I thought he might perhaps
be disposed to give me a contract for victualling the Academy. I
wish he had, for the boys' sake."
Then, to bring back completely the old times, Mr. Egger was
prevailed upon to sing one of his _Volkslieder_, that which had been
Waymark's especial favourite, and which he had sung--on an
occasion memorable to Sally and her husband--in the little
dining-room at Richmond.
"_Die Schwalb'n flieg'n fort, doch sie zieh'n wieder her;
Der Mensch wenn er fortgeht, er kommt nimmermehr!_"
Waymark was silent for a little after that.
When it was nearly eleven o'clock, Casti looked once or twice
meaningly at Waymark, and the friends at length rose to take their
leave, in spite of much protest. O'Gree accompanied them as far as
the spot where they would meet the omnibus, then, with assurances
that to-night had been but the beginning of glorious times, sent
them on their way. Julian was silent during the journey home; he
looked very wearied. For lack of a timely conveyance the last mile
or so had to be walked. Julian's cough had been bad during the
evening, and now the cold night-air seemed to give him much trouble.
Presently, just as they turned a corner, a severe blast of wind met
them full in the face.
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