give you fifteen for it."

"All right."

Ling Foo was willing to forego his usual hundred per cent. profit in order
to start the day with a sale. Then he spread out the grass linen.

Jane went into raptures over some of the designs, but in the end she shook
her head. She wanted something from Shanghai, something from Hong-Kong,
something from Yokohama. If she followed her inclination she would go
broke here and now.

"Have you any jade? Understand, I'm not buying. Just want to see some."

"No, lady; but I can bring you some this afternoon."

"I warn you, I'm not buying."

"I shall be glad to show the lady. What time shall I call?"

"Oh, about tea time."

Ling Foo reached inside his jacket and produced a string of cut-glass
beads.

"How pretty! What are they?"

"Glass."

Jane hooked the string round her neck and viewed the result in the
mirror. The sunshine, striking the facets, set fire to the beads. They
were really lovely. She took a sudden fancy to them.

"How much?"

"Four Mex." It was magnanimous of Ling Foo.

"I'll take them." They were real, anyhow. "Bring your jade at tea time and
call for Miss Norman. I can't give you any more time."

"Yes, lady."

Ling Foo bundled up his assorted merchandise and trotted away infinitely
relieved. The whole affair was off his hands. In no wise could the police
bother him now. He knew nothing; he would know nothing until he met his
honourable ancestors.

From ten until three Jane, under the guidance of Captain Dennison, stormed
the shops on the Bunds and Nanking Road; but in returning to the Astor
House she realized with dismay that she had expended the major portion of
her ammunition in this offensive. She doubted if she would have enough to
buy a kimono in Japan. It was dreadful to be poor and to have a taste for
luxury and an eye for beauty.

"Captain," she said as they sat down to tea, "I'm going to ask one more
favour."

"What is it?"

"A Chinaman is coming with some jade. If I'm alone with him I'm afraid
I'll buy something, and I really can't spend another penny in Shanghai."

"I see. Want me to shoo him off in case his persistence is too much for
you."

"Exactly. It's very nice of you."

"Greatest pleasure in the world. I wish the job was permanent--shooing 'em
away from you."

She sent him a quick sidelong glance, but he was smiling. Still, there was
something in the tone that quickened her pulse. All nonsense, of course;
both of them st