AMAL. It would be splendid to have a letter from the King every
day. I'll read them at the window. But, oh! I can't read
writing. Who'll read them out to me, I wonder! Auntie reads her
Râmayana; she may know the King's writing. If no one will, then
I must keep them carefully and read them when I'm grown up. But
if the postman can't find me? Headman, Mr. Headman, may I have a
word with you?

HEADMAN. Who is yelling after me on the highway? Oh, you
wretched monkey!

AMAL. You're the headman. Everybody minds you.

HEADMAN [Looking pleased] Yes, oh yes, they do! They must!

AMAL. Do the King's postmen listen to you?

HEADMAN. They've got to. By Jove, I'd like to see--

AMAL. Will you tell the postman it's Amal who sits by the window
here?

HEADMAN. What's the good of that?

AMAL. In case there's a letter for me.

HEADMAN. A letter for you! Whoever's going to write to you?

AMAL. If the King does.