rather our scenic advantages, our romantic fortresses, our river
(pronounced by many to equal the Rhine), our mild atmosphere--"

"On the contrary, I take the greatest interest in your trade."

The Admiral lifted his brows and smiled, as one who would imply
"You are kind enough to say so, but really, with your high
connections, that can hardly be seriously believed." What he said
was--

"It is indeed good of you to interest yourself in our simple tastes.
We are (I confess it) to some degree--ahem!--mercantile, and as
citizens of Troy esteem it our duty to acquaint ourselves
(theoretically) with the products of other lands. To this end I have
had all my daughters carefully grounded in the 'Child's Guide to
Knowledge.' Jane, my dear, what is Gamboge?"

"A vegetable, gummy juice, of a most beautiful yellow colour, chiefly
brought from Gambodia in the East Indies," repeated Jane, with a
glance at her gown.

"You see, ma'am," explained her father with a wave of the hand,
"it is a form of instruction in which the rawness of the material is
to some extent veiled by a clothing of picturesque accessories.
This will be even more noticeable in the case of Soy. Calypso,
inform Mrs. Goodwyn-Sandys of the humorous illusion under which our
seamen labour with regard to Soy."

But at this point the door opened, and Mr. Samuel Buzza entered, with
Mr. Goodwyn-Sandys himself.