arranged that it shall reach the right quarter. Fortunately, also, I
have an acquaintance in the Board of War who has undertaken to do all he
can in that direction, and promises an answer in a few days."

"I have brought with me," said Jasmine, "a petition prepared by my
father. What do you think about presenting it?"

"At present I believe that it would only do harm. A superabundance of
memorials is as bad as none at all. Beyond a certain point, they only
irritate officials."

"Very well," said Jasmine; "I am quite content to leave the conduct of
affairs in your hands."

"Well then," said Tu, "that being understood, I propose that you should
move your things over to this inn. There is Wei's room at your disposal,
and your constant presence here will be balm to my lonely spirit. At
the Hata Gate you are almost as remote as if you were in our study at
Mienchu."

Jasmine was at first startled by this proposal. Though she had been
constantly in the company of Tu, she had never lived under the same roof
with him, and she at once recognised that there might be difficulties in
the way of her keeping her secret if she were to be constantly under the
eyes of her friend. But she had been so long accustomed to yield to the
present circumstances, and was so confident that Fortune, which, with
some slight irregularities, had always stood her friend, would not
desert her on the present occasion, that she gave way.

"By all means," she said. "I will go back to my inn, and bring my things