Part 8 (2/2)
”Once you told me you were the son of a j.a.panese gentleman, doctor.
Don't forget it now.”
”Never, Alice! Never! I intend that you shall marry me. A man could not act otherwise than as a gentleman towards a woman whom he hopes to make his wife.”
”Well spoken,” said Alice, with a sigh. ”Do these men understand English?” she added, trying to speak in her ordinary tone.
”Not a word.”
”And the chauffeur?”
”Is a French-Canadian; but he can't hear. Did Old King Brady get that boat load of opium?”
”Yes. Are you interested in it?”
”I am.”
”Did you go to China?”
”Certainly; I have made two trips to China since I last saw you.”
”What is it about this unfortunate Chinese woman in the box?”
”That's a private matter. Were you my wife, as you soon will be, you should know. As it is, I can't tell you--at least not yet.”
”I am afraid she is dead, doctor.”
”Not the least danger, Alice.”
She did not correct this familiar form of speech.
”Were you speaking to her in Chinese?” he asked.
”Yes.”
”What did she tell you?”
”Nothing except that she was the Princess Skeep Hup.”
”That is so.”
”Why have you captured her?”
”It is not my business. It was done for another.”
”And you are taking her to Chinatown?”
”Yes; that is where we are going.”
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