The Chinese Parrot (Charlie Chan Detective Series) — page 385: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

= —— precious freedom of mine seems a rather stale joke. She realizes that I'll never give up—that I intend to take her away from the desert—but she thought I wouldn't mention it if you were along.” "IT begin to feel like skeleton at feast,” remarked Chan. "Cheer up—you certainly don't feel like that to me," Eden assured him. "Yes, she thought I'd fail to speak of the matter—but we'll fool her. I'll speak of it anyhow. Charlie, I love this girl." "Natural you do," agreed Chan. "T intend to marry her." "Imminently fitting purpose," assented Chan. "But she has said no word." Paula Wendell laughed. "Marriage," she said. "The last resort of feeble minds. I'm having a great time, thanks. I love my freedom. I mean to hang on to it." "Sorry to hear that," said Chan. "Permit me if I speak a few words in favor of married state. I am one who knows. Where is the better place than a new home? Truly an earthly paradise where cares vanish, where the heavenly melody of wife's voice vibrates everything in a strange symphony." "Sounds pretty good to me," remarked Eden. 385 comiicboeoe S CO