"It was merely an unpremeditated remark: all compliments are, of course.

I know all about that.

But do you think it a proper costume ?" "In what sense, may I ask ?" "Is it a correct Eastern dress?
I am supposed to be one of the wives of the Caliph Somebody al Something.

You have no idea how difficult it is to get a reliable model for a dress before laying out a heap of money on it.

This was designed in Paris; but I should like to hear it criticized--chronologically, or whatever you call it--by a scholar." "I really do not know, Madam.