"And now let us dine," he added briskly.
Nina came through the doorway and stood for a moment holding the curtain aside for Ali and the old Malay woman bearing the dishes; then she moved towards the three men by the table.
"Allow me," said Almayer, pompously.

"This is my daughter.

Nina, these gentlemen, officers of the frigate outside, have done me the honour to accept my hospitality." Nina answered the low bows of the two officers by a slow inclination of the head and took her place at the table opposite her father.

All sat down.

The coxswain of the steam launch came up carrying some bottles of wine.
"You will allow me to have this put upon the table ?" said the lieutenant to Almayer.
"What! Wine! You are very kind.