"Amen! Seaton. Donna Isabel de Campo and her four daughters. These people live near this, do they not?"
"No; in the marble square, three doors from the palace D'Alarino. Two of the light dragoons are quartered there, and a pleasant time they seem to have of it, as the five donnas spend the day in flirting, waltzing, or twanging the guitar and piano. And then mamma, although a little old and stale, is of a very gay disposition."
"A comprehensive phrase in Spain. You are a most gossiping fellow, Seaton. It is a marvel to me how you learn the history of people as you do. Don Felix Joaquin, knight of Calatrava,"[*] continued Alister, reading from the list.
[*] This order still exists, and is possessed of fifty-six commanderies, and sixteen priories in Spain.
"A base rogue," was Seaton's comment, "and one who kissed King Joseph's hand, the day before he fled to Valencia. You, as a true knight of Santiago, should certainly break his head for him, Stuart."
"Thank you: I shall not take the trouble. Read on, Macdonald."
"The very noble cavalier,—what a most unpronouncible name,—Don Zunasbul Ascasibur de Yñürritegui."
"A fellow as mad as Cuesta himself! Invite him, by all means."
"He is my patron," said Ronald, "a fine old fellow,—a true Spaniard of the old school; and, like Cuesta, sticks to the plumed beaver and slashed doublet of his grandfather's days. Who comes next?"
"Micer Astuto Rubio, and his lady."