matter. It may be of vital importance for Sir Rowland to know at once
if the Andalusian reserve"--

"The Andalusian reserve," said Lord Strathern, interrupting him, "will
never let themselves be food for powder."

Lady Mabel now slipped out of the room, to hide her confusion and
anxiety; and Major Conway, finding my lord not in a mood to please or
be pleased, soon took leave, followed by Bradshawe in high glee,
though he suppressed the outward signs of it until he had turned his
back upon the hospitable mansion.




CHAPTER XVIII.

"Here on the clear, cold Ezla's breezy side,
My hand amidst her ringlets wont to rove;
She proffered now the lock, and now denied--
With all the baby playfulness of love.

"Here the false maid, with many an artful tear,
Made me each rising thought of doubt discover;
And vowed and wept till hope had ceased to fear--
Ah me! beguiling, like a child, her lover."

Southey, _from the Spanish_.