"It's a present," said Rupert thrusting the tie into the pocket of his over coat. "I should think it would match your friend's dress."
"Hush," said Tidman quietly, "he speaks English. He will hear," then he added aloud. "Let me introduce you to Mr. Ainsleigh, Tung-yu."
The Chinaman turned and looked impassive enough. But his eyes had an enquiring look in their black depths. "Tung-yu and I met in Canton, where we had an adventure," said the Major, with a titter.
"About that famous fan?" asked Rupert smiling.
Tung-yu started and looked quickly at Tidman, who was again pale. "I don't remember about the fan," said Tung-yu, "did our friend find it in Canton."
"No! No I never did," said Tidman hurriedly,--"that is Forge found the fan--"
"And gave it to Miss Wharf. Quite so," replied Tung-yu blandly. "I see her to-morrow about the matter," then he bowed to Rupert and moved away slowly.
"I thought you had a bad cold," said Rupert to Tidman, who was looking after the Chinaman with a scared expression.
"Yes--yes--but that is better now," said the Major hurriedly, "so Miss Wharf is here, and has the fan?"
"Yes, she offered to give it to me if I surrendered Olivia."