The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1866-06-16

pleaseu with him, for he was decidedly
superior man. When he grew ami
mated on some subject that pai ticularly
interested him, and his eyes kindled,
and his countenance shone with tram
sient enthusiasm, l thought him one of
the most captivating beings / had ever
beheld. But then there was that return
of melancholy depression and when
he had been wrought up to an excite
ment on any favorite effusion of poetry
or romance, his countenance would settle
down into an expression of exhaustion
a repose of gloom, which seemed natural
to it, and the necessary reaction of an
unusual excitement; then, by painful
effort, he would endeavor to keep up his
share of the spirit of the conversation,
and beam forth with some brilliant stroke
of wit or lively sarcasm, and be mirth-
full for moment; and could perceive
that he possessed a keen sense of the ri
diculOus, and that at time when his
mind was freer and his heart calmer, he
must have been u most entertaining
companion. was convinced that there
was some hidden grief that lay like an
incubus on his soul, and shut out all
enjoyment. felt Il powerful sympathy
for him /; desire to alleviate his mel
ancholy, not unmingled with curiosity
as to the cause. / kept near him the re-
mainder of the evening; 1 exerted my
self to appear cheerful; / endeavored
to lead him into conversation on topics
in which thought he would feel an in
terest, and to prevent the mind from re-
verting upon itself, and feeding on its
own dark thoughts; l tried to draw
him into the dance, but without effect.
81 will enjoy it more by looking on, )"
said he, with faint smile; 81 am
afraid" added he, "my dancing days
are over" He sighed. / rallied him
about such a bachelor declaration in a
fine-looking young fellow to whom the
girls were waiting to be gracious; but
saw it gave pain, and ceased.
We stole off before the company broke
up, and as it was beautiful moonlight
night, with fresh, bracing air, we
agreed to walk home. He took my
arm, and l accompanied him to his
lodgings. Our conversation was on diff
fcrent topics; the persons we had met {;
the current news of the day; and there
were long pauses; and each one app. ar
ed to be absorbed in his own meditatiOns.
Once we engaged on the subject Of
youthful hopes and attachments; but as
L perceived it Occasioned some painful
emotion on his part, began to chat
about the beauty of the evening, and
the pretty lady who had listened to his
honeyed batteries, nothing 10th.
An acquaintance was formed, and we
frequently met. Sometimes he was gay,
and would give loose to his powers of
wit and playful satire; sometimes he
was reserved, moody, sad. On all occa-
sions he was unequal and restless and
iitful in his mirth. His vivacity would
be crossed by that continually returning
depth of gloom; and his laugh would
subside into an indescribable expression
of internal suffering. There was a sad
ness that could not be removed; and
there was clearly remorse in it. could
perceive this in his start his secret
shudder, almost imperceptible in his
troubled eye; and the slight perspira-
tion on his fine manly brow. The vul-
ture might be scared away for moment,
but was sure to return with u keener
glance and whetted beak. Still he
was anxious to amuse, and would open
his portfolio of engravings, some of
which were very beautifully executed.
| He would describe such of the scenes as
he had himself visited, and would now
and then forget his griefs over some
wild and beautiful landscape of Switzer-
land or Italy. He possessed talent for
drawing, and showed me number of
sketches he had made of our own seem
cry; two of which / recognized, as they
were views of scenery in my native
State with which | was familiar. One
of them was "A romantic view on the
Hudson near Catskill, the mountains
in the distances the other, lovely,
picturesque landscape near the Mohawk,
with an extensive prospect of the river
gracefully meandering through fertile
and varied country. He had true feel
ing for the beauties of nature, and it was
delightful to listen to the remarks that
fell from him.
One Winter evening, about month
after our acquaintance had commenced,
we were sitting together in his room
before low fire. Candles had not yet
been called; and we sat for some time
in silence, gazing upon the fire, that
would kindle up into bright flame,
and then subside, in playful wantonncss,
as it We're. N was in one of his
gloomiest reveres, and / did not feel
inclined to disturb him. He turned alb
ruptly; "S-," said he, "haVe you
not observed Il strange Inconsistency of
conduct about me?" / knew not what
to reply, and hesitated. you must
you must" added he, in mournful
tone, "you must have remarked it; but
you want to spare my feelings. Alas
it is not worth while" He passed his
hand over his brow. "Where is the
medicine can minister to n mind discas-
ed; pluck from the heart Il rooted sOr-
row." His voice was tremulous, and
his eye was filling.
IS, you have no doubt wondered
at the cause of my depression. Listen