perverseness of an angry man.

"But suppose he pleads Sir Rowland's order in excuse," urged Conway.

"It shall not serve him. Mabel shall treat it as a fresh piece of
impertinence, and cut him forever."

"Suppose he attends Lady Mabel, and neglects Sir Rowland?"

"Then Sir Rowland shall know how lightly he holds his orders."

"That is being very hard upon L'Isle," said Conway.

"Not as hard as he deserves," said Lord Strathern with a bitter laugh.

"It is probably very important," urged Conway, "that Sir Rowland
should know at once the real state of this Andalusian reserve. Much
may depend upon it."

"Tut," said Lord Strathern contemptuously. "What matters L'Isle's
being able to tell him whether or not they look like soldiers? If you
had been long in Spain, you would have known that the fighting has to
be done by us."

"O yes," said Bradshawe. "Whatever they may do on parade, the fighting
always falls to our lot."

Lady Mabel had listened to this dialogue with intense interest, and no
little confusion of mind. She was very angry with L'Isle, and that
perhaps made her feel how important he had become to her. She was not