There were decanters of spirits, glasses, cigars, pipes, and tobacco on the table.
"Will the senor deign to taste this rum, which is of fine quality, and try one of these cigars, which are at once so strong and so delicate of aroma?"
For an answer the viscount poured out a liberal portion of the spirits and quaffed it almost at a draught, and then lighted a cigar and commenced smoking. He smoked away for a few minutes, during which Costo waited respectfully for him to open communications.
At length the viscount spoke:
"Costo, in your island of Cuba able-bodied men and women of the negro race command good prices, do they not?"
"Yes, senor—great prices, since your illustrious statesmen have abolished the African slave-trade over all the ocean."
"For instance, how much would a fine young man, of say twenty-one years of age, bring?"
"From two to five thousand dollars, according to his health, good looks, and accomplishments. I have known a likely boy of fourteen to sell for three thousand dollars. He is now one of the best cooks on the island."
"Humph! then I should say the one I speak of would bring near the highest price you have named. How much would a healthy, handsome girl of eighteen bring?"
"Mulatress or quadroon?"