ly escape being the wife of a knave!"

"But I really believe," said his lordship, "that our rascal is the
most honest fellow in the commissariat department."

"That is not saying much for his honesty."

"I hope for the honor of human nature," interposed Major Conway, "that
there are honest men among commissaries?"

"It is no imputation on human nature to think otherwise," said L'Isle;
"You might as soon hope there are honest men among pickpockets. For
some good reason or other, honest men cannot follow either trade."

"That is one of your prejudices, L'Isle," said Lord Strathern, "and in
them you are a true bigot. You are too hard upon poor Shortridge and
his brethren. Shortridge is a very good fellow, though a little vulgar
it is true. And he always cheats with a conscience, and so do many of
his brethren."

"I shall have no scruples of conscience in making use of Mrs.
Commissary, if I can," said Lady Mabel. "I hope she is of a sociable
temper?"

"Quite so. And moreover, I forgot one trait that will make her
particularly accessible to you. She is very fond of people of fashion,
and a title secures her esteem.

"Then she belongs to me, for I shall not be wanting in attention to
your newly arrived friend. How comes she to be your friend?"

L'Isle told Mrs. Shortridge's adventure in the Patriarchal church;
mentioned the straits she was now in for lodgings, and his intention
to yield his present quarters to her.

"Why Colonel L'Isle," exclaimed Lady Mabel, "you must be the very pink
of chivalry. I do not know which most to admire, your gallant rescue
of the dame, or your self-sacrificing spirit in finding her a home."

"You will make Shortridge jealous, L'Isle, by taking such good care of
his wife," said Lord Strathern.

"Our sharp friend has too much sense," answered L'Isle, "to be guilty
of such folly as that."

Major Conway setting the example, L'Isle now thought it time to take
his leave, and he returned to his quarters with the air of a man who
thought he had done a good day's work.

"I think," said Lord Strathern to his daughter, "that L'Isle is
improving in manners."

"His manners are good, Papa. Were they ever otherwise?"

"I mean that he is becoming more conciliatory, and more considerate of
other people. He has scarcely differed from me to-day, and certainly
did not undertake to set me right, or contradict me even once, a habit
he is _much_ addicted to, and very unbecoming in so young a man! I