Hanging Waters by Keith West

EXCEPT that his sleep had been somewhat disturbed by sounds of laughter, music, and similar noises from adjacent rooms, Ming So had passed a comfortable night. In the light of the dawn he looked round him at the little room, taking stock. But no sooner had he begun to reflect on "The Happy Heart" and its occupants than instantly he remembered the predicament of his uncle, and the necessity for action on the part of that deplorable woman, his aunt. She had promised to send for him yesterday to discuss what might be done about the ransom, and here was the next morning.

He sprang to his feet and put on his outer clothing. Outside the door, in the passage, the small servant-girl was sweeping up an assortment of empty cigarette packets and the husks of melon-seeds.