"Did you go to China?"
"Certainly; I have made two trips to China since I last saw you."
"What is it about this unfortunate Chinese woman in the box?"
"That's a private matter. Were you my wife, as you soon will be, you should know. As it is, I can't tell you—at least not yet."
"I am afraid she is dead, doctor."
"Not the least danger, Alice."
She did not correct this familiar form of speech.
"Were you speaking to her in Chinese?" he asked.
"Yes."
"What did she tell you?"