yet gone, so you may, by coming over, get another sunstroke. Of course,
I've had a thrashing but I don't feel any pains or aches. If I behave in
this fashion, it's all put on to work upon their credulity, so that they
may go and spread the reports outside in such a way as to reach my
father's ear. Really it's all sham; so you mustn't treat it as a fact!"

Though Lin Tai-yue was not giving way at the time to any wails or loud
sobs, yet the more she indulged in those suppressed plaints of hers, the
worse she felt her breath get choked and her throat obstructed; so that
when Pao-yue's assurances fell on her ear, she could not express a single
sentiment, though she treasured thousands in her mind. It was only after
a long pause that she at last could observe, with agitated voice: "You
must after this turn over a new leaf."

At these words, Pao-yue heaved a deep sigh. "Compose your mind," he
urged. "Don't speak to me like this; for I am quite prepared to even lay
down my life for all those persons!"

But scarcely had he concluded this remark than some one outside the
court was heard to say: "Our lady Secunda has arrived."

Lin Tai-yue readily concluded that it was lady Feng coming, so springing
to her feet at once, "I'm off," she said; "out by the back-court. I'll
look you up again by and bye."

"This is indeed strange!" exclaimed Pao-yue as he laid hold of her and
tried to detain her. "How is it that you've deliberately started living
in fear and trembling of her!"

Lin Tai-yue grew impatient and stamped her feet. "Look at my eyes!" she