We have forty thousand acres of pickled cabbage spoiling for want of a little vinegar.' "'Fie, fie, Mr.Doolittle,' said the general, and passed on to another.
"'Mr.Sparks, Captain Crosstree.' "'Ah, Sparks, Sparks! son of old Blazes! ha, ha, ha!' and the captain fell back into an immoderate fit of laughter.
"_'Le Rio est serci_,' said the thin meagre figure in nankeens, bowing, cap in hand, before the general; and accordingly, we all assumed our places upon the grass.
"'Say it again! Say it again, and I'll plunge this dagger in your heart!' said a hollow voice, tremulous with agitation and rage, close beside me.

I turned my head, and saw an old gentleman with a wart on his nose, sitting opposite a meat-pie, which he was contemplating with a look of fiery indignation.

Before I could witness the sequel of the scene, I felt a soft hand pressed upon mine.

I turned.

It was Isabella herself, who, looking at me with an expression I shall never forget, said:-- "'Don't mind poor Faddy; he never hurts any one.' "Meanwhile the business of dinner went on rapidly.