A very significant smile from Maitland seemed to say that he recognized and enjoyed her generous advocacy of her friend.
“Perhaps you could do something, General, for his son?” cried Mrs. Maxwell.
“What sort of a lad is he?”
“Don't ask me, for I don't like him; and don't ask my sisters, for they like him too well,” said Mark.
“Have you met him, Mr. Maitland?” asked the General.
“Yes, but passingly. I was struck, however, by his good looks and manly bearing. The country rings with stories of his courage and intrepidity.”
“And they are all true,” said Isabella Lyle. “He is the best and bravest creature breathing.”
“There's praise,—that's what I call real praise,” said the General. “I'll certainly go over and see him after that.”
“I 'll do better, General,” said Mrs. Maxwell; “I 'll send over and ask him here to-morrow. Why do you shake your head, Bella? He 'll not come?”
“No,” said she, calmly.