The Ambassador stroked his beard.
‘If official representations were made through the proper quarters—’ he began.
‘Oh, come,’ I interrupted, ‘I want to spend my honeymoon there; and I’m going to be married in a fortnight.’
‘The young lady is the difficulty. The manner in which you left Neopalia—’
‘Is not generally known,’ said I.
The Ambassador looked up.
‘The tribute,’ I observed, ‘is due a month hence. I don’t know who’ll pay it you.’
‘It is but a trifling sum,’ said he contemptuously.
‘It is, indeed, small for such a delightful island.’