Emperor. Yes, it saves trouble. When I am travelling I get rather confused with all coinage save that of Mother's Fatherland.
Empress. But surely £15,000 is a lot to expend upon extras?
Emperor. Depends on the view you take of things. I had a lot of things to buy.
Empress. But surely this must be wrong? Shoeblack fifty guineas!
Emperor (lightly). No, I think that's all right. You see, the fellow, after he had cleaned my boots, suddenly recognised me, called me Sire, and sang the "Wacht am Rhein." I couldn't, after that, give him less.
Empress. Well, you know best, dear; but I should have thought you could have got your boots cleaned for rather less!
Emperor. Possibly; but I should have lost the story. And you know it reads so well.
Empress. And here's another rather big item. £800 for a London cabman!
Emperor. I consider that the cheapest item in the lot. He wanted more!
Empress. And here are several items of seventy pounds apiece. What were they for?