f again meeting him. Mrs Armytage received him most
cordially. The Spaniards looked on at what was taking place, and
twirled their moustachios. They thought the young stranger officer a
very happy fellow. After the first greetings were over, and Ronald had
explained how he came to be at the place, Mrs Armytage told him that
Colonel Armytage had met with considerable pecuniary losses, and that
when he received the appointment he now held, he wished her to accompany
him, and that Edda had insisted on not being left behind.

"We knew that there were inconveniences to be encountered, though we did
not suppose that there were any dangers to be feared to which we would
not gladly submit for the sake of accompanying Colonel Armytage, who so
much requires our care," observed Mrs Armytage. "The inconveniences
are more ridiculous than disagreeable, and I fully believe Edda enjoys
them; and as to dangers, we have found none hitherto, and rather look
for them to add zest to the interest of the journey."

Mrs Armytage went on speaking in this strain for some time, when she
became very grave. Ronald suspected that, although she might not have
been unwilling to come, it was not only her husband's state of health
which had induced her to accompany him. He knew how selfish and
tyrannical Colonel Armytage always was, and he suspected that he had not
given his wife the choice of remaining behind. Edda, as she watched her
mother's countenance, grew silent, and a shade of melancholy also stole
over her features. Mrs Armytage at last spoke.

"We are truly glad to see you again, Mr Morton, and you know how high
you stand in both Edda's estimation and mine. Nothing you have ever
done has forfeited our regard, but I dread that when Colonel Armytage
returns he will not treat you in the way that we would desire. You know
that he is irritable, and that when he has taken up a prejudice it is
difficult to eradicate it. He has not got over the objections which he
formerly expressed to you. Earnestly do I wish that he would. But you
are generous and noble-minded; you will not think unkindly of us because
one we are bound to obey treats you unjustly. I know that I describe my
daughter's feelings, and I speak thus because I feel that it is due to
you to say it."

While her mother was speaking, Edda looked up imploringly at Ronald. He
could not help perceiving that her countenance wore an expression of
tenderness and love towards him,