"but my 'stupid thorn' [wife] is in the adjoining hostelry, and would be
most happy to explain fully to Miss King Wen's entire inability to play
the part of a husband to her."

"If your honourable consort would meet my cousin, she, I am sure, will
be glad to talk the matter over with her."

With Tu's permission, Miss King's maid was sent to the inn to invite
Jasmine to call on her mistress. The maid, who was the same who had
acted as Miss King's messenger on the former occasion, glanced long and
earnestly at Jasmine. Her features were familiar to her, but she could
not associate them with any lady of her acquaintance. As she conducted
her to Miss King's apartments, she watched her stealthily, and became
more and more puzzled by her appearance. Miss King received her with
civility, and after exchanging wishes that each might be granted ten
thousand blessings, Jasmine said, smiling:

"Do you recognise Mr. Wen?"

Miss King looked at her, and seeing in her a likeness to her beloved,
said:

"What relation are you to him, lady?"

"I am his very self!" said Jasmine.

Miss King opened her eyes wide at this startling announcement, and gazed
earnestly at her.

"_Haiyah!_" cried her maid, clapping her hands, "I thought there was