Putting up their horses here, they left the servants to see that a
dinner was got ready; this meal, at a Spanish inn, depending less on
what you find there than on what you bring with you. Three Spanish
officers were lounging at the posada, one of whom immediately claimed
Cranfield's acquaintance, and introduced his companions. Cranfield did
not seem delighted to meet with him, nevertheless he presented them to
the whole party with studied politeness. Captain Don Alonzo Melendez,
with a handsome person, a swaggering air, and a costume more foppish
than military, looked more like a _majo_ of Seville than a soldier and
a gentleman. His companions had much the advantage of him there, but
he beat them hollow in assurance. Learning that curiosity alone had
brought them to Badajoz, he at once took the post of guide. Finding
that Lady Mabel knew enough of Spanish to make a good listener, he
placed himself by her side. Cranfield escorted her on the other, and
thus they walked forth. L'Isle, thrust into the background,
accompanied Mrs. Shortridge and the rest of the party.
As they drew near the works, many marks of injury and devastation on
the adjacent houses, brought the late siege prominently to their
minds.
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