"I expect him every moment," said the Baron; "for I would not send him word of your return, whilst we had so much business in hand; but I am persuaded his anxiety for your safety will bring him here very shortly."
The Baron was right; for in less than a quarter of an hour afterwards, Mr. d'Allenberg was announced. On entering the room, the first object that met his eyes was Ferdinand, who rose to receive him.
"What a truant you are," exclaimed he, embracing him.—"I hope you can well account for your absence, or I know not what punishment you do not deserve, for giving so much uneasiness to your friends."
"A consciousness of that," replied Ferdinand, "would be as severe a one as you can wish, since I never yet gave a pain to the bosom of a friend, that did not tenfold wound my own."
"I believe you" returned the other;—"and therefore, without being impertinently inquisitive, or arrogating to myself the power of punishing you, for depriving us of a com-
