"A thoroughbred Persian does not learn to speak English like a university man, and to quote German proverbs, in a residence of a few years; unless, indeed, he possess the secret by which the initiated absorb knowledge without effort, and assimilate it without the laborious process of intellectual digestion." "I am older than I look--considerably.

I have been in India twelve years, and with a natural talent for languages, stimulated by constant intercourse with Englishmen who know their own speech well, I have succeeded, as you say, in acquiring a certain fluency and mastery of accent.

I have had an adventurous life enough.

I see no reason why I should not tell you something of it, especially as you are not English, and can therefore hear me with an unprejudiced ear.

But, really, do you care for a yarn ?" I begged him to proceed, and I beckoned the servant to arrange our pipes, that we might not be disturbed.