had drank nothing but vinegar in a month, the picture of sour
sobriety!"

Sir Rowland had striven in vain not to join in the laugh; but, in
spite of himself, was much diverted at L'Isle's adventure. But he was
provoked at the usage his favorite colonel had incurred, for the best
of faults--too much zeal for the service; and he longed to discuss
with Lord Strathern the propriety of setting traps for his own
officers, when posting, with important intelligence, to their common
commander. But there was a lady in the case, and Sir Rowland was
afraid to broach the subject; Lord Strathern, too, though his
subordinate was nearly old enough for his father--a man of high rank,
and a known good soldier; so he put off the discussion to a more
convenient season. As to L'Isle, Sir Rowland had been watching him
closely, and saw something in his eye and bearing that betrayed too
much exasperation for him to be trusted to return at once to Elvas.
So, Sir Rowland invented, on the spot, a special duty for him, and bid
him accompany him, that evening, to Coria.

CHAPTER XX.

Ralph.--Help down with the hangings.
Roger.--By and by, Ralph.
I am making up the trunks here.
Ralph.--Who looks to my lady's wardrobe? Humphrey!
Down with the boxes in the gallery,
And bring away the couch-cushions.
Shorthose.--Will it not rain?
No conjuring abroad, nor no devices
To stop this journey.

--_Wit without Money_.

Away, you trifler!--Love?--I love thee not:
I care not for thee, Kate; this is no world
To play with mammets, and to tilt with lips:
We must have bloody noses, and cracked crowns,
And pass them current, too. Godsme, my horse!

--_Henry IV_.

Lord Strathern returned the next day to Elvas, and found his daughter
very desolate, and full of more than filial anxiety to see him. She
was alone, for the Commissary had, the day before, sent off his heavy
baggage toward Lisbon. Lady Mabel would, at any time, have grieved at
parting with a true-hearted friend like Mrs. Shortridge; but now other
troubles weighed heavy on her, and so aggravated her obvious grief,
while the chief cause was hidden, that her kind friend was deeply
moved and greatly flattered at perceiving it. Had she staid longer in
Elvas, Lady Mabel would have confided her troubles to her, knowing
that, thoug