“Who is it?” I demanded, somewhat annoyed at the interruption.
“It’s the brother,” replied Jack, still speaking in a whisper.
“The brother! What brother?”
“Of the young ladies, Captain.”
I started from my chair, overturning a decanter and several glasses.
“Hilloa! what’s the matter?” shouted several voices in a breath.
“Gentlemen, will you excuse me?—one moment only—I—I—will—”
“Certainly! certainly!” cried my companions, all at once, wondering what was the matter.
The next moment I was in the ante-sala, embracing Narcisso. “And so you are all here! When did you arrive?”
“Yesterday, Captain. I came to town for you, but could not find you.”