'No, your slave,' replied the Princess. 'Why, he blushes. Were he not
deaf as well as dumb, I could almost believe he understood me.'
'He is modest,' replied Honain, rather alarmed; 'and is frightened at
the liberty he has taken.'
'I like modesty,' said the Princess; 'it is interesting. I am modest;
you think so?'
'Certainly,' said Honain.
'And interesting?'
'Very.'
'I detest an interesting person. After all, there is nothing like plain
dulness.'
'Nothing,' said Honain.
'The day flows on so serenely in such society.'
'It does,' said Honain.
'No confusion; no scenes.'
'None.'
'I make it a rule only to have ugly slaves.'
'You are quite right.'
'Honain, will you ever contradict me? You know very well I have the
handsomest slaves in the world.'
'Every one knows it.'
'And, do you know, I have taken a great fancy to your new purchase, who,
according to your account, is eminently qualified for the post. Why, do
you not agree with me?'
'Why, yes; I doubt not your Highness would find him eminently qualified,
and certainly few things would give me greater pleasure than offering
him for your acceptance; but I got into such disgrace by that late
affair of the Circassian, that----'
'Oh! leave it to me,' said the Princess.
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