The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1856-01-10
WRITTEN roa TIE ABDEviLLE BANNER.
The Christmas Tree.

ning, Dec. 9th, 1855, and in the pictu-
resquelittle village Of --, ini,iutct into
the mysteries of what ia said to be an old
German custom, viz: that of the Christmas
Tree. Having met with several persons u,,-
acquainted with the beauties Of this custom.
send you, by request, "a piece about the
Christmas Tree" though know you would
have been far better pleased, had sent some
of tue things that were on the tree, or, still
better, one Of the fair, for whom those
things we're intended. Oh! | ask your
pardon. Take it all back. Had forgotten
that you were an incorrgiblc and confirmed
old bachelor like myself. That may DC
rs concise as possible. suffice it to say that
besides the family, there We're present but
four persons, yours respectfully being hon
ored rs one of the four
lam happy to say that the "fashion OF
the place" was not there; but you may
take my word for it, the very elite aud
beauty Of the village were there. The
beauty to which alh,dc, is not that Of the
face alone, which passes away with the
buoyancy and elasticity of youth; but that
which is quite as captivating after the sun
of youth has gone down, an,t the twilight
Of age set in-such as is not made bv
mantua makers and miiners. but by the
Great Creator-such us clnamates directly
from the SOUL bringing with it abundant
evidence that it springs from source where
abound mcekness, fiIial affection, and Il
conscientious observance Of the Golden
Rule. In short, the very majesty of beauty.
which charms away the hearts of all the
nntortunatcs who come within its influence,
excepting. always, such stout hearts as are
"totcd" about by brave and rcsolute young
bachelors like you and myself.
Let lis fclicitatc ourselves on the posses
sion Of them. But here, brother bach, let
me make little confession to you, trusting,
however, that you will keep it profoundly
secret: The fact is begin to entertain Sc
rious misgivings as to the foritu,le of my
heart under certain trying circumstances.
Nevertheless, must try, as is the duty Of
all good bachelors - But stop; we are
about to lose ourselves. ALI! YES, rvcol-
lect now. 1t was Christmas Tree of which
We were to speak. Well, pardon this di-
grcssion about hearts, and shall cn,leavnr
to avoid such disagrccaJic topics in future.
Sr hn,.l- fo La trno
Was not present when the drawing room
was thrown open. Arrived soon after. Was
struck with the taste displayed in the ilu-
mination and decoration Of the "trcc"-
Moved to the right. Cam. into the full
blaze of several pair Of eyes. Was quite
overcome. Would like to put an adjective
before the word eyes. Searched "\Vcl,ster's
Unabridged " c!ear through, from Aam to
Zyth"m. Found none sufficiently express
sive. Would suggest to plilologists, lexi-
cographers and lovers, the introduction into
our language Of a word suitable for sucl.
eycs.)
But who are. the fair owners Of those
eycsa Ah my friend, YOU should have
been there. But it is fortunate for you
that you were elsewhere about that time
A sentimental gentleman, without family,
would have found himself in a position en-
- trcmely dangerous to his nocturnal cogit;s-
tions.
But as to tile fair proprietresses of those
radiant orbs. made tn light us through the
darkness Of our mundane existence: the e
: was the amiable Miss a., possessed of all
those traits that render woman irresistible ::
among which arc true pi.ty, and various
charming little wo'nanly qualities, too nu-
merons to mention to one resolved on a
life Of single blessedncss, Il had almost
said "wrctchedness.') There was the be-
witcl'ing Miss b., of Newberry, justly ad-
mired for her beauty and musical accom-
PlshInents. And there was the good Mrs
D.,.respected and loved hy all, brca,,se she
) is a true friend to all. Then, there was tie
enchanting Miss f., of Charleston, much
admired by your very humble servant, for
a style Of beauty peculiar to herself. There
was tile fascinating Miss F., whose company
: is delightful by reason Of her aff.biIity and
sprigltliness. And lastly, though not least,
there was the sweet and sensible Mrs. S., to
whom | owe gratitude, beyond expression,
for: her disinterested friendship.
x, i is my private opinion, friend DAVIS,
(bnt dou't-trumpet this forth to tile world }
that, if all wives were SO truly affec.ionate
J, and sclf-denyingly devoted to their lords.
there would be no bachelors OIL this terres.
trial ball, unless because Of an excess Of
the sterner over the softer sex; in which
case, said excess. would very soon shoot,
y hang, drown, or poison themselves. Nei-
ther. Would there be any :Mormons, but
! ssr.cannst stop TO enlarge on this last point a,
ssbbrcsenta for weare Of the track. again.