“I have been looking every where for your excellency,” said the grand mareschal, bustling his way to me, breathless and panting.  “His majesty desires you will make one of his party at whist, so pray come at once.”

“Figaro qua, Figaro la,” muttered I.  “Never was man in such request.  God grant the whole royal family of Bavaria be not mad, for this looks very like it.  Lady Jane had better look sharp, for I have only to throw my eyes on an archduchess, to be king of the Tyrol some fine morning.”

“You play whist, of course; every Englishman does,” said the king.  “You shall be my partner.”

Our adversaries were the Prince Maximilian, brother to his Majesty and the Prussian Ambassador.  As I sat down at the table, I could not help saying in my heart, “now is your time, Harry, if my Lord Callonby should see you, your fortune is made.”  Waller passed at this moment, and as he saluted the king, I saw him actually start with amazement as he beheld me—­“better fun this than figuring in the yellow plush, Master Jack,” I muttered as he passed on actually thunder-struck with amazement.  But the game was begun, and I was obliged to be attentive.  We won the first game, and the king was in immense good humour as he took some franc pieces from the Prussian minister, who, small as the stake was, seemed not to relish losing.  His majesty now complimented me upon my play, and was about to add something when he perceived some one in the crowd, and sent an Aide de camp for him.

“Ah, my Lord, we expected you earlier,” and then said some words in too low a tone for me to hear, motioning towards me as he spoke.  If Waller was surprised at seeing me where I was, it was nothing to the effect produced upon the present party, whom I now recognized as Lord Callonby.  Respect for the presence we were in, restrained any expression on either side, and a more ludicrous tableau than we presented can scarcely be conceived.  What I would have given that the whist party was over, I need not say, and certainly his majesty’s eulogy upon my play came too soon, for I was now so “destrait and unhinged,” my eyes wandering from the table to see if Lady Jane was near, that I lost every trick, and finished by revoking.  The king rose half pettishly, observing that “Son Excellence a apparement perdu la tete,” and I rushed forward to shake hands with Lord Callonby, totally forgetting the royal censure in my delight at discovering my friend.

“Lorrequer, I am indeed rejoiced to see you, and when did you arrive.”

“This evening.”

“This evening! and how the deuce have you contrived already, eh? why you seem quite chez vous here?”

“You shall hear all,” said I hastily, “but is Lady Callonby here?”

“No.  Kilkee only is with me, there he is figuranting away in a gallope.  The ladies were too tired to come, particularly as they dine at court to-morrow, the fatigue would be rather much.”