“I drove the spurs into my horse’s flanks, but holding him firmly on the curb at the same moment, instead of dashing forward, he bounded madly in the air.
“‘What a pretty creature!’ said she, as she turned towards the house; then stopping carelessly, she looked round,—
“‘Should you like this bouquet?’
“Before I could reply, she disengaged it from her belt, and threw it towards me. The door closed behind her as she spoke. I galloped on to overtake the staff, et voilà tout. Now, Charley, read my fate for me, and tell me what this portends.”
“I confess I only see one thing certain in the whole.”
“And that is?” said Power.
“That Master Fred Power is more irretrievably in love than any gentleman on full pay I ever met with.”
“By Jove, I half fear as much! Is that orderly waiting for you, Charley? Who do you want my man?”
“Captain O’Malley, sir. General Crawfurd desires to see you at headquarters immediately.”
“Come, Charley, I’m going towards Fuentes. Take your cap; we’ll walk down together.”