"That's it. Now I'll show you exactly how to conduct yourselves when you are presented at court," he said.
Three servants entered, carrying three pipes, each of the same size, and each having jewelled amber mouth-pieces.
The servants drew themselves up like automatons, each placing his right hand on his heart.
The next moment they were inhaling their first draught of some wonderful tobacco, the host keeping up the traditional Turkish custom of puffing half a minute or so before the guests.
When they had puffed away in silence for some little time, the servants returned.
One of them carried a crimson napkin, richly embroidered with gold, thrown over his left shoulder.
And others carried a coffee tray, upon which were cups of elegant filagree work.
Each of the guests were presented with a cup of coffee—not very nice according to our notions, being thick, unstrained and unsweetened.
Yet the Turks are considered the only people who really understand the art of making coffee.
This disposed of, the servants retired.