"I am going to the school," he answered slowly.

"Then let me drive you there. Send me up the Mandarin's coat, Mhtoon
Pah, and I will haggle another day."

Heath followed her reluctantly down the steps. He wished she had not
made a point of taking him in her motor, but he felt instinctively sorry
for her, which fact, had she known it, would have surprised and
affronted her.

"Will you come and dine with us one night?" she asked, looking at him
with her fine eyes; "it would give us great pleasure, and I do not think
you have met my husband."

"I rarely do dine out," said Heath, staring before him as the car backed
round in the limited space of Paradise Street.

"Then make this an exception. I won't ask you to a function, just a
quiet little family party."

"You are very kind."

He was still abstracted, and hardly seemed to hear her, and, when he got
out and shut the door, she leaned from the window, smiling like weary
royalty.

"I will write and arrange an evening later on. It is a promise, Mr.
Heath."