Page:Mr. Wu (IA mrwumilnlouisejo00milniala).pdf/215

 CHAPTER XXIX

""

"Quite right," Wu Li Chang said cordially. "This is—or was—your son's property. My servants found it in my garden, after your son had left there. I intended to give myself pleasure of returning it to you in person"—that was perfectly true—"although I hardly anticipated doing so in so—humorous a manner. Now kindly ring your bell"—his voice stiffened suddenly, still low and easy; it had a new percussive note, and the words came quicker. "When it is answered, merely say to whomever enters, 'Pray desire Mrs. Gregory to step this way.' Do nothing more, say nothing more. Because"—the voice grew beautifully soft again—"if you should draw attention to this, or anything of that kind, my hand might tremble so much with fear that it might go off, and that would be too ridiculous, with one of your own cartridges! Please ring."

At the mention of his wife—by Wu—Robert Gregory drew himself up stiffly. "What do you want with Mrs. Gregory?"

"I might merely wish to show her how foolish her husband has been in trying to bully and intimidate me instead of dealing with me reasonably. But also I have a message I have promised my daughter to deliver for her to your wife. Chancing to see Mrs. Gregory here reminds me of it, and it will be more convenient to me to deliver it here than to call at your hotel"—Gregory's eyes blazed—"and possibly as agreeable to the lady.