Shortridge as well as a Portuguese
house can suit an English lady."
"But I cannot think of turning you out of it," said Mrs.
Shortridge. "You are still an invalid, and need every comfort and
convenience about you."
"I am nearly as well as I ever was in my life," answered L'Isle; "a
little like the lean knight of La Mancha, it is true, but time and
good feeding will soon cure that. And, let me tell you, good feeding
is the order of the day here just now. I am only afraid we will eat up
the country around, before the opening of the campaign. But my present
house has a fault to me, which will be none to you. There is no
stabling for my horses, unless I follow the Portuguese custom, and
lodge them in the ground-floor of the house. I have to keep them at
the barracks, and like to be so quartered that I can put my foot in
the stirrup at a minute's warning."
The commissary and his wife made many scruples at accepting his offer,
but L'Isle overruled them, and at length it was settled that he should
march out at the end of three days, and Mrs. Shortridge and suite
should garrison the vacant post.
"And now I will leave you," said L'Isle; "I will finish my visit when
you are more suitably lodged.
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