While this computation
was going on he amused his guests by his lively conversation, and
charmed Popanilla by his polished manners and easy civility. He offered
him, during his stay in Vraibleusia, the use of a couple of equipages, a
villa, and an opera-box; insisted upon sending to his hotel some
pine-apples and some rare wine, and gave him a perpetual ticket to his
picture-gallery. When his attendants had concluded their calculation,
he ordered them to place Popanilla's precious metal in his treasury; and
then, presenting the Captain with a small packet of pink shells, he
kindly inquired whether he could be of any further use to him.
Popanilla was loth to retire without his gold, of the utility of which,
in spite of the convenience of competition, he seemed to possess an
instinctive conception; but as his friend rose and withdrew, he could do
nothing less than accompany him; for, having now known him nearly half a
day, his confidence in his honour and integrity was naturally unbounded.
'That was the King, of course?' said Popanilla, when they were fairly
out of the palace.
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