“You are quite right,” said van Rheijn, “I never thought of that—I must be at my office as usual to-morrow morning.”
“And I,” continued van Beneden, “I have to be in court, on Setrosmito’s business, you know.”
“Of course, of course!” cried all in chorus, “not one of us must, on any account, miss that trial.”
“Very good,” said Grenits, “we are all agreed then that I am to be the smoker.”
“It is very kind of you, Theodoor, to make the offer.”
“All right, I am quite ready to begin.”
“Very likely,” interrupted Murowski, “but that is more than I am.”
“No, and I am not ready yet,” said Edward van Rheijn.
Thereupon, assuming the most severe professional gravity, the worthy Pole commenced carefully to weigh out the stock of opium, which he found came to 142 grains. This fact he noted down in his pocket-book.
“You had better add,” said van Rheijn, “that there are twenty-five matas.”