CHAPTER LIV.

A discovery.

“A note for Monsieur,” said the waiter, awaking me at the same time from the soundest sleep and most delightful dream.  The billet was thus:—­

“If your excellency does not intend to slumber during the next twenty-four hours, it might be as well to remember that we are waiting breakfast.  Ever yours,

“Kilkee.”

“It is true, then,” said I—­following up the delusion of my dream.  “It is true, I am really domesticated once more with the Callonbys.  My suit is prospering, and at length the long-sought, long-hoped for moment is come—­”

“Well, Harry,” said Kilkee, as he dashed open the door.  “Well, Harry, how are you, better than last night, I hope?”

“Oh yes, considerably.  In fact, I can’t think what could have been the matter with me; but I felt confoundedly uncomfortable.”

“You did!  Why, man, what can you mean; was it not a joke?”

“A joke,” said I, with a start.

“Yes, to be sure.  I thought it was only the sequel of the other humbug.”

“The sequel of the other humbug!” Gracious mercy! thought I, getting pale with horror, is it thus he ventures to designate my attachment to his sister?

“Come, come, it’s all over now.  What the devil could have persuaded you to push the thing so far?”

“Really, I am so completely in the dark as to your meaning that I only get deeper in mystery by my chance replies.  What do you mean?”

“What do I mean!  Why, the affair of last night of course.  All Munich is full of it, and most fortunately for you, the king has taken it all in the most good-humoured way, and laughs more than any one else about it.”

Oh, then, thought I, I must have done or said something last night during my illness, that I can’t remember now.  “Come, Kilkee, out with it.  What happened last night, that has served to amuse the good people of Munich? for as I am a true man, I forget all you are alluding to.”

“And don’t remember the Greek Loan—­eh?”

“The Greek Loan!”

“And your Excellency’s marked reception by his Majesty?  By Jove though, it was the rarest piece of impudence I ever heard of; hoaxing a crowned head, quizzing one of the Lord’s anointed is un peu trop fort.”

“If you really do not wish to render me insane at once, for the love of mercy say, in plain terms, what all this means.”

“Come, come, I see you are incorrigible; but as breakfast is waiting all this time, we shall have your explanations below stairs.”

Before I had time for another question Kilkee passed his arm within mine, and led me along the corridor, pouring out, the entire time a whole rhapsody about the practical joke of my late illness, which he was pleased to say would ring from one end of Europe to the other.

Lord Callonby was alone in the breakfast-room when we entered, and the moment he perceived me called out,