"Undoubtedly," I answered, and began to talk of it until she cut me
short with a wave of her hand, and went on,

"Well, we are going to take a longer one together after dinner
to-night."

"What! Where! How!" I exclaimed much alarmed.

"I don't know where, but as for how--look in that box," and she
pointed to a little carved Eastern chest made of rose or sandal wood,
that stood upon a table between us.

With a groan I rose and opened it. Inside was another box made of
silver. This I opened also and perceived that within lay bundles of
dried leaves that looked like tobacco, from which floated an
enervating and well-remembered scent that clouded my brain for a
moment. Then I shut down the lids and returned to my seat.

"/Taduki/," I murmured.

"Yes, /Taduki/, and I believe in perfect order with all its virtue
intact."

"Virtue!" I exclaimed. "I don't think there is any virtue about that
hateful and magical herb which I believe grew in the devil's garden.
Moreover, Lady Ragnall, although there are few things in the world
that I would refuse you, I tell you at once that nothing will induce
me to have anything more to do with it."