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THE SIAMESE CAT

figures of men and elephants, in a maze of lotus-leaves.

"Lao work, from a bracelet," he explained. "It makes a rather good collar, and I had Sin Cheong's man put on 'Chao Phya,' while I waited."

Mrs. Holborow was drawing on the dignity of an employer:

"Why, Mr. Borkman," she began, "you know we can hardly.…"

"We can hardly thank you enough," cut in Laura, with a dangerous glance at her aunt. "It's beautiful work, and—and a great surprise. See, it fits His Highness as if made for him!"

The paternal Borkman beamed on her as she thanked him once more.

"Almost as well," he agreed. "And now if you wish to see that Wat of the Lotuses, it's time we were going."

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