"A dream—a dream!" he exclaimed, as the gay pageantry of the vision yet dwelt vividly in his mind: "but will the most happy episode therein ever be fulfilled?"
Richard rose with depressed spirits; for a dream of that nature—by raising us to the highest eminence to which our aspirations ever soared, and then dashing us back again to the cold realities of earth—invariably leads to a powerful reaction.
The day passed without any incident of importance; and by the time the evening arrived, Richard had recovered his mental serenity.
Punctual to his appointment, Colonel Morosino made his appearance.
He came in a chaise, accompanied by another individual; but the latter did not alight from the vehicle.
"Mr. Markham," said the Colonel, when he was alone with our hero, in the library, "have you made up your mind?"
"I have," answered Richard, in a decided tone.
"And your decision——"
"Is to join you, heart and soul—to throw myself with enthusiasm into your cause—to co-operate with you as if I were a Castelcicalan subject," said Richard, his handsome countenance glowing with animation, his fine dark eyes flashing fire, and his nostrils dilating with the ardour which filled his soul.
"I am no prophet, if you ever repent this decision," said Colonel Morosino, pressing Richard's hands warmly. "Will you now permit me to introduce a gentleman who has accompanied me?"