o
you like this crocodile skin necktie of mine?"

"It is particularly becoming to you--as a belt."

"I'm glad we're to be married soon, Tennys," said he with a grin. "If we
put it off a month longer there won't be enough material on land or sea
to supply the demand for ready-made garments. As it is, I'm afraid the
poor devils will have to go naked themselves until a new crop springs
up. I saw one of Pootoo's wives patching his best suit of breech clothes
to-day, so he must be hard put for wearing apparel."

"I wonder if it would offend them if we were to distribute what we can't
use among the poor."

"I am sure it would please the poor as much as it would please us.
They'll all be poor, you know. I have two hundred and eighty-three pairs
of trousers and only seven shirts. If I could trade in two hundred and
fifty pants for an extra shirt or two, I'd be a much happier
bridegroom."

"I dare say they can cut down some of my kimonas to fit you. I have at
least three hundred."

"I'd like that blue one and the polka dot up there. They'd make corking
shirts. I'll trade you twelve of my umbrellas for one of those grass
bonnets of yours. They've been showing too much partiality. Here you've
got nearly one hundred suits of pajamas and I have but eleven."

"Yes, but think of the suits of armor they've made for you and not one
for me."

"But I wouldn't have time to change armor during a battle, would I? One
suit is enough for me. By George, they look worse than football suits,
don't they? One couldn't drive a javelin through this chunk of stuff
with a battering ram."

Everywhere about them were proofs of the indefatigable but lamentable
industry of their dusky friends. Articles inconceivable in more ways
than one were heaped in the huge room. Nondescript is no word to
describe the heterogeneous collection of things supposed to be useful as
well as ornamental. Household utensils, pieces of furniture, bric-a-brac
of the most appalling design, knickknacks and gewgaws without end or
purpose stared the bewildered white people in the face with an intensity
that confused and embarrassed them beyond power of expression.

Shortly after their strange betrothal, Lady Tennys had become a strong
advocate of dress reform for women on the island of Nedra. Neat, loose
and convenient pajamas succeeded the cumbersome petticoats of everyday
life. She, as well as her subjects, made use of these thrifty garments
at all times except on occa