"The Resident was kind enough to say he felt sure you would."
"If you will give us the pleasure of your company, my wife and I will try to make your stay as pleasant as possible."
"I am vastly obliged to you. You are really a most hospitable people. I hope, if ever you visit England, you'll let me return the compliment."
"Thank you. We're rough and ready, but we're always glad to see folk from the outside world. Our intellectual circle, you see, is rather limited."
Esther rose to go into the house. She turned to their guest:
"You will hear a great deal about shell, copra, bêche-de-mer, etc., before you leave us. But I hope it won't bore you. Now I will go and prepare your room for you. Cuthbert, will you send one of the boys across to the settlement for Mr. Merton's bag?"
"With pleasure."
"It's really very good of you to take me in like this," said Mr. Merton, when they were alone.
Ellison replied in suitable terms. Hospitality was one of his strong points, and the stranger was evidently a cultivated man. He looked forward to a week or so of very pleasant intercourse. It was years since he had enjoyed an intellectual conversation.
"You have a pretty place here, Mr. Ellison," said the other, after a brief stroll. "The jungle on the hill, and the cluster of houses among the palms at the foot, present a charming effect."