MADEIRA. 13 



decent occasion for retreating. There was to 

 be a ball, and these belle brunettes were all 

 ranged against a wall, on a long bench, ex- 

 pecting their Portuguese beaus from the room 

 we had left. Presently they came in, brim full 

 of Madeira and admiration; and whilst the 

 greeting was going on, we took that opportu- 

 nity to slip away. 



11th. — Such a night as the last, I hope never 

 to pass again. The consul not having expected 

 company, and his house being under repair, he 

 was unable to give me a better bedroom than one 

 without any plaster to the ceiling. Soon after I 

 had put out the candle, I felt certain indications 

 that I was attacked by a numerous host of insects, 

 which, though pigmy in size, seemed, like the 

 giant to " smell the blood of an Englishman." 

 The sense of feeling was not the only sense 

 they offended. Imagination, no doubt, added 



