added in an undertone. "Must those people amuse themselves again by
poking fun at me?"

After this response, Pao-yue speedily let her go.

Lin Tai-yue with hurried step withdrew behind the bed; and no sooner had
she issued into the back-court, than lady Feng made her appearance in
the room by the front entrance.

"Are you better?" she asked Pao-yue. "If you fancy anything to eat, mind
you send some one over to my place to fetch it for you."

Thereupon Mrs. Hsueeh also came to pay him a visit. Shortly after, a
messenger likewise arrived from old lady Chia (to inquire after him).

When the time came to prepare the lights, Pao-yue had a couple of
mouthfuls of soup to eat, but he felt so drowsy and heavy that he fell
asleep.

Presently, Chou Jui's wife, Wu Hsin-teng's wife and Cheng Hao-shih's
wife, all of whom were old dames who frequently went to and fro, heard
that Pao-yue had been flogged and they too hurried into his quarters.

Hsi Jen promptly went out to greet them. "Aunts," she whispered,
smiling, "you've come a little too late; Master Secundus is sleeping."
Saying this, she led them into the room on the opposite side, and,
pressing then to sit down, she poured them some tea.

After sitting perfectly still for a time, "When Master Secundus awakes"
the dames observed, "do send us word!"