CHAPTER X.
A PLEASANT PREDICAMENT.
As I sat vainly endeavoring to fix upon some suitable and appropriate epithet by which to commence my note, my back was turned towards the door of the garden; and so occupied was I in my meditations, that even had any one entered at the time, in all probability I should not have perceived it.
At length, however, I was aroused from my study by a burst of laughter, whose girlish joyousness was not quite new to me.

I knew it well; it was the senhora herself; and the next moment I heard her voice.
"I tell you, I'm quite certain I saw his face in the mirror as I passed.
Oh, how delightful! and you'll be charmed with him; so, mind, you must not steal him from me; I shall never forgive you if you do; and look, only look! he has got the blue scarf I gave him when he marched to the Douro." While I perceived that I was myself seen, I could see nothing of the speaker, and wishing to hear something further, appeared more than ever occupied in the writing before me.
What her companion replied I could not, however, catch, but only guess at its import by the senhora's answer.

"_Fi done!_--I really am very fond of him; but, never fear, I shall be as stately as a queen.

You shall see how meekly he will kiss my hand, and with what unbending reserve I'll receive him." "Indeed!" thought I; "mayhap, I'll mar your plot a little; but let us listen." Again her friend spoke, but too low to be heard.
"It is so provoking," continued Inez; "I never can remember names, and his was something too absurd; but never mind, I shall make him a grandee of Portugal.

Well, but come along, I long to present him to you." Here a gentle struggle seemed to ensue; for I heard the senhora coaxingly entreat her, while her companion steadily resisted.
"I know very well you think I shall be so silly, and perhaps wrong; eh, is it not so?
but you are quite mistaken.