Muavin. Evet, Effendim; the road, of course, is safe as regards the tribes; but do not the ladies fear tigers and the many wild beasts which may be encountered?
Vali. I assure you it is not safe for you. You hear what this gentleman says. If the ladies will wait till the spring I will arrange for them to accompany my brother, the Prince of Kurdistan, in his expedition to the mountains.
Finding it impossible to dissuade us, the Vali then leads the way to the Council chamber, and makes X sit in the Presidential chair, where, he informs us, no one but the Vali has ever sat. He tells X she is now the Vali Pasha, this is her house, and he is at her commands.
X promptly seizes the opportunity, and asks for favour to be extended to a friend we had met in the course of our travels, who had been banished from Adana owing to having incurred the Vali's displeasure.
Vali. Because he was kind to you I will pardon him. He may come back if it will please the ladies.
X. We are much obliged to your Excellency.
Vali. Many people have spoken to me for him, but I would not listen; but to please the ladies I will now forgive him.
Vali. Will it please the ladies to dine with me to-morrow?
X. We thank your Excellency, it would give us much pleasure. But we must apologise for our clothes; we are travelling, and have no suitable dresses for dining with your Excellency.
Vali (waves his hand). The ladies must not mention it. I can see by their appearance how noble they are, and their clothes are therefore of no significance.