Beyond, the yellow sand stretched away into furthest space, where the dim mirage mist played along the horizon.
"Mr.Haw, I cannot understand it!" Robert grasped the velvet edge of the settee, and gazed wildly about him.
"The effect is rather startling, is it not?
This Egyptian desert is my favourite when I lay myself out for a contemplative smoke.

It seems strange that tobacco should have come from the busy, practical West.
It has much more affinity for the dreamy, languid East.

But perhaps you would like to run over to China for a change ?" "Not to-day," said Robert, passing his hand over his forehead.

"I feel rather confused by all these wonders, and indeed I think that they have affected my nerves a little.

Besides, it is time that I returned to my prosaic Elmdene, if I can find my way out of this wilderness to which you have transplanted me.