Королі та капуста

           Perhaps,afterall,therewaslessenteredmymouthandmoremyearsthanpeoplethought.But,therewillbenomoremapsorfrownsto-night.Ipromiseyouthat.Come."

           TheysatuponareedsilletaatthewindowandwatchedthequiveringgleamsfromthelightsoftheCatarinareflectedintheharbour.

           PresentlyPasarippledoutoneofherinfrequentchirrupsofaudiblelaughter.

           "Iwasthinking,"shebegan,anticipatingDicky’squestion,"ofthefoolishthingsgirlshaveintheirminds.BecauseIwenttoschoolintheStatesIusedtohaveambitions.Nothinglessthantobethepresident’swifewouldsatisfyme.And,look,thouredpicaroon,towhatobscurefatethouhaststolenme!"

           "Don’tgiveuphope,"saidDicky,smiling."MorethanoneIrishmanhasbeentherulerofaSouthAmericancountry.TherewasadictatorofChilinamedO’Higgins.WhynotaPresidentMaloney,ofAnchuria?Saytheword,santitamia,andwe’llmaketherace."

           "No,no,no,thoured-haired,recklessone!"sighedPasa;"Iamcontent"—shelaidherheadagainsthisarm—"here."