Madam Slender Li ordered the serving-maid to offer the squire a cup of tea, meanwhile standing at a side door and exposing slightly her shy beauty.
She murmured politely: “Do sit down a moment, sir. My husband has just gone out about some matter and will be back presently. Today he has invited you to a party over at that place. When you see him, please do persuade him to come back home early.”
THE SQUIRE said: “What you say is right. His home is the most important. Now that you have asked me, I shall certainly see him there and back.”
Hardly had he finished speaking when Mr. Flowers returned, and his wife withdrew into the inner apartments. He saw the squire ready for the party and said: “I’m very sorry for being so rude in not being here to receive you when you favored me by accepting my invitation. The fact is that I had a little matter to attend to. It’s her birthday party that Miss Silver Wu is holding, so I thought you might like to go along with me.”
The squire exclaimed: “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” There and then he ordered Tortoise to hurry home and fetch five pieces of silver, wrapping them in red paper.
TORTOISE was soon back with the money, and they set out on their horses for Mother Wu’s establishment in Chu-elan Back Lane to celebrate Miss Silver’s birthday.
When they reached the place there was song, dance, and music of pipes and lute. They drank into the first watch, about nine in the evening.
Squire Hsi-Men purposely plied Mr. Flowers with drink till he was quite intoxicated, after which he accompanied him home. The serving-boy who was with them yelled for the front door to be opened, and Madam Slender Li came out with a serving-maid holding candle lamps. They helped Mr. Flowers into the house.
The squire explained matters, and Madam Slender Li came back out with him after his mission had been completed to thank him.
THE SQUIRE hastened to bow in return to her salute. He said: “I dared not but engrave your instructions deeply on my mind, so when he was detained by the people at the Wu establishment, I compelled him to get up. He wanted to visit Miss Love Perfume in the Cheng establishment. He kept insisting on going there and I had to frustrate his intention several times before I could get him to come back with me. Had I not done so and had he entered the Cheng establishment, it would have meant his being away the whole night. What a foolish person! And you are so young to be his wife. Spending a whole night out isn’t right.”
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