They were greatly astonished when we told them that, with us, children of
ten and twelve years old possessed an exact and complete idea of all the
kingdoms of the world.

The conversation extended far into the night. At last the Regent rose,
and asked us whether we did not feel in want of a little repose. "We
only awaited," we answered, "for the permission of the Kalon, to return
to our lodgings." "Your lodgings! I have ordered an apartment to be
prepared for you in my palace; you will sleep here to-night: to-morrow,
you can return to your house." We sought to excuse ourselves from
accepting the kind offer of the Regent; but soon became aware that we
were not at liberty to refuse what we had been simple enough to consider
a compliment. We were regular prisoners. We took leave of the Regent
rather coolly, and followed an individual, who, after crossing a great
many rooms and corridors, ushered us into a sort of closet, which we
might fairly call a prison, as we were not permitted to leave it for any
other place.

There had been prepared for us two couches, which, no doubt, were
infinitely superior to our own beds; nevertheless, we regretted our poor
pallets, whereon we had so long enjoyed a free and independent sleep
throughout our travels in the desert. Lamas and attendants of the Regent
came in great numbers to see us. Those who had gone to bed got up, and
soon we heard, in this vast palace, lately so calm and silent, doors
opened and shut, and the rapid steps of the curious sounding in the
passages. Crowds thronged around us and examined us with insupportable
avidity. In all those eyes staring at us there was neither sympathy nor
ill-will; they simply expressed vapid curiosity. To all these
individuals around us, we represented merely a kind of zoological
phenomenon. Oh, how hard it is to be exposed thus to an indifferent
multitude! When we thought that these troublesome people had
sufficiently stared and whispered, and ought now to be satisfied, we
informed them that we were going to bed, and that we should feel
extremely obliged if they would be kind enough to retire. Everyone
bowed: some of them even were polite enough to put out their tongues at
us; but nobody stirred. It was evident that they had a mind to know how
we should behave on going to bed. This desire seemed to us somewhat
misplaced; but we thought we would submit to it up to a certain point.
Accordingly we knelt down, made the sign of