“I don’t believe it.”
“I do,” Sên persisted. “And why not? It is an Oriental faith—as every great faith has been and is—from Zoroastrianism to Christian Science—Spiritualism thrown in, if you like, and the faith of the Friends.”
“Admitted. Well, I won’t pretend to think that religious difference is the principal bar. But tell me this, Sên: had your mother been living, would you have asked my cousin to be your wife?”
“No,” the other answered promptly. “I would not hurt my mother or deceive her.”
“Would you take an English wife to China?”
“No—I’ve thought that out, and I would not—not yet at least. The time is not ripe—but it’s coming.”
“I doubt it.”
“I intended to live my life out in China. Even the other day, I asked her if she would let me take her there.”
“You needn’t tell me what she answered. I know.”
“Of course.”