The Asiatics, and even some other nations which might be named nearer home, can seldom afford to be taken by surprise.

Indeed, I am not sure if more than one country can be alluded to, in which the people are at all hours ready to receive strangers, and have no occasion to make a fuss, or to change anything when a rap comes to the door.
In the centre of this gorgeous room, on a dais, or a part of the floor raised to about a foot and a-half above the level of the rest, and laid with a rich Turkey carpet, stood a long table, at the top of which the sultan placed the Admiral, and then made the signal for tea.

First entered an attendant, bearing a large tray, on which were ranged several dozens of exceedingly small cups.

This he placed on the carpet, and then squatted himself down, cross-legged, beside it.
Another attendant soon followed, bearing the tea-pot, and he likewise popped himself down.

After a conjuration of some minutes, the cups were brought round, containing weak black tea, exquisite in flavour, but marvellously small in quantity.