well, and
together they would retire into a dim inner recess, illumined by an oil
lamp hanging before an altar, and there examine, bargain and gloat over
treasures.

Meanwhile Sophy, who remained in the outer shop, was offered a seat and
tea, without milk or sugar, in what resembled a doll's cup; by her
aunt's express desire she always accepted this refreshment, although
she found the decoction unspeakably nasty; it seemed to taste of an
evil odour. Sometimes Mrs. Krauss would linger for fifteen minutes,
sometimes for longer, talking over netsukes and Hong Kong with Ah Shee.
The atmosphere of the place was overpowering; such a stifling reek of a
mysterious effluvium, the combination of joss sticks, stale fish,
rancid oil, and a sickly taint like the fetid breath of some mortal
sickness; it made Sophy feel faint and, after a short interval, she
invariably made her way into the street, where the air--though by no
means fresh--was an improvement on that within the shop.

The street was narrow and squalid and the houses were dilapidated--even
for a native quarter; passers-by had a slinking stealthy gait, and cast
glances of surprise and suspicion at the young lady who lingered
outside the premises of Ah Shee.

One evening, as she waited thus, in the warm, damp dusk, FitzGerald in
uniform clattered by; he caught sight of Sophy out of what is called
"the tail of the eye," and pulled up so suddenly as to throw his horse
upon its haunches.

"Miss Leigh!" he exclaimed. "Yes, it is! May I ask why you find
yourself among the Seven Dials, or devils, of Rangoon?"

"Oh, Aunt Flora comes to Ah Shee's shop hunting for ivories; she is
collecting netsukes."

"Netsukes!" he repeated; "netsukes _here_!"

"Oh yes, and such good ones--the best in Burma; but it's a horrible
place, and as to the odours!" and she made a gesture expressive of
disgust.

"Yes, by Jove, the Chinese beat all the world in stinks; but I say,
Miss Leigh, try to persuade your aunt to hunt elsewhere for
ivories--this part of the world is unhealthy."

"I'm not surprised at that."

"Be advised by me and make _this_ your last visit to this chinky shop.
Well, I must be shoving on," and he trotted away.

A moment later Mrs. Krauss emerged and, by the quivering eye of an
electric lamp, Sophy noticed that she looked strangely animated--indeed
almost radiant. No doubt she had secured some wonderful prize.

"Who were you talking to, my dear?" she asked.

"M