“Anybody in question?”
Constantine faced his interrogator boldly, narrowed his eyelids to a sly, meditative slit, and answered:—
“You think of offering yourself, perhaps.”
“I should certainly have no objection to a beautiful young wife. She has a dowry, I presume.”
“I presume so,” said Selaka, shutting up his lips in a portentous way. “But there is something else to be considered besides your willingness.”
“Undoubtedly. Still, it is a sufficiently important point. That is why I mention it.”
Constantine understood perfectly well that such wealth as Oïdas’ entitled its owner to his confident air. No sane father would be likely to reject or hesitate before such an offer as this, and the girl would, of course, be guided by her father.
“Well, I’ll see what I can do,” conceded the wily Constantine.
“Begin by introducing me at once,” suggested the Mayor.