t of having letters to write; for I
had a great wish to be alone and reflect on all I had seen and heard
this morning.

CHAPTER XX.

Once in my room, I threw off my coat, loosened my collar, and made
myself quite comfortable before commencing a letter to Overberg.

Suddenly there came a polite rap at my door, and, when I opened it,
who should stand before me but Major Frank in person. She was dressed
in her riding-habit, and brought me an inkstand, which she placed on
the table, then took a chair quite at her ease, though she could see
I was not pleased at being surprised in my shirt-sleeves. However,
I put on my coat and demanded the object of her visit, as I scarcely
believed her sole object was to supply me with an inkstand; and I
pointed out to her I had got my own writing-case with me. My freezing
manner seemed to disappoint her, so she said--

"I wished to ask a favour of you, but I see I disturb you."

I was still silent.

"Have you a strap amongst your luggage which I can use as a
riding-whip? You know I have lost mine."

"I can lend you my ruler. Will that do?"

She grew very red, and after a pause she said--

"I see you are in no humour to render me a service."

"I am always ready to serve a lady who exercises the privileges of her
sex. Why did you not send for me, if you wished to ask me anything?"

"Ah!" she exclaimed, in an injured tone, "my want of etiquette causes
your ill-humour. I have come into your room. Well, pass it over--you
know I am so little of 'a lady.'"

"That's only too true, Major."

"Major!" she repeated angrily, opening her large eyes in
astonishment. "I thought you disliked my nickname."

"Not since I have seen the soldier in action. But I should like
to know to which class of majors you belong, tambour-major or
sergeant-major? For I believe the command of a regiment is usually
given to a man of refinement--to a person, in fact, who can make
himself respected by his gentleman-like behaviour and dignity; but
after the scene I witnessed this morning----"

"Leopold!" she cried, deadly pale, her lips quivering, "this is a
personal insult. Do you mean it as such?"

I was surprised at the change, for I had expected her to wreak her
anger on me now. But she sat quite still, as if nailed to her chair;
so I continued--

"My remarks only apply to the disagreeable character it pleases you
to assume."

Still no answer. And I began to be embarrassed in my turn, wh