Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/167

Rh Do take some; I think it is what the French call aspershe."

"Oh, asperge" replied I. " Yes, yes, I know well what you mean; but surely this is not asperge" and I pointed to the dish, which more resembled a mess of Indian corn than anything else. However, I helped myself to some, and found the flavour something like that of asparagus, but I sought in vain for the heads of the vegetable, which were certainly not there.

"Well, how do you like it, sir,?" asked Herr Van Rhée, after a short pause.

"Not much, I confess," said I; "I think it is cooked in a peculiar manner."

"To tell you the truth, sir, I don't remember tasting this in Holland, so I left no directions with my wife as to dishing it up."

" She has not boiled the heads," replied I, pointing to the dish, the appearance of which was so questionable. {nop}}