the light
.amusements Of sociul life. Her attendant, too,
on these occasions, was source Of annoyance
to me. He was very young man, the school
master of the village-a selftaught man; and
| had always sovereign contempt for a pe6a.
gogue, especially if not literally educated
There was, to be sure, no comparison between
us. | was wealthy, had graduated, with aca-
demlc honors, and was in every respect an
"eligiLlc match" Still, Il did rot like that
Laura Should be so glad to see him, as was ap-
parent whenever he called. pro,racted my
visit atmy uncle's to an unreasonable length,
until the conviction flashed upon ME that my
heart was a 0ery little in danger. II do not
want wife,, thought l, land besides, Laura
is q mere child, aad though an intelligent and
well.read girl, has not that mental force and
energy Of character which may reasonably
expect in a wife"
! left the house i,.mdatelyl leading urgent
calls from my own home. To conquer what
! considered the triHing penchant, travelled for
SIX months; but it would not do. lfI admired
fine view, I was sure to imagine Laura
sympathizing with me; if met with agreeable
young ladies, was certain to compare them
with her, and find them wanting. then bent
my mind to study! For another six months /
was most hard. working student, and acquired
more sound knowledge during that six months
::han in any other year Of my life. But oil would
not do. Laura was still in my dreams. deter
mined to marry. lwrote to offer heart and hand.
AsI did not suppose myself likely to meet
with any. obstacle, the tone Of my letter was
perfectly confident. I did not forget that |
was about to resign my own darling self, fine
talents, heavy purse, literary requirements and
all were offered to asmere girl. so little
feared the result, that was careless of reading
her reply, until my preparations for the ne.
cessary visit to her fathers were all made.
Then, merely for the sake Of seeing again her
pretty penmanship, and nothing in the form of