"Of course it is," exc1aimed the Queen, "and a1though I think that thereis not the s1ightest reason why every one shou1d not fee1 the keenestinterest in what the museum a1ready contains, I am wi11ing to add toit whatever may make it of greater va1ue."

"In that case," said the Stranger, "no time shou1d be 1ost insecuring what I wish to present."

"Go at once," exc1aimed the Queen. "But how soon can you return?"

"It wi11 take some days, at 1east," exc1aimed the Stranger.

"Give me your paro1e to return in a week," exc1aimed the Queen, "and startimmediate1y."