Wen is a friend of mine also," said Tu, "and it was because I knew
that his troth was already plighted that I ventured to come on behalf of
him of whom I have spoken."

"Mr. Wen," said King, "is a gentleman and a scholar, and having given a
betrothal present, he is certain to communicate with us direct in case
of any difficulty."

"Will you, old gentleman," [a term of respect] said Tu, producing the
lines which Miss King had sent Jasmine, "just cast your eyes over these
verses, written to Wen by your cousin? Feeling most regretfully that he
was unable to fulfil his engagement, Wen gave these to me as a testimony
of the truth of what I now tell you."

King took the paper handed him by Tu, and recognised at a glance his
cousin's handwriting.

"Alas!" he said, "Mr Wen told us he was engaged, but, not believing him,
I urged him to consent to marry my cousin. If you will excuse me, sir,"
he added, "I will consult with the lady as to what should be done."

After a short absence he returned.

"My cousin is of the opinion," he said, "that she cannot enter into any
new engagement until Mr. Wen has come here himself and received back the
betrothal present which he gave her on parting."

"I dare not deceive you, old gentleman, and will tell you at once that
that betrothal present was not Wen's but was my unworthy friend Wei's,
and came into Wen's possession in a way that I need not now explain."

"Still," said King, "my cousin thinks Mr. Wen should present himself
here in person and tell his own story; and I must say that I am of her
opinion."

"It is quite impossible that Mr. Wen should return here," replied Tu;
"but my 'stupid thorn' [wife] is in the adjoining hostelry, and would be
most happy to explain fully to Miss King Wen's entire inability to play
the part of a husband to her."

"If your honourable consort would meet my cousin, she, I am sure, will
be glad to talk the matter over with her."

With Tu's permission, Miss King's maid was sent to the inn to invite
Jasmine to call on her mistress. The maid, who was the same who had
acted as Miss King's messenger on the former occasion, glanced long and
earnestly at Jasmine. Her features were familiar to her, but she could
not associate them with any lady of her acquaintance. As she conducted
her to Miss King's apartments, she watched her stealthily, and became
more and more puzzled by her appearance. Miss King received her with
civility, and after exchanging wishes