The foie gras was excellent, and we washed it down with copious libations
of Scopolo, which Leah found very much to her taste.

When the foie gras was finished she got up, but I stopped her, for the
dinner was only half over.

"I will stay then," said she, "but I am afraid my father will object."

"Very good. Call your master," I said to the maid who came in at that
moment, "I have a word to speak to him."

"My dear Mardocheus," I said when he came, "your daughter's appetite
doubles mine, and I shall be much obliged if you will allow her to keep
me company whenever we have foie gras."

"It isn't to my profit to double your appetite, but if you like to pay
double I shall have no objection."

"Very good, that arrangement will suit me."

In evidence of my satisfaction I gave him a bottle of Scopolo, which Leah
guaranteed pure.

We dined together, and seeing that the wine was making her mirthful I
told her that her eyes were inflaming me and that she must let me kiss
them.

"My duty obliges me to say nay. No kissing and no touching; we have only
got to eat and drink together, and I shall like it as much as you."