Page:Mr. Wu (IA mrwumilnlouisejo00milniala).pdf/283

 creature, but so lovable—does not know you are here. You have not the remotest hope of seeing him—or you would not have told me! You would have temporized—delayed—said nothing."

"He does know!" she stormed. "He may be here at any moment! And if he is not admitted he will batter your gates and doors down!"

The mandarin laughed softly and shook his head at her indulgently.

"You scoundrel!" she told him, infuriated.

"Oh! I forgive your trying to deceive me, Mrs. Gregory," Wu said calmly; "it is only natural. Oh! that window," he added, in answer to an involuntary look toward it. "Yes, it leads out on to the courtyard where your devoted servant is waiting; but the architect has placed it so very high, and has made it so very small. Now"—he made her a little bow—"I will leave you, but not for long." And he passed through the unlocked door and closed it behind him very gently.