"So are mine, Dick! The beast has called me Theresa three times this
afternoon, and has had the impudence to suggest that his preferment
and my future happiness may bear some relation to each other."

"See here, Tess, maybe I'd better beat him and have done with it."

"No. He can't corrupt me, but he might easily do you an injury. Let him
alone, Dick, and be as civil as you can. You did splendidly this evening--"

"Before I knew what he'd said to you!"

"Now you've all the more reason to be civil. I must keep in touch with
that young girl in the palace, and Samson is the only influence I can
count on. Do as I say, Dick, and be civil to him. Pretend you're not
even suspicious."

"But say, that guy's suggestions aggregate an ounce or two! First, I'm
to draw Gungadhura's money while I hunt for buried treasure; but I'm
to tip off Samson first. Second, I'm to look on while he makes his
political fortune with my wife's help. And third--what's the third thing, Tess?"

She kissed him. "The third is that you're going to seem to be fooled
by him, for the present at all events. Let's know what's at the bottom
of all this, and help the princess and Tom Tripe if it's possible. Are
you tired?"

"Yes. Why?"

"If you weren't tired I was going to ask you to put a turban on as soon
as it's dark, and dress up like a sais and drive me to Yasmini's palace,