“Haiyah!” interjected the maid.
“And afterward I joined my husband and this gentleman, Mr. Wei, in a reading-party.”
“Didn’t they discover your secret?”
“No.”
“Never?”
“Never.”
“That’s odd,” said the maid. “But will you tell us something about this Mr. Wei?”
Upon this, Jasmine launched out in a glowing eulogy upon her friend. She expatiated with fervour on his youth, good looks, learning, and prospects, and with such effect did she speak that Miss King, who began to take in the situation, ended by accepting cordially Jasmine’s proposal.
“And now, lady, you must stay and dine with me,” said Miss King, when the bargain was struck, “while my cousin entertains your husband in the hall.”
At this meal the beginning of a friendship was formed between the two ladies which lasted ever afterward, though it was somewhat unevenly balanced. Jasmine’s stronger nature felt compassion mingled with liking for the pretty doll-like Miss King, while the young lady entertained the profoundest admiration for her guest.