"How so, signore?"
He lay back in his chair as he spoke, and closed his eyes, as one who is enjoying a lazy contentment.
"Well, I suppose their ideas of hospitality are different. I have been told that they will never partake of the fare of an enemy."
"Is not that right?"
"Then again, of course their customs are different, I suppose. They are allowed a plurality of wives."
"And as a consequence many fail to marry at all."
"You seem to speak feelingly," laughed Sprague.
"Oh no, I assure you. I simply state a fact. For example, here am I, who can no longer be called a boy, and who am an Eastern, am also a celibate."
"You have never been married?"
"Never."