“This speech was not very encouraging; but as I felt myself in for the battle, I was not going to retreat at the skirmish. ‘Now or never,’ thought I. I’ll not tell you what I said. I couldn’t, if I would. It is only with a pretty woman upon one’s arm; it is only when stealing a glance at her bright eyes, as you bend beyond the border of her bonnet,--that you know what it is to be eloquent. Watching the changeful color of her cheek with a more anxious heart than ever did mariner gaze upon the fitful sky above him, you pour out your whole soul in love; you leave no time for doubt, you leave no space for reply. The difficulties that shoot across her mind you reply to ere she is well conscious of them; and when you feel her hand tremble, or see her eyelids fall, like the leader of a storming party when the guns slacken in their fire, you spring boldly forward in the breach, and blind to every danger around you, rush madly on, and plant your standard upon the walls.” “I hope you allow the vanquished the honors of war,” said I, interrupting. Without noticing my observation, he continued:-- “I was on my knee before her, her hand passively resting in mine, her eyes bent _upon_ me softly and tearfully--” “The game was your own, in fact.” “You shall hear. “‘Have we stood long enough thus, Senhor?’ said she, bursting into a fit of laughter. “I sprang to my legs in anger and indignation. “‘There, don’t be passionate; it is so tiresome. What do you call that tree there?’ “‘It is a tulip-tree,’ said I, coldly. “‘Then, to put your gallantry to the test, do climb up there and pluck me that flower. No, the far one. If you fall into the lake and are drowned, why it would put an end to this foolish interview.’ “‘And if not?’ said I. “‘Oh, then I shall take twelve hours to consider of it; and if my decision be in your favor, I’ll give you the flower ere you leave to-morrow.’ “It’s somewhat about thirty years since I went bird-nesting, and hang me, if a tight jacket and spurs are the best equipment for climbing a tree; but up I went, and, amidst a running fire of laughter and quizzing, reached the branch and brought it down safely. “Inez took especial care to avoid me the rest of the evening. We did not meet until breakfast the following morning. I perceived then that she wore the flower in her belt; but, alas! I knew her too well to augur favorably from that; besides that, instead of any trace of sorrow or depression at my approaching departure, she was in high spirits, and the life of the party. ‘How can I manage to speak with her?’ said I to myself. ‘But one word,--I already anticipate what it must be; but let the blow fall--anything is better than this uncertainty.’ “‘The general and the staff have passed the gate, sir,’ said my servant at this moment. “‘Are my horses ready?’ “‘At the door, sir; and the baggage gone forward.’ “I gave Inez one look-- “‘Did you say more coffee?’ said she, smiling.