“I think that Forsyth would not mind much if the camels died, anyway. He wouldn’t suggest walking across the desert.”

“No; I suppose he wouldn’t. But what makes you say that?”

“Because I’ve got two good eyes and two good ears and a brain behind them.”

“You have, Aryenis: remarkably nice ears and particularly nice eyes.”

“That’s the first compliment I’ve had from you for over a week. What’s happening?”

“Nothing. Only I’ve not seen so much of them of late. I suppose they strike one the more in consequence.”

“Like your compliments.”

“Do you like compliments?”

“What woman doesn’t? Of course, I like compliments. That’s why I love going to see Paulos.”

“Does he give you lots of them?”