As we have intimated, the two gentlemen were evidently striving to
please Isabella, and to win from her some encouraging smile or other
token that might indicate a preference for their attentions.
Admiration even from the high source that now tendered it was no new
thing to her, and with just sufficient archness to puzzle them, she
waived and replied to their conversation with most provoking
indifference, lavishing a vast deal more kindness and attention upon
a noble wolf-hound that crouched close to her feet, his big clear
eye bent ever upon his mistress's face with a degree of intelligence
that would have formed a theme for a painter. It was a noble
creature, and no wonder the lady evinced so much regard for the
hound, who ever and anon walked close to her.

"You love the hound?" suggested General Harero, stooping to smooth
its glossy coat.

"Yes."

"He is to be envied, then, upon my soul, lady. How could he, with no
powers of utterance, have done that for himself, which we poor
gallants so fail in doing?"

"And what may that be?" asked Isabella, archly tossing her head.

"Win thy love," half whispered the officer, drawing closer to her
side.

The answer was lost, if indeed Isabella intended one, by the
father's calling the attention of the party to some object on the