I do not know that
Antonio ever played the part of postillion before. Why, the coach will
run over the mules," she exclaimed presently, as it glided down a
steep spot; then springing up and leaning out of the window, she
called out in plaintive Portuguese, "Antonio, my good Antonio, beware
of that short turn in the road, or we will all go tumbling down the
hill together! Excuse my terrors, Colonel L'Isle, but some late
occurrences have shaken my nerves sadly."

Surprised at her unusual timidity, L'Isle tried to calm her fears, and
taking her hand, endeavored to keep it, while he assured her that
every Portuguese peasant was familiar with mules and mountain roads
from boyhood. With a little laugh, she, struggling, rescued the
captured member, saying, "I shall need both my hands to scramble out
with when the coach breaks down or overturns, whichever happens
first," and after this she was more chary of her demonstrations of
terror, to escape his demonstrations of protection.

"If you doubt honest Lobo's ability to drive you safe home," said
L'Isle, "though I do not, perhaps your own man may be more skilful."

"What! cut down my two yards of footman into a postillion?" exclaimed
Lady Mabel; "on a mule, too! Why, he would rebel against such
degradation!"

"It would be promotion," said L'Isle, laughing, "to put a footman into
the saddle; and William would be of use for once in his life."

"Neither I nor nature demand usefulness of him. His whole capital
consists in being a tall footman, who becomes his livery; and he
fulfills his destiny when both he and it excite the admiration of the
Elvas ladies."

The coach presently turned into the olive yard, and drew up before the
old monastic pile without accident. L'Isle was surprised to see the
inhabited part of the building brightly lighted up at this late
hour. Old Moodie, looking graver and more sour than ever, was at the
open door. L'Isle handed Lady Mabel out of the coach, and she coolly
took his arm, showing that he was expected to hand her up stairs,
before taking leave of her. Moodie followed them into the
drawing-room, and said abruptly, "Well, my lady, will you have supper
now?"

"Certainly, if it be ready. By-the-bye, Colonel L'Isle, I did not see
you take the least refreshment at Mrs. Shortridge's--not even half a
pound of sugarplums, like the Portuguese ladies."

"I followed your example; for you yourself fasted."

"I was too busy talking my best and my las