Clayley had now recovered, and I once more enjoyed the society of my
light-hearted friend. But neither that nor the smiles of the hospitable
Jalapenas could make me happy. My thoughts dwelt upon Guadalupe, and
often was I harassed with the painful apprehension that I should never
see her again. Better fortune, however, was in store for me.
One day Clayley and I were sitting over our wine, along with a gay party
of friends, in the Fonda de Diligencias, the principal hotel of Jalapa,
when Jack touched me on the shoulder, and whispered in my ear:
"Captain, there's a Mexican wants to see ye."
"Who is it?" I demanded, somewhat annoyed at the interruption.
"It's the brother," replied Jack, still speaking in a whisper.
"The brother! What brother?"
"Of the young ladies, Captain."