"The police at Como?" I said. "I did not go to the police."

"Not go to the police? And do you mean to say that I am to be robbed
of my jewels and no efforts made for redress? Is there no such thing
as a constable in this wretched country? Mr. Greene, I do insist upon
it that you at once go to the nearest British consul."

"I suppose I had better write home for money," said he.

"And do you mean to say that you haven't written yet?" said I,
probably with some acrimony in my voice.

"You needn't scold papa," said Sophonisba.

"I don't know what I am to do," said Mr. Greene, and he began walking
up and down the room; but still he did not call for pen and ink, and I
began again to feel that he was a swindler. Was it possible that a
man of business, who had made his fortune in London, should allow his
wife to keep all her jewels in a box, and carry about his own money in
the same?

"I don't see why you need be so very unhappy, papa," said Sophonisba.
"Mr. Robinson, I'm sure, will let you have whatever money you may want
at present." This was pleasant!

"And will Mr. Robinson return me my jewels which were lost, I must
say, in a great measure, through his carelessness," said Mrs. Greene.
This was pleasanter!

"Upon my word, Mrs. Greene, I must deny that," said I, jumping up.