"William mistakes me for Colonel Bradshawe," said L'Isle smiling, as
he glanced at them.
"That is Moodie's doing," said she. "He provides liberally, one bottle
for you, and two for himself, I suppose."
Jenny Aiken now came into the room, very neatly dressed, and,
evidently not at all surprised at her mistress's summons. Upon this
Lady Mabel bid William go, as he would not be wanted.
"I have not a doubt, Colonel L'Isle, that you prefer a Hebe to a
Ganymede."
"Infinitely," said L'Isle; "and I only wonder how great Jove himself
could differ with me."
"Then let Jenny refill your glass, that you may drink the health of
the Portuguese ladies, to whom you said so many witty and pleasant
things this evening."
"I only translated them," said L'Isle, bowing gaily to her.
"May I be ever blessed with such an interpreter," said Lady Mabel,
"and I may, without fear, set up for a wit." And she repeated some of
the best things he had said in her name, and seemed to enjoy them so
much, that L'Isle, who, like some other people, had
"A _heart_
Open as day to melting _flattery_,"
became almost as much charmed with himself as he was with his
companion.
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