“Depends on what?”
“The nature of the request you have to make.”
“Well, I was about to say, and, ahem, it may as well be said at once. Don’t you think so?”
“Most certainly I do. Proceed, my lord.”
“Ah, yes, I will. Well, you know, it’s just this—I’ve got a wing which has been worn by the Queen of Spain. It is a rare jewel—a trinket of the choicest quality.”
“Indeed! I should like to see it.”
“I not only desire you to see it, but the favour I was about to ask is that you will accept it from my hand, and——”
“And what—the other conditions?”
“That you will wear it in remembrance of me. Do you now understand?”
“Oh, I comprehend; but at the same time, you must pardon the observation, my lord, but I do not see how I can consistently accept it as a gift.”