and
decoration of a fairy villa, bordering on the Val das Rosas, where
the Court enjoyed its rustic festivities, and one day a storm! all the
ladies hurried their young mistress to the house where the young Habral
had been awaiting her for ages. None so polished as he! Musicians
started up, the floors were ready, and torches beneath them!--there was
a feast of exquisite wines and viands sparkling. Quite enchantment. The
girl-Queen was in ecstasies. She deigned a dance with the young Habral,
and then all sat down to supper; and in the middle of it came the cry
of Fire! The Queen shrieked; the flames were seen all around; and if the
arms of the young Habral were opened to save her, or perish, could she
cast a thought on Royalty, and refuse? The Queen was saved the villa was
burnt; the young Habral was ruined, but, if I know a Portuguese, he was
happy till he died, and well remunerated! For he had held a Queen to his
heart! So that was a pic-nic!'

The Duke slightly inclined his head.

'Vrai Portughez derrendo,' he said. 'They tell a similar story in Spain,
of one of the Queens--I forget her name. The difference between us and
your Peninsular cavaliers is, that we would do as much for uncrowned
ladies.'

'Ah! your Grace!' The Countess swam in the pleasure of a nobleman's
compliment.

'What's the story?' interposed Aunt Bel.

An outline of it was given her. Thank heaven, the table was now rid of
the Great Mel. For how could he have any, the remotest relation with
Queens and Peninsular pic-nics? You shall hear.

Lady Jocelyn happened to catch a word or two of the story.

'Why,' said she, 'that's English! Franks, you remember the ballet
divertissement they improvised at the Bodley race-ball, when the
magnificent footman fired a curtain and caught up Lady Racial, and
carried her--'

'Heaven knows where!' cried Sir Franks. 'I remember it perfectly. It
was said that the magnificent footman did it on purpose to have that
pleasure.'

'Ay, of course,' Hamilton took him up. 'They talked of prosecuting the
magnificent footman.'

'Ay,' followed Seymour, 'and nobody could tell where the magnificent
footman bolted. He vanished into thin air.'

'Ay, of course,' Melville struck in; 'and the magic enveloped the lady
for some time.'

At this point Mr. George Uplift gave a horse-laugh. He jerked in his
seat excitedly.

'Bodley race-ball!' he cried; and looking at Lady Jocelyn: 'Was your
ladyship there, then? Why--ha! ha! w