Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1877-03-03

stead, Emily was reading aloud nm
American periodical to her father, in n
dry, monotonous tone of voice, never
dreaming of the propinquity OF her
lover. Life is full of contrasts. Here
was Clarence Sydney, leader of the ton
in his own city, and pet Of society,
gazing through the bars of gate in n
forei. n land, which he did not dare to
enter, whittier he had followed Emily.
Stiff old fathers will be obliged to an
swer for much pains and unhappincss
some time. For what purpose were the
old fathers ever created, except to pro-
mote the happiness of the next gener-
ationl
Behold devoted and tinid lover
was Mt the portal. aud afraid to enter,
because Emily's papa might deem it an
inauspicious hour for calling.
Clarence Sydney sadly returned to
his hotel, where he presently fell asleep
very soundly, despite his emotions, with
the warm air floating through the win
dow and moonlight shining on the floor.
Ignorant young stranger, to thus reck-
lessly defy the Mediterranean mosquito?
He was speedily awakened by such saw
age attack of n winged host as he had
never before sustained in his life. Talk
about the Maine woods in June and July!
talk about the mosquito coast OF tropi-
cal America! They came in legions,
and they charged down in squadrons
at time, to the loud, fierce humming
of their bugles, until Clarence Sydney,
goaded to acute and wrathful wakefrl-
ness, smote his fair smooth cheeks with
the rudest violence, for the mosquito
usually slipped away nimbly, leaving
him to slap his own face. May not
mosquitoes career be one of spicy in
terest among insects--a sort of running
the blockade of danger perpetually, and
skipping away from the avenging palm
Perhaps had better close the win
dows," said the guileless youth. Visions
of other chambers of the hotel, shrouded
in curtains, required to his mind, and he
had selected the one now occupied be-
cause of the water view.
Accordingly he closed the windows,
and thereby prevented any Of bis vicious
visitors from departing during the re-
mainder of the night, even to make call
| elsewhere, if SO disposed. Oh, the
wretchedness of that night, tortured ly
a tiny, insignificant mosquito, and with
the moon lit Mediterranean in view Ii
Clarence Sydney sank into an uneasy
doze, after his labors, armed with towel
and candle, select orchestra serenaded |
him in one ear if he drew a sheet over
his head, leaving only his nose exposed,
the grandfather of that uninvited COM
pany settled on that organ with pierre
ing sting which caused the victim to
jump on his couch; and if he reused
himself desperately with the determina-
ton to abandon sleep and think of Emily,
both hands were required to ward off the
enemy. There is a fierce pertinacity
about the Mediterranean mosquito 1ln-
equaled by its family on other shores,
and its bite is injected venom in the veins.
Other less famshed insects are satisfied
with a moderate meal and subsequent
retirement; Clarence Sydney was allow
ed no respite until broad daylight
There were stealthy sounds audible in
the hotel during the midnight hour, and
our traveller observed light shining
through the door leading to the next
room, succeeded by watt of incense.
Clarence Sydney decided sagaciously
that his neighbor was performing some
religious service. The neighbor, better
armed against the foe, was slowly strang-
ling himself and the mosquitoes with a
Venetian pastille.
When he arose in the morning, our
Adonis was spectacle to behold. What
had become of the fair, handsome face
which had won the young heart of En-
lily? The fine features had wholly dis
appeared IL horribly grotesque mask
leered back at the dismayed owner from
the glass. A mosquito is most insig-
nifcant insect, and yet an army of them
with sharpened appetite, had wholly de-
stroyed the beauty of sllitor whose face
had done much for him hitherto, and
was now needed more than ever. An
angry, infamed, distorted countenance
was reflected in the mirror, with nose l
swelled, one eye closed, and number of
wildly red spots visible on cheek, chin
and forehead.
What need to tell how the unfortunate
youth, wincing under the compassionate
glances of the household, spent several
hours in uncertainty and painful indie
cision? His vanity was severely ruffied, :,
and he feared to stake all on Emily's af- :,
fection at such a crisis. A swelled nose
and a closed eye might make no differ :.
ence to her, but his heart failed him at :
The prospect of her fathers cold scrutiny. {
Would he sympathize with mosquito a
bitsa Would the ladies laugh at him :
He had never been an object of ridicule .
before in his life, and he felt that he q
could not endure it. If he had not left y
5he windows open for the Mediterranean
moonlight How could he be expected II
70 know all about the deadly insects? "
Emily had never mentioned mosquitoes :.
n writing home the previous winter, II
out had dwelt rapturously on the charms Il
If the Riviera, the flowers, AMI delight |, =
III sea, to the admiration of all her young "
riends
At length he seized his hat, resolved .,
o put an end to his own disturbing q
loubts, and once more assembled the hill .,
oward the villa. AS he reached the :,
rate, his heart begun to throb violently, :,
md he paused. He saw the white dress a a
midst the shrubbery belonging to the o.
harming Emily. She was seated, with o 3,
Ter face invisible, but one foot was dis =,
'layed in its high French shoe. Clar-
q I