“And how came you here?”
“Life has its vicissitudes,” replied Jack, laughing; “many stranger things have come to pass than my reformation. But first of all let us think of breakfast; you shall have ample satisfaction for all your curiosity afterwards.”
“Not now, I fear; I am hurrying on to Munich.”
“Oh, I perceive; but you are aware that—your friends are not there.”
“The Callonbys not at Munich!” said I, with a start.
“No; they have been at Saltzburgh, in the Tyrol, for some weeks; but don’t fret yourself, they are expected to-morrow in time for the court masquerade; so that until then at least you are my guest.”
Overjoyed at this information, I turned my attention towards madame, whom I found much improved; the embonpoint of womanhood had still farther increased the charms of one who had always been handsome; and I could not help acknowledging that my friend Jack was warrantable in any scheme for securing such a prize.
CHAPTER LI.
JACK WALLER’S STORY.
The day passed quickly over with my newly-found friends, whose curiosity to learn my adventures since we parted, anticipated me in my wish to learn theirs. After an early dinner, however, with a fresh log upon the hearth, a crusty flask of red hermitage before us, Jack and I found ourselves alone and at liberty to speak freely together.
“I scarcely could have expected such would be our meeting, Jack,” said I, “from the way we last parted.”