As a matter of fact, I believe that she is officially affianced to that fat uncle of hers, the fellow who blows his own trumpet so much, but I needn't add that this is only a form to which she submits in order to keep the others off." "Ah!" I said.

"I wonder if Prince Joshua thinks it only a form ?" "Don't know what he thinks, and don't care," he replied, yawning; "I only know that things stand as I say, and that the porpoise-man has as much chance of becoming the husband of Maqueda as you have of marrying the Empress of China.

And now, to drop this matrimonial conversation and come to something more important, have you heard anything about Higgs and your son ?" "You are more in the way of learning state secrets than I am, Orme," I answered sarcastically, being rather irritated at the course of events and his foolishness.

"What have you heard ?" "This, old fellow.

I can't say how she knows it, but Maqueda says that they are both in good health and well treated.