Golden visions attended him through his slumber, and he awoke
refreshed and light-hearted with the morning sun.
Mr. Raeburn's house was on that day to be closed by the police, and
this afforded a pretext for his departure. He cheerfully prepared
his baggage, transported it to King's Cross, where he left it in
the cloak-room, and returned to the club to while away the
afternoon and dine.
"If you dine here to-day, Rolles," observed an acquaintance, "you
may see two of the most remarkable men in England - Prince Florizel
of Bohemia, and old Jack Vandeleur."
"I have heard of the Prince," replied Mr. Rolles; "and General
Vandeleur I have even met in society."
"General Vandeleur is an ass!" returned the other. "This is his
brother John, the biggest adventurer, the best judge of precious
stones, and one of the most acute diplomatists in Europe. Have you
never heard of his duel with the Duc de Val d'Orge? of his exploits
and atrocities when he was Dictator of Paraguay? of his dexterity
in recovering Sir Samuel Levi's jewellery? nor of his services in
the Indian Mutiny - services by which the Government profited, but
which the Government dared not recognise? You make me wonder what
we mean by fame, or even by infamy; for Jack Vandeleur has
prodigious claims to both. Run downstairs," he continued, "take a
table near them, and keep your ears open. You will hear some
strange talk, or I am much misled.
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