The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1872-11-28
A Phantasy.

The subject of politics is too dreary. to
touch upon. The many discoveries
in physics are too profound for the general
reader, besides being as yet, mere theories
not fully elucidated.
Psychology however remains the same as
when Solomon wrote his proverbs or Plato
philosophical. To the merely casual spec,
tator, gl.nca at society and social gather
inps would reveal nothing remarkable, nor
would he be much impressed by what5he
,.v He isoutside, anon participantln the
mauy engrcssing subjects which are discus
sedinthe drawing room or alta dancing club
In contracted sphere, the conversation be-
comes narrowed down and concentrated upon
verv topics. Every incident affecting in
perhaps the remotest.degrss the body social,
Y isa essings aRa ds.ernlasS e
lSSSssruction, in many cases, aharshly, IN few'
Justly. In fact the wheel by constant mo-
yolutions upon beaten track becomes num-
drum, and consequently society grows In
sipid and vapid. But let a metaphorical comet
or two, enter the charmed circle from the
outside world and behold the commotlon !
At first everybody is charmed, delighted
carried away. Such sweetness OF disposl-
t;on such charming manners, 80 much IN
tsll;gence, so much sapoir .taire was never
before embodied in living mortal The
stagnation becomes instinct with lite, things
considered impossible, grow easy OF accom-.
plishment, society assumes its gayest and
most captivating aspect, and the metaphorical
comet is drawn into whirlpool Of disslpa-
tiop which he or she pronounces delightful
But let US for the present assume the comet
to be lady, and let us accompany her to
the inner chamber of social life. Let.us es-
cort her to the ball room and note what we
see there. In the young, unmarried men,
we are able to perceive closely shaved
countenancc, their capillary substance parted
precisely in the middle, a powerful odor OF
Lubin, (not unfrequently intermingled with
that of oigars,) and huge display ofivories
expressive of a satisfaction incapable of at
tainment under any other set of circumstan-
ces. The married men devote more time and
care to the preparation Of their toilets and
thew also follow the lead of their unmarried
friends, though the support is not so enthu-
siastic, owing to the impossibility of creating
or counterfeiting their youthful ardor. The
comet receives their attention with the air
of grand duchess, being we'll aware Of the
evanescent properties possessed by those
butterflies of fashion who are now paying
such warm and enthused attention. She
knows that the amount of steam now on does
not comport with the supposed qualities OF
the attenuated canine in lengthy race, and
accordingly enjoys it, as the invalid does
the fresh, warm breezes of the seaside, or
the gourmand magnificent spread in
comfortable apartment.
Presently there comes one who lsposesses-
cd of more than ordinary powers OF attrac-
ton. The two take to each other rapidly,
the assimilation, after short exchange OF
views, grows more complete, and the comet
is embarked upon career OF conquest
Perhaps the victim is a Benedict, who
should have been proof against the tascina-
tions of his captor. So much the more
lameptable is his condition. He endeavors
to draw off from the combat, but the comet
nossesses powers of attraction which are IN
sunerable. Both become interested. At
all times, in season and out Of season, they
are together. The close intercourse attracts
tho attention of the rest Of society. Then
sguv tss uut enjoyable nsaresav, which the