e firmness.

"No. I did not tell you that. I have seen him; yes. But I was never
in his employ. It was Emiguel Borria, my late and--may I say?--my
unlamented husband, who made me do those things. Peter----"

Her attitude seemed to undergo some sort of subtle change, as if she
were bitterly amused. "You say you are not in love. Then what of the
little golden-haired girl--the two little golden-haired girls--you left
this afternoon on the bund?"

"They and the young man are passengers on the _King of Asia_. I
brought them ashore to give them an insight into China-as-it-really-is."

"They are in very capable hands, then, Peter. Aren't you running some
risk, though? Isn't there some chance that the men in the Jen Kee Road
place may take it into their heads----"

"I am on my word of honor, Romola. I have come back to China, not to
start trouble, but simply because--well, why are you in China?"

"Because I haven't the will to leave, perhaps. I stay here in the same
spirit that a man or a woman lingers before a dreadful oil painting,
like the shark picture of Sorolla; it is terrible, but it is
fascinating. I cannot leave. If I did, I would come back, as you come
back, time after time. Is that why you've come back?"

"Exactly."

"And you imagine you're running no risk with the two golden-haired
maids in tow?"

Peter shook his head thoughtfully. "Perhaps I shouldn't have exposed
them to danger. But they were determined, and it's partly to help the
young man. Anthony is a plain American business man. He's in love
with the youngest. And she, a hero worshipper. He wants to
demonstrate himself."

She interrupted in a whisper. "Peter, tell me, why is it? What have
you ever done? What do you say? Why--why is it?"

Peter the Brazen was looking at her blankly.

She made a gesture of resignation with her beautiful white hands.

"Well, never mind. Tell me more about Anthony."

"Anthony believes that if he can demonstrate his valor to Peggy, she
will come to his arms. He really is a fine, upstanding fellow. I had
intended bringing them to Ching Tong's place out Bubbling Wells way,
harmless enough and watched by the police of nine nations. Ching Tong,
being a friend who will put himself out for me, will play the part of a
very bad villain. Anthony's revolver is loaded with blanks. Mine
isn't, but that's just my cowardly nature. You can never tell what
might turn up, you know."

"Naturally.