ds lighted a shadowy corner. On an ancient and priceless
lacquered cabinet were enthroned two other gods of gold and ivory. A
crystal ball reflected a length of blue brocade. A clump of Chinese bulbs
bloomed in an old Ming bowl.

Richard went into the shop. Subconsciously, he went with a purpose. But
the purpose was not revealed to him until he came to a case in which was
set forth a certain marvelous collection. He knew then that the old song
and the scents had formed an association of ideas which had lured him
away from the streets and into the shop, that he might buy for Anne
Warfield a sandalwood fan.

He found what he wanted. A sweet and wonderful bit of wood, carved like
lace, with green and purple tassels.

It was when he had it safe in his pocket, in a box that was gay with
yellow and green and gold, that he was aware of voices in the back of the
shop.

There were tables where tea was served to special customers--at the
expense of the management. Thus a vulgar bargain became as it were a
hospitality--you bought teakwood and had tea; carved ivories, and were
rewarded with little cakes.

In that dim space under a low hung lamp, Marie-Louise talked with the fat
Armenian.

He was the same Armenian who had told her fortune at Coney. He stood by
Marie-Louise's side while she drank her tea, and spoke to her of the
poet-king with whom she had walked on the banks of the Nile.

Richard approaching asked, "How did you happen to come here,
Marie-Louise?"

"I often come. I like it. It is next to traveling in far countries." She
indicated the fat Armenian. "He tells me about things that happened to
me--in the ages--when I lived before."

A slender youth in white silk with a crimson sash brought tea for
Richard. But he refused it. "I am on my way to lunch, Marie-Louise. Will
you go with me?"

She hesitated and glanced at the fat Armenian. "I've some things to buy."

"I'll wait."

She flitted about the shop with the fat Armenian in her train. He showed
her treasures shut away from the public eye, and she bought long lengths
of heavy silks, embroideries thick with gold, a moonstone bracelet linked
with silver.

The fat Armenian, bending over her, seemed to direct and suggest.
Richard, watching, hated the man's manner.

Outside in the sunshine, he spoke of it. "I wouldn't go there alone."

"Why not?"

"I don't like to see you among those people--on such terms. They don't
understand, and they're--different."