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114 chaise, Kéraban inquired whether his nephew had sent his regards also to his friend the banker.

"I did not forget to do so, uncle," replied Ahmet, "and I added that we were using all diligence to reach Scutari as soon as possible."

"You did well, nephew; and he must not neglect to give us news of himself on every possible occasion."

"Unfortunately, as we never know beforehand where we may stop," said Ahmet, "our letters must remain unanswered."

"True," said Van Mitten.

"By-the-bye," said Kéraban, addressing his friend, "it seems to me that you do not correspond much with Madame Van Mitten. What will that excellent woman think of you?"

"Madame Van Mitten, do you mean?" asked the Dutchman.

"Certainly."

"Madame Van Mitten is undoubtedly an excellent woman. As a wife, I have not a word to say against her; but as a life companion—but why speak of Madame Van Mitten at all, Kéraban?"

"Eh? Well, because I remember her as a most agreeable woman."

"Indeed!" said Van Mitten, in the tone of a man who hears something for the first time.

"Did not I speak of her in the highest terms, Ahmet, when I returned from Holland?" said Kéraban, turning to his nephew.

"Yes, indeed, uncle," replied the young man.

"And during my journey was I not particularly charmed with the reception she gave me?"

"Ah!" remarked Van Mitten.

"Nevertheless," continued Kéraban, "I must allow that at times she is capricious, and has curious ideas on some points. Still, those qualities are inherent in women, and if they cannot get over them, it is best to have nothing to do with them—which is precisely how I have acted."

"And you have acted wisely," said Van Mitten.

"Is your wife as fond of tulips as ever?" inquired Kéraban. "She is a true Hollander in that respect."