"Well," replied the Pacha, "the Germans, it is said, do not like the Russians, and Russia is believed to be an ally of France."
"If Germany does not fight France soon," observed another Turk, "France will be too strong for Germany."
"That is what I think," said the Pacha; "Germany sees the nation that she has beaten making every effort to become strong, so as to revenge herself for her defeat. Bismarck will not be likely to await that event."
A Turkish engineer officer now entered the room. He informed us that a telegram had arrived to say that the English Parliament had been opened.
"What will they say about Turkey?" continued the officer.
"Probably some more about the Bulgarian atrocities," I replied; "but I really do not know."
"You English people," observed the engineer, "think that you know a great deal about what is passing in foreign countries. You know nothing at all about Turkey. Can the people at your Embassy speak Turkish?"
"One can."
"All our officials in England can speak English," said the engineer. "Our newspapers say that you receive your information from people who are sent to travel for different English journals, and that hardly any of these men can speak Turkish: is that the case?" he continued.
"Our newspapers, as a rule, are very well informed."