I will take the
earliest opportunity to express to him my opinion on that point most
emphatically."
Bradshawe was discreetly silent, drinking in every word. He did not
actually hate L'Isle; he liked Lady Mabel well; but he loved the
mischief a-brewing, and watched her game, for he saw plainly that she
was playing one. Conway sat wondering what all this would lead to,
anxious, yet afraid, to say a word in extenuation of poor L'Isle's
offences.
"By the bye," exclaimed Lady Mabel, "I have promised Mrs. Shortridge
my utmost aid in entertaining her guests to-morrow night; and the
better to enable me to give it, Colonel L'Isle is pledged to be in
constant attendance as my interpreter. I must write at once, and let
him know that I shall dispense with his services."
"Write to the fellow at once," growled Lord Strathern, "and do not let
him misunderstand the tenor of your note."
"But he has gone to Badajoz," said Bradshawe. "Still, if he has an
appointment with you, Lady Mabel, he will assuredly be back in time."
"But, my lord," said Major Conway, "you have an order for him to
attend Sir Rowland, at Alcantara the morning after, so that he would
have to give up the pleasure of waiting on Lady Mabel at Mrs.
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