"He was a very distinguished man," observed the Amba.s.sador.
"Practically banished to a very undistinguished office--for his position," I remarked.
"One would not call it banishment," murmured his Excellency.
"One would," I acquiesced, smiling, "of course, be particularly careful not to call it banishment."
Something like a smile greeted this speech, but the Amba.s.sador shrugged his shoulders.
"Consider," said he, "the scenes of disorder and bloodshed!"
"When I consider," I rejoined, "the scenes of disorder and bloodshed which pa.s.sed before my eyes, when I consider the anarchy, the murder, the terrible dangers to which I, who went to Neopalia under the sanction and protection of your flag, was exposed, I perceive that the whole affair is nothing less than a European scandal."
The Amba.s.sador shifted in his armchair.
"I shall, of course," said I, "prefer a claim to compensation."
"To compensation?"
"Certainly. My island has been taken from me, and I have lost my money. Moreover your Governor tried to kill me."
"So did your wife," remarked the Pasha. "At least the lady who, as I understand, is to be your wife."
"I can forgive my wife. I do not propose to forgive your Government."
The Amba.s.sador stroked his beard.
"If official representations were made through the proper quarters--"
he began.
"Oh, come," I interrupted, "I want to spend my honeymoon there; and I"m going to be married in a fortnight."
"The young lady is the difficulty. The manner in which you left Neopalia--"
"Is not generally known," said I.
The Amba.s.sador looked up.
"The tribute," I observed, "is due a month hence. I don"t know who"ll pay it you."
"It is but a trifling sum," said he contemptuously.
"It is, indeed, small for such a delightful island."
The Amba.s.sador eyed me questioningly. I advanced towards him.
"Considering," said I, "that I have only paid half the purchase-money, and that the other half is due to n.o.body--or to my own wife--I should not resent a proposal to double the tribute."
The Amba.s.sador reflected.
"I will forward your proposal to the proper quarter," he said at last.
I smiled, and I asked:
"Will that take more than a fortnight?"
"I venture to hope not."
"And, of course, pardon and all that sort of thing will be included?"
"I will appeal to his Majesty"s clemency," promised the Pasha.
I had no objection to his calling it by that name, and I took my leave, very much pleased with the result of the interview. But, as luck would have it, while I was pursuing my way across Hyde Park--for Phroso was staying with a friend of Mrs Beverley"s in Kensington--I ran plump into the arms of Mrs Kennett Hipgrave.
She stopped me with decision. I confess that I tried to pa.s.s by her.
"My dear Lord Wheatley," she cried, with unbounded cordiality, "how charming to meet you again! Your reported death really caused quite a gloom."
"You"re too good!" I murmured. "Ah--er--I hope Miss Beatrice is well?"
Mrs Kennett Hipgrave"s face grew grave and sympathetic.
"My poor child!" she sighed. "She was terribly upset by the news, Lord Wheatley. Of course, it seemed to her peculiarly sad; for you had received my letter only a week before."
"That must have seemed to aggravate the pathos very much," I agreed.
"Not that, of course, it altered the real wisdom of the step I advised her to take."
"Not in the least, really, of course," said I.
"I do hope you agree with me now, Lord Wheatley?"
"Yes, I think I have come to see that you were right, Mrs Hipgrave."
"Oh, that makes me so happy! And it will make my poor dear child so happy, too. I a.s.sure you she has fretted very much over it."
"I"m sorry to hear that," said I politely. "Is she in town?"
"Why, no, not just now."
"Where is she? I should like to write her a line."
"Oh, she"s staying with friends."
"Could you oblige me with the address?"
"Well, the fact is, Lord Wheatley, Beatrice is staying with--with a Mrs Hamlyn."
"Oh, a Mrs Hamlyn! Any relation, Mrs Hipgrave?"