abroad," said the Colonel, examining closely and tenderly. He was about to remark how beautiful the terrace would be in the moonlight when Romsteck brought in a telegram.
"Gott!" cried Guadeloupe as he read the message. "You're right. He's coming at once."
"Who?" exclaimed the palmists.
"The American. And not just acommissioner, a full-fledged ambassador. That means we'll have to put him up here, as a matter of courtesy, until he finds a house. Lord, I didn't suppose he'd come until we'd got straightened out. How can I explain that the new taxation isn't in effect yet."
"You'll have to keep his mind off financial matters until things are settled," said the Colonel. "We'll give him a big dinner and a ball. We'll take him moating. We'll sing him our moating song."
"Do you speak American?" asked Nyla. "Daddy and I know very little."
"Enough to get along with."
Well, you'll have to interpret for me," said
