“‘Oh, then I shall take twelve hours to consider of it; and if my decision be in your favor, I’ll give you the flower ere you leave to-morrow.’
“It’s somewhat about thirty years since I went bird-nesting, and hang me, if a tight jacket and spurs are the best equipment for climbing a tree; but up I went, and, amidst a running fire of laughter and quizzing, reached the branch and brought it down safely.
“Inez took especial care to avoid me the rest of the evening. We did not meet until breakfast the following morning. I perceived then that she wore the flower in her belt; but, alas! I knew her too well to augur favorably from that; besides that, instead of any trace of sorrow or depression at my approaching departure, she was in high spirits, and the life of the party. ‘How can I manage to speak with her?’ said I to myself. ‘But one word,—I already anticipate what it must be; but let the blow fall—anything is better than this uncertainty.’
“‘The general and the staff have passed the gate, sir,’ said my servant at this moment.
“‘Are my horses ready?’
“‘At the door, sir; and the baggage gone forward.’
“I gave Inez one look—
“‘Did you say more coffee?’ said she, smiling.
“I bowed coldly, and rose from the table. They all assembled upon the terrace to see me ride away.
“‘You’ll let us hear from you,’ said Don Emanuel.