[About to raise himself, sees the figure for the first time, and falls back astonished; then, recovering himself.] I suppose you've just taken the rooms on the ground-floor—so you must be able to make yourself understood in English?
The Stranger.
[The room has grown lighter, and he is seen to be in dull-green robes and a high-peaked turban. His long grey beard is divided into three thin strands; his eyes are slightly slanted, and his expression is a curious mixture of fatuous benignity, simplicity, and cunning.] Assuredly I can speak so as to be understood of all men.
Horace.
Then it's as well to do it. What was it you said just now?
The Stranger.
I said: "Repentance, O Prophet of Allah! I will not return to the like conduct ever!"
Horace.
Oh, I beg your pardon. [Sitting up again.] Thought you were speaking to me. But I say—[looking up at him]—how do you come to be here?
The Stranger.