repast is spread on yellow-checkered tablecloths on the carpeted floor; the Governor squats cross-legged at one end, the stately-looking wiseacres in flowing gowns range themselves along each side in a similar attitude, with much solemnity and show of dignity; they — at least so I fancy — evidently are anything but rejoiced at the prospect of eating with an infidel Ferenghi.  The Governor, being a far more enlightened and consequently less bigoted personage, looks about him a trifle embarrassed, as if searching for some place where he can seat me in a position of becoming honor without offending the prejudices of his sanctimonious counsellors.  Noticing this, I at once come to his relief by taking the position farthest from him, attempting to imitate them in their cross-legged attitude.  My unhappy attempt to sit in this uncomfortable attitude — uncomfortable at least to anybody unaccustomed to it — provokes a smile from His Excellency, and he straightway orders an attendant to fetch in a chair and a small table; the counsellors look on in silence, but they are evidently too deeply impressed with their own dignity and holiness to commit themselves to any such display of levity as a smile.  A portion of each dish is placed upon my table, together with a travellers’ combination knife, fork and spoon, a relic, doubtless, of the Governor’s Parisian experience.  His Excellency having waited and kept the counsellors waiting until these preparations are finished, motions for me to commence eating, and then begins himself.  The repast consists of boiled mutton, rice pillau with curry, mutton chops, hard-boiled eggs with lettuce, a pastry of sweetened rice-flour, musk-melons, water-melons, several kinds of fruit, and for beverage glasses of iced sherbet; of all the company I alone use knife, fork, and plates.  Before each Persian is laid a broad sheet of bread; bending their heads over this they scoop up small handfuls of pillau, and toss it dextrously into their mouths; scattering particles missing the expectantly opened receptacle fall back on to the bread; this handy sheet of bread is used as a plate for placing a chop or anything else on, as a table-napkin for wiping finger-tips between courses, and now and then a piece is pulled off and eaten.  When the meal is finished, an attendant waits on each guest with a brazen bowl, an ewer of water and a towel.  After the meal is over the Governor is no longer handicapped by the religious prejudices of the mollahs, and leaving them he invites me into the garden to see his two little boys go through their gymnastic exercises.  They are clever little fellows of about seven and nine, respectively, with large black eyes and clear olive complexions; all the time we are watching them the Governor’s face is wreathed in a fond, parental smile.  The exercises consist chiefly in climbing a thick rope dangling from a cross-beam.  After seeing me ride the bicycle the Governor wants me to try my hand at gymnastics, but being nothing of a gymnast