"No; not until I get a job." Quin's jaw was set as firmly as hers, and
their eyes measured each other's with equal determination.
"Well, then I'll give you a job," she announced with sudden decision.
"I'll send you to China."
"To China?"
"Yes. Bartlett & Bangs has just opened a branch house in Shanghai. They
are looking for a man to take charge of it. Your knowledge of the
language would make up for your lack of experience. Besides, the sea
voyage will do you good."
"Do you mean it?" cried Quinn eagerly. "Would Mr. Bangs agree?"
"Geoffrey Bangs would take you back at the factory to-morrow. But I don't
want you there, under him. I want to turn you loose on China. It's the
only place I know that's big enough to exhaust your energies. You will
probably have the entire country plowing up its ancestors before spring."
"And what about you?" said Quin, turning eagerly to Eleanor. "Would you
go with me?"
"_Will_ I?" said Eleanor, her eyes dancing.
* * *
That night, when Miss Isobel was tucking Madam into bed, she made bold to
ask her how she happened to give her consent to the wedding.
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