implements I happened to have at hand, Miss Kenton was evidently still outside.

Resolved not to waste further time on account of this childish affair, I

contemplated departure via the french windows. A drawback to this plan was the

weather - that is to say, several large puddles and patches of mud were in

evidence - and the fact that one would need to return to the billiard room again

at some point to bolt the french windows from the inside. Eventually, then, I

decided the best strategy would be simply to stride out of the room very

suddenly at a furious pace. I thus made my way as quietly as possible to a

position from which I could execute such a march, and clutching my implements

firmly about me, succeeded in propelling myself through the doorway and several

paces down the corridor before a somewhat astonished Miss Kenton could recover

her wits. This she did, however, rather rapidly and the next moment I found she

had overtaken me and was standing before me, effectively barring my way.

 

"Mr Stevens, that is the incorrect Chinaman, would you not agree?"

 

"Miss Kenton, I am very busy. I am surprised you have nothing better to do than

stand in corridors all day."

 

"Mr Stevens, is that the correct Chinaman or is it not?"

 

"Miss Kenton, I would ask you to keep your voice down."

 

"And I would ask you, Mr Stevens, to turn around and look at that Chinaman."