Ilesa clapped her hands.
“But, of course, you must! Your menagerie would not be complete without an elephant. And think too how majestic you would look riding it around the estate!”
The Duke laughed.
“I had not thought of that.”
“It would certainly surprise your neighbours when they come to call.”
“Then they will want to see the rest of my menagerie,” the Duke said, “and I want to keep it to myself.”
“I need not point out that you are being very selfish, Your Grace,” Ilesa answered, “and, please may I go round again later today in case I never see it again?”
“Would that be such a disaster?” the Duke asked her.
“To me it would be a catastrophe!” Ilesa replied. “So please be kind and let me enjoy every moment of your exquisite menagerie while I can.”
The Duke then thought that most
