"
"We get intelligence--we get intelligence," said the Spaniard
evasively. "But as the French are now moving, it will be well to
bestir ourselves, to find out what they are at."
These, and other hints, that L'Isle threw out--not as advice, but
inquiries and chance suggestions, being mingled with deferential
attention to all the Spaniard had to say--neither startled his vanity,
nor chafed his pride. He was pleased with L'Isle, talked frankly to
him, and presented him ceremoniously to his officers, who now began to
wait upon him. When L'Isle was about to take his leave, he urged him
to return to dinner, and charged a favorite officer to show L'Isle
everything he wished to see in Badajos, that he might be enabled to
report the condition of this stronghold to Sir Rowland Hill.
"I must communicate with Sir Rowland so speedily," said L'Isle, "that
I must be content with the pleasure of having breakfasted with your
Excellency;" and with marked respect he took leave of the governor and
his suite, having been treated--in diplomatic phrase--with
"distinguished consideration." Indeed, had Sir Rowland seen and heard
him during his audience, he would have patted him on the back, and
thanked his stars for giving him so able and adroit an ambassador.
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