“She is a young Roumanian. I knew her in Paris, where she was learning the trade of a milliner. Oh, charming—”
“I am sure upon it. You need not dwell on that.”
“She also returned to Bucharest, until she was invited to take the management of a dressmaker’s at Pekin. We loved, monsieur; she went—and we were separated for a year. Three weeks ago she wrote to me. She was getting on over there. If I could go out to her, I would do well. We should get married without delay. She had saved something. I would soon earn as much as she had. And here I am on the road—in my turn—for China.”
“In this box?”
“What would you have, Monsieur Bombarnac?” asked Kinko, reddening. “I had only money enough to buy a packing case, a few provisions, and get myself sent off by an obliging friend. It costs a thousand francs to go from Tiflis to Pekin. But as soon as I have gained them, the company will be repaid, I assure you.”
“I believe you, Kinko, I believe you; and on your arrival at Pekin?”
“Zinca has been informed. The box will be taken to Avenue Cha-Coua, and she—”
“Will pay the carriage?”
“Yes.”
“And with pleasure, I will answer for it.”