“It has been told me,” he continued very gravely, “that this boy, when angry, kicks and curses his own mother. That is, for us others, a most dreadful crime, apart from the regard in which I hold you personally. My grandson must not be brought up to shame our house; the authority of the family must be exerted to avert dishonour. In fact, dear madame, if you will not punish him, he must be given for a while to someone who will do so.”

“But it is unheard of!” cried the mother wildly. “How can you think of such abominable cruelty? He is my child. My right to him exists in nature.”

“And is inalienable,” said the Pasha, with a splendid bow. “No one else can ever bear him, but someone else will have to educate him, since madame refuses.”

“I am an Englishwoman. I shall complain to my Consul.”