Evening star., 1936-07-12
LUH H. 1896

test that he was most interested was quite
submerged by MIR Dojoue's forceful assertion
to the same effect.
Bring me the cup, Cecile, he continued.
"One of the reasons Mr.. Constant for the
high value the ancient Chinese set upon Jade
was owing to its curious chemical properties
The exact nature of these qualities has been
disputed and even, specifically and spe-
ciously disproved But nevertheless - ah,
thank you. Cecile. There was subtle change
in the importers voice as kind of tenseness
crept into it.
Mr.. Constant looked with increased in
terest at the cup the girl held. 1t was small,
elaborately carved dish of apple e-green jade,
cup without a handle. The importer took
it reverently into his hands, looked at the
girl and said sharply as if detected: "Cecile!
You are wearing the cabochonI'
The girl drew her hand away. The Ca
bochon. thought MIR. Constant vaguely, and
then saw the shining green stone on the girls
hand. Jade. of course, gem jade of a trans
lucent green that looked as if all the green's
of the world had been brought together and
fused into that one living, breathing green
oval
Ceciles long lashes went down over her
cheek. why, yes" she said quietly. 1T
\ needed wearing"
Her brothers face flushed dark red.
1tOld you" he began. checkedhim-
self suddenly. as if biting words back.
then continued sroothly: "See that
you return it to the safe. 1t is not
prudent to wear it about when the
store is open to chance visitors"
He turned, smiling again, to MIR.
Constant. His smile was very broad
and very tOothy and reminded Mr.
Constant mOmentarily but irIesistibly
of the tiger who came back from the
ride with the lady inside.
This cup" he said, belonged to a
Chinese emperor. 1t actually detects any
foreign substance in water or tea. Nobody
knows just why many people indeed say
it is impossible, but they are wrong. shall
show you
Mr. Constant, bemused his imagination
caught and held by glimpses of far away and
ancient times and long dead emperors.
watched absently while Cecile brought water
in small silver pitcher.
Observe" said MIR. Dojoue, plain water
which I pour into the cup remains clear
and untroubled. Likewise - though you
must take my word for it - tea. But
pour into it any foreign matter =" He
held out the cup to Cecile, who from some
mysterious recess had produced box labelled
soda and who, at her brothers gesture shook
small portion of the white powder into the
cup Pour into it any foreign matter and -
look Mr.. Constant" He held the green cup
toward MIR. Constant. The liquid in the cup
Immediately bubbled and frothed efferves-
Gently.
mot very unusual" said Mr. Constant,
unimpressed Soda in water always effer-
vesces."
mot in cold water, Mr.. Constant" said
the importer suavely. TEST the temperature.
Put your fingers on the cup there"
1t was cold. Mr. Constant lifted one eye
brow bit skeptically but acknowledged it.
The importers smile widened. He nodded
confdentially, and to MIR. Constants aston
ishment lifted the cup and drank the soda
charged water at gulp and chuckled.
''Showmanship." he said in confidential
manner. Il do it at auctions; it impresses the
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