The figures rose at their approach, and Arthur could see that they were two boys of fifteen or sixteen, of extraordinary beauty and delicacy, and a woman of about thirty-five, as far as he could judge, evidently their mother.
His host spoke a few words in Persian, the purport of which he could not catch, and, rapidly presenting him, requested him to be seated, and produced some cigarettes of a very choice and fragrant kind.
They talked for a long time on general subjects--England, politics, art, and literature.

The stranger seemed well acquainted with literature and events of a certain date, but not of later departures in any branch; and finally, Arthur gave a short account of himself and his wanderings, in which the others appeared most interested.
Before he went back to his house the stranger asked him, with some earnestness, to return on the following day, which Arthur gladly accepted.

One of the boys conducted him to the gate, speaking a few English sentences with that delicate and hesitating utterance that combines with other personal attractions to give an almost unique charm.
On the following day, and on several others, the invitation was repeated and accepted.

The stranger became more communicative, having at first consistently maintained a courteous reserve.
The last day of Arthur's stay in his villa he went to see his new friends.

The boys had taken a great fancy to him, and used to wait for his coming at the gate; but they would never come to his house, though he asked them more than once.