“That temple you visited!” It was her turn to lean far forward. “That is more than a temple. It is a place of business, a chamber of commerce and the meeting place of the most powerful secret society the Chinese people have ever known, the Hop Sing Tong.”
“And that meeting, the magic curtain—” Jeanne’s eyes went wide.
“That was beyond doubt a secret meeting of the Tong. You came uninvited. Because of the darkness you escaped. You may thank Providence for that! But never, never do that again!”
“Then,” Jeanne’s tone was full of regret, “then I may never see the magic curtain again.”
“O, I wouldn’t say that.” The little lady smiled blandly. “Seeing the magic curtain and attending the meeting of a secret society are two different matters. The Chinese people are very kind to me. Some of the richest Chinese merchants—”
“Oh! Do you think you could arrange it? Do you think I might see it, two or three friends and I?”
“It might be arranged.”
“Will you try?”
“I will do my best.”
“And if it can be, will you let me know?” Jeanne rose to go.