has sent it."

I drank off the beverage, and hastened to dress myself. I was
reflecting whether I should pass on to camp without seeing any one of
the family. Somehow, my heart felt less heavy. I believe the morning
always brings relief to pain, either mental or bodily. It seems to be a
law of nature--at least, so my experience tells me. The morning air,
buoyant and balmy, dulls the edge of anguish. New hopes arise and new
projects appear with the sun. The invalid, couch-tossing through the
long watches of the night, will acknowledge this truth.

I did not approach the mirror. I dared not.

"I will not looked upon the loved, the hated face--no, on to the camp!--
let Lethe--. Has my friend arisen?"

"Yes, master; he has been up for hours."

"Ha! where is he?"

"In the garden, master."

"Alone?"

"No, master; he is with the _ninas_."

"Happy, light-hearted Clayley! No jealous thoughts to torture him!"
mused I, as I buckled on my stock.

I had observed that the fair-haired sister and he were kindred spirits--
sympathetic natures, who only needed to be placed _en rapport_ to "like
each other mightily"--beings who could laugh, dance, and sing together,
romp for months, and then get married, as a thing of course; but, should
any accident prevent this happy consummation, could say "good-bye" and
part without a broken heart on either side; an easy thing for natures
like theirs; a return exchange of numerous _billets-doux_, a laugh over
the past, and a light heart for the future. Such is the history of many
a love. I can vouch for it. How different with--

"Tell my friend, when he returns to the house, that I wish to see him."

"Yes, master."

The servant bowed and left the room.

In a few minutes Clayley made his appearance, gay as a grasshopper.

"So, good lieutenant, you have been improving your time, I hear?"

"Haven't I, though? Such a delicious stroll! Haller, this _is_ a
paradise."

"Where have you been?"

"Feeding the swans," replied Clayley, with a laugh. "But, by the way,
your _chere amie_ hangs her pretty head this morning. She seems hurt
that you have not been up. She kept constantly looking towards the
house."

"Clayley, will you do me the favour to order the men to their saddles?"

"What! going so soon? Not before breakfast, though?"

"In five minutes."

"Why, Captain, what's the matter? And such a breakfast as they are
getting! Oh, Don Cosme will not hear of it."