"I cannot take it," said he.

"Gemini!" cried the treasurer. "But it is more than a turquoise, Mr.
Warner. Jewellers have delved in it. It has become subservient to man's
necessities. It is a snuff-box."

"I cannot take it."

"King John of Poland, he whom the vulgar call Glorious John, did rescue
and enlarge it from its slavery to the Grand Vizier of Turkey at the
great battle of Vienna. There is no other in the world--"

Wogan cut the treasurer short.

"You will take it again to his Highness. You will express to him my
gratitude for his kindness, and you will say furthermore these words:
'Mr. Warner cannot carry back into Italy a present for himself and a
refusal for his Prince.'"

Wogan spoke with so much dignity that the treasurer had no words to
answer him. He stood utterly bewildered; he stared at the jewel.

"Here is a quandary!" he exclaimed. "I do declare every circumstance of
me trembles," and shaking his head he went away. But in a little he came
again.

"His Highness distinguishes you, Mr. Warner, with imperishable honours.
His Highness solicits your company to a solitary dinner. You shall dine
with him alone. His presence and unfettered conversation shall season
your soup and be the condiments of your meat."