Mrs. Meidema could not help casting an eye upon the seductive parcel but—she hesitated.
“Come, come, pray select a sample for yourself, madam,” said the Chinaman with a supplicating look.
“But—babah—” she began, “I have never heard of gifts offered at Chinese weddings. I know they are customary at the New Year.”
“Yes, yes njonja, you are quite right, on that occasion we offer gifts all round to all our acquaintances; but at a wedding we only do so to our old friends, and—I take the liberty of reckoning the Assistant Resident among my very good friends.”
“Yes, but babah, you know Mr. Meidema, do you not?”
“Surely the njonja would not refuse my poor little present,” interrupted the Chinaman.
“Oh, mother, dear!” whispered Gesina beseechingly.
“No, babah, I will not downright refuse; but before coming to any decision or making any choice, I must have a talk to my husband.”
“Of course, of course,” hastily said Lim Yang Bing, “that is nothing more than right and proper. It makes matters, in fact, easier for me, as perhaps, madam, you would not mind to intercede for me with the Assistant Resident.”
“Intercede for you, babah!” cried Mrs. Meidema now thoroughly surprised. “You know that my intercession has but very little influence with my husband.”