Surrounded by memories of olden days, and absolutely undisturbed, I could create admirably.

But one cannot remain permanently secluded from mankind.
First came the Herr Kameralverwalter, whose stately residence stood near the monastery, and in his wife's name invited us to use their pretty garden.
This gentleman's title threw his name so far into the shade that I had known the pleasant couple five weeks before I found it was Belfinger.
We also made the acquaintance of our host, Herr Meyer.

Strange and varied were the paths along which Fate had led this man.

As a rich bachelor he had welcomed guests to his ever-open house with salvos of artillery, and hence was still called Cannon Meyer, though, after having squandered his patrimony, he remained absent from his home for many years.

His career in America was one of perpetual vicissitudes and full of adventures.