“The embassy . . . it’s quite charming. I have arranged to rent a half-timbered house. There is a nice room on the ground floor which is quite suitable for formal meetings, and a room on the second floor where you could work and sleep. Even as we speak, workers are constructing an outside staircase so that the room will be private. After all, I wouldn't want the ambassador to be disturbed by ponies walking through his chambers. I’ve been assured that it will most likely have a roof by wintertime, but one can’t rush these things. If they finish under-budget, I might have them install an indoor bathroom.”