“And I think the monopoly for the next three years will be granted some time this month?”
“Yes, njonja.”
“Do you intend to bid for it, babah?”
“I think so, njonja.”
“Yes, njonja! no, njonja! I think so, njonja!” cried Laurentia mimicking the poor Chinaman most comically, “But, hush, someone is listening—What do you say is the meaning of those words on the lanterns, babah?”
The last question she asked in her ordinary tone of voice, with that light-hearted giggle which was peculiar to the handsome woman.
“Those letters mean: ‘We pray for happiness and prosperity.’ ”
“Thank you, and on that one yonder?”
“The word on that one signifies: ‘Lantern of Heaven?’ ”
Thus talking they had walked away out of ear-shot.