The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-04-02

j. . A
"That depends ON the component parts,
MIR. Arlington, whether they are to our
taste OF not" ,., "a .f.-,e-., r-
go, as to that, a little acid Or little Bit
terness, like discords in music, tends to
heighten the general effect. Simple saccha-
rincs are apt to be insipid."
The half-quizzical tone in which this was
uttered, and the smile that accompanied
the remark, rather puzzled the ladies.
"Speaking of music, Miss Trafton," he
continued, twill you not favor us with
somep That delicious thing of Sehuberts S
has been haunting me ever since heard
you last sing it." V 'W 15 HtH1
The lady was trihe vain of her musical
powers, which were, perhaps, little above
mediocrity, and she did not require much
solicitation. AS the party moved towards
the music-room, Mr.. Arlington asked:
"Who was the lady that entered the
room a short time ago, with Mrs. Rey-
nolds ?"
81 really cannot inform you, as l have
not the honor of her acquaintance, said
Miss Trafton, with touch of hauteur.
"She is not resident here, presume?
Her face appears new"
81 think she is not"
"You do not know her name ?''
"Dobbins, / think some one said," ro-
piled Miss Trafton, emphasizing the name
with the slightest possible sneer.
"Dobbins--not very poetical" said Ar
lington, with smile. 81 cannot say that
admire the name, however may be dis
posed to its owner"
81 dare say" remarked Miss Candy,
sarcastically, "you may see it exhibited in
the Square one of these days Doten
and Dobbins, Dressmalkers.' +" Where
upon litter ran round the circle, and the
speaker plumed herself on saying some
thing quite smart.
Indeed, dressmaker p said Arlington,
in mock astonishment. "If the young
lady exhibits as much taste in the dresses
Of her customers as she does in her own,
she must be highly priced by you.
"I am serious" continued the young
man, detecting sneering smile on the
countenances of his listeners. "I do not
know when have met a more becomingly
dressed lady--that is, according to my
taste.'
Z" did not suppose that you were so OBJ
servant, Mr. Arlington, of the attire of
ladies. 1t is pity the lady did not hear
your compliment p Miss Trafton tried to
smother her spiteful tone with a light
laugh.
The conversation was brought to q close,
on the entrance of the party into the music
room, by the general demand for song
from Miss Trafton. This compliment the
young lady had been accustomed to receive
at all the social gatherings she was in the
habit of attending. Indeed, she would
have been sorely disapp ointed had she
failed to receive it, for she was the ac-
knowledged musical belle of the place.
Therefore, after the usual excuses, that
she was out of practice, that she had
shocking cold, that she positively had not
sung for an age-all stereotyped fibs--shc
was at last persuaded to take her seat at
the instrument.
She got through her first piece very cred
table, it being within easy range of her
voice and not very difficult. 1t would have
been better for her had she confined herself
to music of like simple character; but cast
ing her eyes around, she discovered
among those drawn to listen to her per
formances, Mrs. Reynolds and the young
stranger,
The latter, from some cause or other, had
excited in her mind an unwaranted interest,
and against her she felt growing preju-
dice, or antagonism. AS if for the purpose
Of astonishing Mrs. Doten's niece, in her
next attempt Miss Trafton seemed TO exert
all her efforts. ], who knew her well,
could see that at half a glance,
The buzz Of applause that followed her
first performance having subsidized, she was
requested to favor the company with
another. Nothing loath, she dashed at
once into an Italian 6racuya, which was
far beyond her power to render, even with
ordinary correctness. She managed to get
through with II however, without absolute
" breaking down; limping over difficult
passages here, and sighting them there,
winding up with grand Instruments
crash, her vocal powers. tested to their
utmost. OF course she received surfeit OF
compliments, no one seeming to be aware
Of her imperfections.
u . - 80.