Don Juan of China. Samuel Buck

in red paper.

      TORTOISE was soon back with the money, and they set out on their horses for Mother Wu’s establishment in Chu-elan Back Lane to celebrate Miss Silver’s birthday.

      When they reached the place there was song, dance, and music of pipes and lute. They drank into the first watch, about nine in the evening.

      Squire Hsi-Men purposely plied Mr. Flowers with drink till he was quite intoxicated, after which he accompanied him home. The serving-boy who was with them yelled for the front door to be opened, and Madam Slender Li came out with a serving-maid holding candle lamps. They helped Mr. Flowers into the house.

      The squire explained matters, and Madam Slender Li came back out with him after his mission had been completed to thank him.

      THE SQUIRE hastened to bow in return to her salute. He said: “I dared not but engrave your instructions deeply on my mind, so when he was detained by the people at the Wu establishment, I compelled him to get up. He wanted to visit Miss Love Perfume in the Cheng establishment. He kept insisting on going there and I had to frustrate his intention several times before I could get him to come back with me. Had I not done so and had he entered the Cheng establishment, it would have meant his being away the whole night. What a foolish person! And you are so young to be his wife. Spending a whole night out isn’t right.”