"That is charming!" said his overjoyed wife. "Then you will be an M.P., and who knows what else! And here is the prince," said she, "who is ready to give you his vote."
"That's right!" said the entranced grocer. "That's very kind of him! But stop! let me see; are you a ten-pound householder? is your name stuck up against the church-door? and have you paid your shilling?"
"Allah! Allah!" I exclaimed. "What do I know of all this? I am nothing but a Persian Mirza. I am ignorant of your ten-pounds, your church-doors, and your shillings. Do leave off this child's play, and let us talk of other things."
"Other things!" cried one.
"Child's play!" exclaimed the other.
"It is the only thing now thought of," said the man.
"It is of the greatest consequence to the state, and to Marylebone, that Figsby should be elected!" vociferated the lady.
I found that I had put my unlucky leg foremost on this occasion, and so I thought of making my retreat; but, before I did so, after having observed a look of recognition between husband and wife, Mr. Figsby stept up to me, and said,
"We shall have a few of my political friends to dine with me in a few days; I hope, prince, that we may be honoured with your company?"
I said, "Inshallah! please Allah!" and then returned to my home.