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FOREWORD 
 
 The English Notes which go to 
 make up this Chinese Class book 
 are the result of a game which the 
 President of the Woman s Anglo- 
 Chinese College of Neuchang, China, 
 induced the seven Chinese girls of 
 the graduating class to play during 
 the last six months of their College 
 course. 'The Notes were read aloud 
 in class, taken down by a steno- 
 grapher, and afterwards arranged 
 alphabetically by the Biographer as- 
 sisted by the President of the Col- 
 lege. At the request of interested 
 friends the President has now per- 
 mitted the publication of these Notes 
 exactly as they were originally pro- 
 duced, without revision, that the 
 unique atmosphere pervading them 
 might not be lost. 
 
 M 
 
fixl 
 
Irrf^i Because I drew the B I have; 
 honor to commence this 
 "Class book. For once English A comes not' 
 at* the head, for our Artist, (whoever is she ?) 
 can at the first do nothing. 
 
 It all began thus: The first of last semes- 
 ter in the English class Each, most horribly 
 read. Miss Sterling, (our Adored Teacher), 
 play with rings and shake head and say, 
 "Girls, why do you all mispronounce that 
 word, B-0-U-G-H-? It is pronounced — 
 Bow — like this. " She arise and make grand 
 Kow-Tow, "Or like this," she shake head 
 until little yellow curls all up and down dance 
 and say, "Bow-wow! Bow-wow! Bow- 
 wow!" The door open and Miss Powers, 
 (our Honored President), come in. She 
 say nothing, but LOOK! Ging Muoi giggle. 
 Miss Sterling grow all white and pink like 
 Chinese lady. Then Miss Powers speak 
 much dignified: 
 
 "We are here to teach these young ladies 
 the art of deportment; can it be 
 that you were demonstrating a 
 lesson on manners, Miss Sterling?" 
 
 Miss Sterling opens lips; no 
 sound come out and her blue eyes 
 with tears fill up. Most times so 
 timid I cannot tell or act out what 
 I most long to do, but I love Miss 1 
 Sterling. 
 
Miss Powers," I say, afraid forgetting, 
 "May I* have speech?" 
 
 Miss Powers smile with corners of mouth 
 only and say, "Yes, Bing Ding, proceed." 
 
 "You know what kind girls we are, Miss 
 Powers, of such a stupidness that we cannot 
 of the English to learn. We only are to 
 blame, not Miss Sterling," I say, then afraid 
 remember and sit down. 
 
 "It is true that our language is very diffi- 
 cult for you," say Miss Powers most gra- 
 ciously. "And in order that you may learn 
 to construct and pronounce it correctly, I 
 propose that this last semester of your Col- 
 lege course, you play a game that we may 
 call 'English Notes/ Have any of you ever 
 heard of it?" When we told her we had not 
 so heard, she smile with chin also, and hold 
 to view small package all of a whiteness. 
 
 "These are sealed envelopes," she say. 
 "Each one contains one of the first seven 
 letters of the English Alphabet: A, B, C, D, 
 E, F, G, a letter for each girl. Miss Sterling, 
 will you be kind enough to give them to the 
 young ladies?" 
 
 It seemed of a purpose that to me came 
 Miss Sterling last. Afterward, when I so 
 state privately to her, she smile all about 
 and say, "It is most fortunate that your 
 envelope contains the B, Bing Ding, for being 
 a Eurasion, you can write the English more 
 fluently than the others." But that is of] 
 
Biography unimportant, so I return to where 
 I stop. 
 
 Fuku start to open envelope, Miss Powers 
 hold out hand and say, "Wait, Fuku, and 
 I will tell you about the game. It is played 
 thus:" 
 
 "For the next five months, every Saturday 
 each girl must deposit in my office letter-box 
 an unsigned, written paper of not less than 
 two hundred English words, on a topic cor- 
 responding to the word represented by the 
 letter found in her envelope. For example: 
 A stands for the Artist of the class. B — 
 for the Biographer. C — Correspondent. D 
 — Diarist. E — Essayist. F — Folklorist. G — 
 Genius, to her goes my heartfelt sympathy/ ' 
 Miss Powers look at Miss Sterling and draw 
 down corners of mouth and take on sadness. 
 All Chinese girls grow solemnity, but Miss 
 Sterling laugh, and we know it is of Ameri- 
 can funniness, and are much relieved. 
 
 "Bing Ding will distribute this writing- 
 paper which I wish you to use in preparing 
 your articles," say Miss Powers, and again 
 hold to view a package, this time of much 
 largeness and most blue. "Six of you will 
 begin playing the game this week. A, can- 
 not play until next week; her name, alone, I 
 must know that I may send her the papers 
 to illustrate after they are typed. " 
 
 "On next Monday afternoon and on all 
 the following Mondays, I shall expect you 
 
to come to my study at Two of the clock, to 
 drink tea and play your game. That is all 
 now, Young Ladies, except that each girl 
 must keep the secret of her letter; that is 
 for her alone. Good after noon," and Miss 
 Powers disappear with much graceful car- 
 riage, of which all Chinese girls admire but 
 cannot to imitate. 
 
 Miss Powers great lady; of a tallness and 
 much commanding, with snow hair and 
 bright eyes — at times of a hardness like steel 
 — of them we have much fear. For Miss 
 Powers we have admiration greatly but our 
 love we cannot show out to her; only can we 
 show that to Miss Sterling who is of great 
 dearness, with heart of so great bigness that 
 for her we take the name of "Mother Heart." 
 Each, to her gather and wish of her that she 
 may play the new foreign game with us, but 
 she make explanation that of the letters 
 there are but seven, and soon all Chinese 
 girl go to herself alone and open her en- 
 velope. As I have before spoken, B, was 
 in mine. A Biographer I have now become. 
 I shall at once at the Dictionary of the 
 Centuries arrive and study to show forth the 
 meaning of my word. 
 
 When we went forth on the first Monday 
 afternoon to play our game and drink the 
 tea of our Honored President, the Chrysan- 
 themums were of great beauty. For many 
 
 [6] 
 
days the gardener had present pots of 
 Chrysanthemums of great choiceness, so that 
 the walks of the Compound and the steps 
 leading to Miss Powers' study were of a two 
 times border; inside part show tiny yellow 
 and white hemispheres, outside part show 
 much large yellow globes. When I behold 
 Chrysanthemums to me alone I say, "Can 
 it be English flower-book is of a rightness? 
 'That a heart to desolation is now left?' 
 Perhaps the foreign game we cannot play." 
 and I enter much afraid. 
 
 Miss Powers meet us on balcony and in- 
 vite us in and to take seat; we have hesita- 
 tion for Chinese must not at once sit down, 
 but Miss Powers command, "Be seated, it 
 is the American way." Then she wave hand 
 to tray on table and say, " Young Ladies, 
 here are your notes; I have had them put 
 into type that you may not know whose 
 notes you are reading. Go forward, Cui Ai, 
 and select one to read aloud." 
 
 We watch with carefulness Cui Ai open 
 paper and read of Folk-lore. I look about, 
 but girls' faces all most composed and to me 
 I think, "That paper is of Cui Ai's own 
 make," when I see Fuku all of a shakiness 
 and am full of doubt. 
 
 Miss Powers ask of each girl to read in 
 turn until there is but one remainder, Fuku, 
 who seems much offended that she comes at 
 the last. She take paper, open, throw on 
 
 [7] 
 
floor with great noise. First time like little 
 squeak of mouse, second time like Chinese 
 Tom-Tom, and all time kick at paper on floor 
 with much strength of purpose. We at 
 once arise and when the foot of Fuku is high 
 in air Da Hua make rescue of paper. Miss 
 Powers say, "Be seated, Young Ladies," 
 and we sit down with stillness; but Fuku 
 keep most noisy. Miss Powers sit at tele- 
 phone and by and by Dr. Ewing come and 
 try to introduce Fuku into next-door room 
 but she cry, "No, No, it is not my will to 
 go! I shall of the paper now read." Then 
 she again squeak and Tom-Tom, and Dr. 
 Ewing draw up arm and put big slap in 
 Fuku's nose centre. Fuku at once come to 
 self and say, "Where am I?" When she 
 look see us — six Chinese girls in a row sitting 
 — she put up thumbs to cover face and it 
 seem as if she would cry to death, and all 
 time she whisper, "Take me away! Take 
 me away! I belong not to the land! I am 
 of the boat people!" 
 
 We look at Each, full of dumbness. A 
 boat child! Born of a people without a 
 foundation, whom the Gods had command 
 to live all the many moons to come on the 
 water and never again upon the land! Im- 
 possible! But Miss Powers put finger to 
 lips and nod head, and we know that it is 
 of a truth that Fuku has spoken. 
 
 By and by Fuku go with Dr. Ewing and 
 
Miss Powers say one half to ownself, one 
 half to ourself, "Poor little girl," and look 
 about at Each, most earnestly. 
 
 "Young Ladies, you have much to give 
 thankfulness for," she say. "It is good to 
 be well born. I shall tell you of Fuku that 
 you may help her to overcome these unfor- 
 tunate attacks. It is as she said, she is of 
 the boats. When a little child playing on 
 the deck of her boat-home, the rope fastened 
 about her waist, parted, and she fell into the 
 water. She struck her head as she went 
 down, which I think partly accounts for these 
 attacks; when she came up, an American 
 who happened to be passing that point in a 
 sampan, caught her by her long hair and 
 tried to give her back to her parents, but 
 they said, 'Return her to the water. The 
 Water Gods have claimed her; she is theirs, 
 not ours. We will not take her back/ So 
 he brought her to me. Here she has grown 
 up and from here, God willing, she will go 
 forth into the world a noble woman!" 
 
 Then Miss Powers make a little prayer of 
 Fuku and we drink of the tea and eat of the 
 cakes of much sweetness. The clock strike 
 five times before we leave the home of our 
 Honored President. 
 
 When we arrive at her balcony a strange 
 happening come to view. The Chrysanthe- 
 mum pots were all departed. In their place 
 were our lilies of China, nodding tiny heads 
 
in greeting as we pass over the walks to our 
 dormitory. I go most quickly that I may 
 arrive at the English Flower-book, for I 
 know not the meaning of our lilies. 
 
 For five moons we play at game with great- 
 est pleasure and much gaining of English. 
 All read aloud with more understanding and 
 our Honored President say we also write 
 better. No Chinese girl know what other 
 Chinese girl have written, so we talk of 
 papers most freely and with great funniness. 
 
 One afternoon when we had complete our 
 Readings and were drinking the tea of our 
 Honored President, she say, "Do you realize, 
 Young Ladies, that we shall meet together 
 but once more, then our game is finished ?" 
 
 When we told her that we had not so 
 realized and were full of sorrow, she say, "I, 
 too, am sorry for I have enjoyed the play." 
 Then she look all about and of a suddeness 
 request — "How many girls wish to com- 
 memorate our game?" We look at Each. 
 Commemorate is an Americanism uncom- 
 mon; we not the meaning know, but Miss 
 Powers' bright eyes most kind and at once 
 we hold up hands. She nod head and say, 
 "I thought so! All of you! Each week I 
 have marked the papers which you voted 
 ' best. ' If your Biographer will select and 
 arrange them I will have them printed in 
 book form that each girl may possess a Class 
 
 [IO] 
 
book." We have haste to assure her that 
 such a possession will be most pleasureable, 
 and Eng Muoi jump on feet and say out 
 loudly, "Our Honored President must also 
 posess Class book. " Fear comes at sound of 
 voice and at once she sit down. Miss Powers 
 smile most graciously and say, "Thank you, 
 Eng Muoi,^ I would like one, but there is 
 one condition, it is necessary that I shall 
 know which girl has the B — not in her 
 bonnet," she laugh, and we join with laugh- 
 ter, for we also have knowledge of the bon- 
 net-B. 
 
 Next morning I have honor to walk from 
 Chapel with Miss Powers (our Honored 
 | President) and tell to her of my troubles. By 
 the Dictionary of the Centuries, a Biographer 
 speaks of one human in one book. How then 
 can I be a Biographer of correctness ? 
 
 "But a Class book is different," Miss 
 Powers say most polite. "It is a chronicle 
 of College life, Bing Ding." I am much 
 puzzled. On steamer days Cui Ai present 
 Miss Sterling with American newspaper and 
 say, "Here is Chronicle!" Is newspaper in 
 America all the same as book? Miss Powers 
 tell, in Class book must be something written 
 by, and about Each; also something about 
 Residence and Doings. I will therefore now 
 make picture of our Adorable College. It is 
 situate on hills of Island grown from the 
 shining bosom of river Ping. At left hand 
 
the Monastery of Dreams stands of a white- 
 ness of snow, from the tall mountain— 
 Kushan. At right hand, if eyes follow glis- 
 tening trail many Li (miles) by and by see 
 blue of ocean of an unexplainable vastness. 
 And all time — of gold with shining of Sun — 
 of silver with Moonbeams play, sleeps the 
 great, beautiful river Ping. 
 
 The seven buildings of our adorable Col- 
 lege are of a brick and stand quite at the top 
 of hill. From their feet green lawns run 
 away down to hide their greenesses in shadow 
 of wall which about the Compound en- 
 circles. This wall, of a ten-foot height, from 
 grey stone is made. At top of stones, not 
 too often, posts stand of a color like lawn, 
 and upon posts looking at sky, sits the 
 balustrade made of stone of a redness to be 
 afar. When the wistaria is full of 
 
 seen 
 
 bloom many times have I wish to sit upon 
 balustrade that I might make rain of wis- 
 taria blossoms upon Honorable Strangers 
 making entrance through door in wall, but 
 Sedia (the keeper of the gate) is of much 
 strength and bigness and I do not dare. 
 
 Today when from Chapel we arrive, on 
 breeze of morning come sound of Tom-Tom 
 from without the Compound wall. All 
 Chinese girl run down to gate. Miss Ster- 
 ling enter in and Sedia at once close gate but 
 not too quickly. In opening, I view Chinese 
 
all about box in street-centre standing. On 
 box, man; he make movement to turn face, 
 and to me alone I cry, "It is He of the Bridge 
 of the Ten Thousand Ages!" My soul is in 
 darkness and my feet have wings. I fly far 
 away. When I wish no more to fly I cannot 
 cease, but go onward. At last I fall to 
 earth and know no more. 
 
 When I awake it is in a place of strange- 
 ness — a room full of sunshine, making en- 
 trance through windows of much number. 
 The walls and carpets are of the blue of the 
 sky; the chairs, dressing-table and couch 
 upon which I lie are all of a whiteness; the 
 Mieng about me is again blue. I shut my 
 eyes in wonderment; all is of beauty extraordi- 
 nary! A hand comes to my miserable fore- 
 head and Mother Heart (Miss Sterling) give 
 of sympathy to her unhappy child. 
 
 The memory of being like Fuku— not well 
 born— smites my heart and bids my tongue 
 be still. I speak not. By and by Miss Ster- 
 ling whisper, "Why did you run away from 
 the gate, Bing Ding?" I whisper return: 
 "It was He of the Bridge of the Ten Thou- 
 sand Ages. Of his power I have greatest 
 fear. If He find, He will sell me to be a 
 slave, for to him do I owe my most miserable 
 existence." Miss Sterling's eyes flash of 
 fire and she say, "No! No! I will have 
 care. " 
 
 Comfort to my heart creeps in, and I have 
 
speech with her of the Story Teller of the 
 Streets. How, seventeen years past by, He 
 was telling tales from box as now happen, 
 and to Chinese all about standing, He say, 
 " Do good deeds ! Be of unselfishness! Have 
 of others care!" One Chinese laugh and 
 make large fun of Story Teller and say, 
 "Why, O Wise Man, dost thou not perform 
 goodnesses, thyself? Just now I pass over 
 the Bridge of the Ten Thousand Ages and 
 beside the stones of bridge I view babe of 
 new birth. Go, thou, and take of it all care. " y \ 
 To save his face the Story Teller went upon 
 the bridge and took the babe unto his arms 
 and house; but having children of much 
 number, that night when all was dark that 
 none could see, he went again upon his way 
 and with him went the babe. I could no 
 more speak. 
 
 Miss Sterling press my unworthy hand 
 and say, "I know the rest, Bing Ding. He 
 took you to an orphanage where we found 
 you and brought you here that you might be 
 educated. Have no fear; I will take care 
 of you." I cry out of joy now, so happy to 
 be of safety in Miss Sterling's heart. 
 
 Our last game is played. Next week we 
 graduate. The separation as of one family 
 is upon us. We have been most happy in 
 our Adorable College and are full of sadness 
 that Each, alone her way must go. Some 
 
 [Hi 
 
Chinese girls to be married, other Chinese 
 girls, teachers to become. I, with Mother 
 Heart to America, am going. 
 
 Times of much number have I been to the 
 study of our Honored President to make ar- 
 rangements of our Class book. With Miss 
 Powers' assistance I have honor to select of 
 the papers those that of our Adorable College 
 make pictures of clearness. That when Each, 
 goes by self, one reading in Class book will 
 bring forth memories and together we will 
 all be sitting, playing our game and drinking 
 the tea of our Honored President. When so 
 sitting, will please Each, give thought of 
 kindliness to most humble Biographer, is the 
 wish of your most unworthy 
 
 Woman s Anglo-Chinese College, 
 Neuchang, China, June 15th. 
 
 BING DING. 
 
[§M|)//Y * herj shed and Honorable 
 ^■HnA.^ Mother ; Moy Sen. 
 
 Most respectful salutations, Bing Ang. 
 
 Bing Ang. 
 
 Your lazy and careless child has much that 
 she wishes to say to you, while her heart 
 bleeds because she is separate by so many 
 miles from the most to be revered Mother. 
 
 Though so great distance divide us, yet 
 my heart is as near to you as ever; rivers and 
 mountains will hinder us from seeing one 
 another, but they can never give obstruction 
 to our mutual love and help. 
 
 By day and by night I pray for your 
 safety and I offer to heaven much incense, 
 and also foods, and my hope is that no harm 
 
 may come near to your house. 
 
 Before the rise of the sun each day I make 
 
 my worship as you have taught me, though 
 
 many of the girls in this College do not so, and 
 
 sometimes I have very great fear that the 
 
 Guis (devils) will all swallow up on this account. 
 One day Miss Sterling come 
 
 into my room and say, "It offends 
 
 me much to see so many tablets 
 
 and images here; will you not 
 
 place them away from sight at 
 
 least?" This I do at once having 
 
 greatest fear to offend and bring 
 
 upon us all great troubles though 
 
 not yet come. 
 
Miss Sterling, so beautiful, so good, so full 
 kind thoughts for every one, all girls in this 
 College say, "She too kind, too good. " 
 Already I love Miss Sterling so much my 
 heart ache to do some good thing for her. 
 
 Last night all girls in this College go take 
 walk on far hills to see set of sun in Ocean; 
 Miss Sterling walk by me and say, "Please 
 try a little to speak out your thought when 
 possible for how then can we help you to 
 better ones?" I promise to try but I always 
 so afraid, O I know I not worthy to speak out 
 my mean thoughts to great people, who all 
 so wise so clever. 
 
 For a long time Miss Sterling talk to me of 
 her home in America across the great water, 
 and she tell me many stories of how she live 
 there, how all people live, what kind, beauti- 
 ful country is America; sometimes I think I 
 see bright tears in her eyes when she so talk, 
 and then I feel sharp pain go into heart, for 
 I well know that this time Miss Sterling 
 think she like much to go to American home. 
 
 When Miss Sterling go to American home 
 I surely cry to death; many other girls in 
 the College say same thing. 
 
 Each girl in College have one duty for 
 every day, mine very nice kind, must to look 
 all about mails, what time come, what time 
 go, when Steamers close, carry mail to rooms, 
 keep care stamps and all writing materials. 
 
 All this make for me very great interest, 
 
when big mail come in, every body so much 
 excitement, every body snatch letters then 
 run away and read — read like hungry dog 
 bite bone. Miss Sterling all time get very 
 big letter, very large character on cover, 
 color blue; when big blue letter not come, O 
 then Miss Sterling too sad. One day I very 
 bold and say: "Miss Sterling you very 
 much love big blue letter?" she all smiling 
 say, "Yes truly I do love big blue letter the 
 very best of all." 
 
 This time we have very . hard work, for 
 spring time near, and much of work is to be 
 done before we to our homes may go. 
 
 One day Miss Powers say, "Perhaps we 
 are giving too much hard work just now, 
 perhaps more better we go on river have play 
 for one week." O then all College have 
 greatest joy and excitement; girls all time 
 talk, what can do, how can do. Some times 
 girls talk too late at night, Matron have much 
 hard work. When Matron say, "No more 
 of talk tonight," then all very still for little 
 while, then when Matron go far away, talk 
 begin again, and go on and on. Matron 
 have another bad trouble with girls, every 
 Chinese girl think she die if air from night 
 get into her lungs, so she go to bed and pull 
 Mieng all over head and ears so no air can 
 touch her. Today too sad thing happen, 
 Miss Sterling fall ill, cannot to class room 
 come, Dr. Ewing say cannot do work for 
 
many days, and ask Matron to send some 
 good girl to help Nurse. Matron appoint me 
 to go, I most happy to have honor, and be- 
 cause of this I can no more write at this time. 
 
 TO MY HONORABLE FAMILY, BING ANG. BING ANG. 
 YOUR MOST MISERABLE AND CONTEMPTIBLE CHILD. 
 
 Neucbangy China. 
 January 25th. 
 
 To My Honorable and Wise Mother ', Moy Sen> 
 Greetings, Bing Ang. Bing Ang. 
 
 Two Moons ago I have sorrow to tell you 
 Miss Sterling very ill. This time I have 
 great gladness to tell you she all well again 
 and we all happiness once more. 
 
 Great joy and pain have gone over our 
 heads like flocks of birds since last time I have 
 Honor to write to you. 
 
 Both day and night I watch over Miss 
 Sterling though Matron say many times I 
 must to go into air or be ill. Nothing can 
 my heart comfort but to every moment look 
 to see if some little thing I may not do to 
 relieve Miss Sterling from so great pain. 
 Every day the burnings of the fever make 
 fire in brain of our Adorable Miss Sterling 
 until she know nothing of what say or of 
 what do, this all too terrible, and make my 
 heart to bleed most so of all when she cry 
 out one name over and over again, this name 
 sound like Dick, Dick, sometimes Dear Dick, 
 then most times she try to rise up, but is too 
 
 [22] 
 
weak and so she sink back on pillows and lie 
 so still, so still, I freeze with fear she be dead, 
 
 then I creep out and cry to death, and 
 pray pray to heaven, and burn much in- 
 cense, and then creep back and bend close 
 over Miss Sterling to hear if any little waver- 
 ing breath come from lips or not, for it seem 
 to me she is surely to die. 
 
 One day very strange thing happen. Nurse 
 go out and say I am to watch all what Miss 
 Sterling do? if she call out or move to rise 
 
 1 must give to her of large bottle one portion. 
 A very long time I watch every breath, then 
 all suddenly Miss Sterling try to sit up, and 
 cry out: "Where am I, What has happened? O 
 yes I remember I am in China" — and she 
 sink back on pillows, like one little baby she 
 fall asleep, all so full of peace and so quiet 
 and still. When Nurse come back and I 
 tell her of all this, she say — "O yes the climax, 
 now Miss Sterling will surely live I think." 
 That moment such a joy, too great to bear, 
 come into my heart, I could to shout for 
 gladness, and all the other girls too glad also. 
 
 Now every day Miss Sterling one little 
 bit stronger grow, so that Miss Powers prom- 
 ise us she soon will be able to go on beautiful 
 river fete, for that day all wait with heart of 
 gladness. 
 
 BING ANG. BING ANG. 
 
 FROM YOUR DETESTABLE AND FOOLISH CHILD. 
 
 Neucbang, China. 
 March 20tb. 
 
Most Honorable and Wise Mother, Moy Sen, 
 Greetings. Bing Ang. Bing Ang. 
 
 So wonderful thing happen since last time 
 I write, my poor language can nothing show 
 out of what my heart now hold. 
 
 Have patience with my dull and stupid 
 writing while to you I give one complete 
 history. 
 
 On the fifth day of this Moon Miss Powers 
 say — "Tomorrow morning all girls in this 
 College have clothing and beds ready packed, 
 for river fete. Ten boats wait at Short 
 Bridge landing. Ten of the clock strike all 
 must be there. Each girl take one carrying 
 basket, no more." 
 
 Next day two hours before rise of sun all 
 girls run up and down make large noise and 
 excitement. 
 
 Matron and Cook make much shoutings, 
 Coolies work very hard to pack 30 food 
 baskets, 20 bags rice, 20 live chickens, 60 
 carrying baskets, 3 cot beds for teachers, 
 just outside gate 60 man and women Coolies 
 wait to carry all safely to Boat. 
 
 This time every body talk at same time, 
 most time shout, every body say Hurry! 
 Hurry! Cook, because head man, talk most 
 loudly, part time jump on table, wave long 
 bamboo stick and command all to work 
 rightly. After two hours time, yet no make 
 start. What reason ? Miss Powers come out 
 and say very sternly, "Cook, why do you not 
 
'All Day Long Very Good Water, Very Much Pleasure' 
 
 . 
 
send baskets to Boats? it is long past time." 
 Cook say "All ready" and open gates, let 
 outside Coolies come in, then sixty more 
 Coolies shout and begin to fight, because 
 every body will to carry the light loads, 
 and no body will to carry the heavy ones! 
 Again Cook climb on table and compel 
 every one to do his work rightly. 
 
 Twelve o'clock strike, all things on board 
 boats, every body happy to make start. 
 River men have much trouble to get boats 
 off because of high wind and waves against 
 Bridge. At last all started safely, every body 
 sing songs, play games, and enjoy to look 
 see all things which pass on river. 
 
 All day very good water, very much pleas- 
 ure, all night good sleep by bank of river 
 placing Miengs on floor of Boats. Next day 
 very happy till noon then come very high 
 winds, and much rough water, after long time 
 men begin loud shoutings, and take down 
 high covers from overhead. "What matter, 
 What matter?" every body cry out, all fear 
 some trouble come, boatmen say — "Now 
 come to rapids, very swift, very dangerous, 
 many bad rocks." 
 
 I well remember how many boats go to 
 pieces on such rocks, so I hide my head and 
 see nothing, only shake with fear, only can 
 hear screams, and know some boat has al- 
 ready gone on the rocks. 
 
 Now our Captain began to shout to our 
 
men the awful shout — "Buy your coffins," 
 "Buy your coffins" and I know well that 
 this means that we too will soon be on the 
 rocks. Then I could only pray to heaven 
 that we be not all drowned. 
 
 At last come one most awful crash, some 
 girls catch hold of me and cry, others make 
 most awful screamings, and because the boat 
 is fast rilling with water all try quickly to 
 climb upon the rocks, only I am left in Boat 
 at last, and am much too afraid to move. 
 Suddenly one Coolie lift me by arm and throw 
 me over on rocks with sacks of rice and bas- 
 kets of bedding. 
 
 Now we all very sure it is to die that we 
 have come on this great river, and so we wait. 
 
 Over us the sky shine in glory of sun set, 
 nothing of this do we see, only do we know 
 of cold and great fear and of wetness, and 
 pain most miserable. 
 
 Where our other Boats, where our most 
 dear Miss Sterling? We look up river and 
 down, some boats top-side, some bottom- 
 side, two boats on rocks, like our own poor 
 broken one. Now night comes swiftly, all 
 grows dark and we more and more afraid, 
 every one say — "Now we die!" "Now we 
 die!" I alone think not so, but very sorrow- 
 ful and cry in my heart, but not with my lips. 
 
 Whole heart eat out with fear that our most 
 precious Miss Sterling may already be 
 drowned, no body can to tell. 
 
 [26] 
 
After long time we hear men calling loudly, 
 one boat comes near to our rocks in darkness, 
 we could only see one little lantern like insect 
 Hash. 
 
 "Who comes near our rocks?" we say, and 
 through the black night comes Miss Ster- 
 ling's voice to us. O what joy. Quickly I 
 run to edge of rocks and hold out arms to her 
 with heart beating loudly for gladness, all 
 our miserable lives will now be saved we 
 know this of a truth. 
 
 In one breath Miss Sterling cry out "Are 
 all safe, Is no one hurt here?" and we say, 
 "No one is hurt, only all so horribly afraid, 
 so wet, and cold." 
 
 At once Miss Sterling have Coolies make 
 big fire on rocks, make all dry and warm, 
 get rice ready cooked then girls eat with long 
 hair pins for chopsticks like playing at feast 
 when children. 
 
 After long time Miengs quite dry, Miss 
 Sterling say all must try to sleep, she so like 
 Mother make all cover up warmly then no 
 cover left for herself, I see this and make 
 her take one half of my blanket and we lie 
 down so closely I can hear poor Miss Sterling 
 heart beat, O so fast and loudly, then I know 
 she have much fear, but too proud, too brave 
 to let girls know she also afraid; this all I 
 cannot bear, so I put arms about Miss Ster- 
 ling and beg her to let me be good helper to 
 her, I say " Chinese girl very strong, Ameri- 
 
can girl not so, our Chinese people very- 
 strange and make you afraid; dear Miss 
 Sterling not any one can harm you while 
 I live, believe me true." 
 
 Miss Sterling then say if any thing happen 
 to her I must to write letter to Dr. Richard 
 Newman and tell to him all what happen 
 here, and he will of me take care because I 
 her good friend. Then Miss Sterling tell 
 me all about this Friend also all about when 
 she very little girl she go live with old lady 
 called Aunt because Father and Mother 
 both die; this Aunt only go Church, nothing 
 play, nothing laugh, nothing happy look see, 
 always sad, always talk little girl some day 
 go be Missionary. By and By little girl 
 grow up, then Aunt say, "Now time come 
 go Mission field." 
 
 That same time Miss Sterling very much 
 love one man Dr. Newman he no like her go 
 Mission pigeon; What can do? That time 
 Miss Sterling break heart, but she say, No, 
 I good girl, no turn back, no break promise 
 
 I to Aunt. Dr. Newman angry to death. 
 
 | Miss Sterling nothing say, only go away 
 without good-by say. Long time Dr. New- 
 man keep anger, no write letter, now write 
 much blue letter and say all time, "Come 
 back, Come back?" 
 
 This all give Miss Sterling too much sor- 
 row, not know rest of heart, not know what 
 to do; I perish of thought about all this, and 
 
I say "I will all well do for you that you 
 may live and go back to this Doctor man that 
 you so truly love some day quite soon. " 
 
 Before Miss Sterling can reply make, we 
 hear sudden loud shoutings from all parts of 
 river, and because the light is beginning to 
 come we can a little see, and wonderful 
 things we do see, hundreds of boats come 
 near our rocks. Miss Sterling cry with joy- 
 fulness, "O these men have come to save 
 Chinese girl know these men do not 
 
 us. 
 
 save, well we know they come only to rob 
 and murder and take slaves, for these are 
 river pirates. 
 
 Now I know the time has surely come when 
 I must with life protect Miss Sterling, so I 
 cry to all people on rocks to take bamboo 
 poles and fight for lives, not one pirate must 
 come on rocks or we die. Every girl know 
 this true, and our boatmen help and fight 
 strongly; so fast do all hit at men with poles 
 that they much surprised, and after a little 
 while go away to talk and say — what do. 
 Just that time Miss Sterling look see how 
 water rise swiftly and she well know that 
 soon our rocks will be covered and we all 
 drown, so with face as white as paper she 
 go to edge of rocks and call to one of pirate 
 band and say— "I give you $20 gold if you 
 will all to land carry." He only laugh and 
 say— "$150 gold" she say "$50" he say 
 "$120" she say "#75" he say "$100" she 
 
 [29] 
 
say, "All right $100" and in one minute 
 all men begin work to carry us on shore. 
 
 Most girls very afraid and say pirates no 
 keep word, no can trust to take to shore 
 safely. 
 
 Miss Sterling and I say not so, Chinese 
 always keep word even pirates do so. 
 
 Most strange, most wonderful when we 
 land and turn back to look at rocks where we 
 spend the night we see nothing but swift 
 water running like wild horses over that place, 
 and we know that so nearly had we been 
 drowned that nothing could have us saved 
 if Miss Sterling had not been so wise, so 
 clever. 
 
 This letter is of too great longness already. 
 
 MY BING ANG TO MY HONORABLE BROTHERS AND 
 SISTERS 
 
 FROM YOUR UTTERLY CONTEMPTIBLE CHILD 
 
 Neucbangy April 5th. 
 
 Most Wise and Honorable Mother, Moy Sen, 
 Greetings. Bing Ang. Bing Ang. 
 
 After four adorable years in this most dis- 
 tinguished and advantageous College I am 
 now about to go to the home of my Mother- 
 in-law in this same village. 
 
 To go is like fire against my face. 
 
 Day and night I cease not to weep and 
 nothing can turn me about from much 
 weeping. 
 
 Miss Sterling come in to me often and say, 
 
 [30] 
 
"To marry is right and proper, my husband 
 will be very wise because he is learned man, 
 I go to live with kind, not cruel, Mother-in- 
 law, I must not longer weep and refuse food. " 
 
 Truly I try at all times to please Miss 
 Sterling, but to cease I cannot. 
 
 I with all of wonder and nothing of under- 
 standing see how with joy and song like 
 bird Miss Sterling go about the house pack- 
 ing trunks, boxes all things make ready to go 
 America side to marry with Dr. Newman; 
 truly she so happy she send out light from 
 every part, from top of head to sole of foot. 
 Miss Sterling say to me she no have fear of 
 Mother-in-law what she say, how she do, 
 how best to please Mother-in-law so as to 
 escape beatings daily or other hard punish- 
 ments. 
 
 Miss Sterling reveal to me how Dr. New- 
 man have one adorable, beautiful home al- 
 ready builded, already furnished, where they 
 two live without Mother-in-law to live with 
 them. 
 
 I very glad and astonished about these 
 things, so like beautiful, golden dream, while 
 for my own marriage I have only terror, and 
 cannot but weep all the day. 
 
 Today my betrothed came to College to 
 have speech with me, also to make plans for 
 our marriage; Miss Sterling come to fetch 
 me to see Honorable betrothed, but finding 
 my miserable eyes all swollen from many 
 
tears, contemptible nose all red, whole face 
 most ugly, she begin to bathe face with 
 Cologne and say she will not have such 
 things; she will to betrothed freely speak 
 that he must make separate home for me 
 after the American way. My heart stand 
 still with I know not what kind of fears, but 
 Miss Sterling never mind, she drag me after 
 her to Reception room, seat me before Hon- 
 orable betrothed into whose face I dare not 
 to look, and then she talk many hours to 
 show out how much better way American 
 way to make home. 
 
 I listen and tremble like awful chill. O, if 
 Honorable betrothed would only listen and 
 believe ! 
 
 At last he speak giving good assurance 
 that he will all carry out as Miss Sterling has 
 requested. Then all my heart rise up and go 
 out to Miss Sterling in blessing; when Hon- 
 orable betrothed come and stand before me 
 and make solemn promise. I in return beg 
 Honorable betrothed to pardon the con- 
 temptible selfishness of selfish me, that such' 
 unspeakable gladness come to me with this] 
 promise. 
 
 Now almost I could love him that he this) 
 thing will do for poor unworthy me. Can it 
 be that to Chinese girl also can come glad- 
 ness to marry, and can come that love sol 
 wonderful, so strange that Miss Sterling has] 
 told me of? 
 
Today beautiful gift come from Honorable 
 betrothed one messenger bring to me large 
 blue No. i Lacquer box, in box two gold and 
 jade bracelets, most fine, most rare; when I 
 try bracelets on arms all girls come look see, 
 all say — "Too excellently fine," "Too daz- 
 zlingly beautiful," "Too costly," "All same 
 high Official lady," — "All same Princess." 
 
 This give me much elevation of heart, but 
 I careful not show out what feel, only say, 
 "Gift too small, too ugly, too mean." This 
 time Miss Sterling go with me to street to 
 buy all things proper for wedding, I find in 
 it great pleasure, and all the girls most in- 
 terest to look see. 
 
 Another visit from Honorable betrothed, 
 this time I Not afraid so much and can a little 
 tell out, after Miss Sterling praise me, and 
 say now I become as American girl not too 
 timid. O these American ways very new, 
 very strange to Chinese girl but now I have 
 no more fear to marry and sit all day working 
 on beautiful red Marriage shoes and weep 
 not any more, truly this is magic, and not any 
 devil magic to make fear come. 
 
 Now on my fingers I can count the days 
 when you and my Honorable Sisters and 
 Brothers will come to my Marriage. O then 
 can speak out all things which now too 
 ignorant, too afraid to write. 
 
 At all times my prayers go up to the 
 
1st Moon — ist day. 
 
 eign to listen to me, an 
 unworthy jmember of the 
 'graduating ^cTass of the Woman's Anglo- 
 Chinese College of Neuchang, for by lot I am 
 Keeper of Diary of the class of which I have 
 before spoken, and now make statement: 
 
 Firstly — That I know not how to so do 
 and will make secret consultation among our 
 most Learned Teachers that they may give 
 unto me of their wisdom. 
 
 Lastly — That if the tongues of our Great- 
 est Ones yield me not the so great secret, 
 then will I ask of Dr. Ewing that I may look 
 upon the book in which she writeth nightly, 
 after the stars gleam forth. 
 
 Jtb day — Last night I made three journey- 
 ings — upon our Honored President (Miss 
 Powers), our Adorable Teacher (Miss Ster- 
 ling) and our Beloved Doctor (Miss Ewing). 
 After diverse conversation, that they know 
 not whereof my visit is made, I ask of each 
 Honorable Person the so great { 
 question — "Of what does a diary 
 consist?" 
 
 Our Honored President make 
 explanation, "It is a register of 
 daily happenings or duties and is 
 most useful for reference. I have 
 kept one for years." The word 
 duties she spake with stress of 
 
 [37] 
 
voice. Shall I then transcribe the College 
 hours of hair-brushing or tooth-washing? 
 
 When to Miss Sterling I make question, 
 her face become as the rosy dawn. "A 
 diary is a book of so great intimacy that the 
 writing there in is to be looked upon only by 
 the eyes of him who writes— or— perhaps — 
 one other," she make answer with slowness. 
 
 At the once knowledge of her so great 
 secret grow within me and I think, "She 
 also keepeth a diary and hath what they 
 name in America — a Lover." 
 
 To Dr. Ewing I arrive at the last. She was 
 seated within the Hospital office writing in 
 a small, black volume. Upon the outside 
 of volume was writ in large, golden letters, 
 D-I-A-R-Y and beneath, in smaller forms, 
 Alice Ewing. All these things mine eyes 
 beheld before I ask of her my question. 
 
 "A Diary — why?" she make laughter as 
 pleasant as the ripple of a tinkling brook. 
 "What do you know about Diaries, Moon- 
 flower?" Then came the Matron in so 
 great haste to beg of Dr. Ewing that she 
 come at once unto the bedside of Fuku. 
 "She hath an attack," saith the Matron 
 and was departed. 
 
 "Remain here, Moonflower, and make 
 speech with whoever come in," Dr. Ewing 
 ask of me; and I with so great gladness sit 
 down before the table upon which lieth the 
 Book of the Golden Letters. For having 
 
asked my question of all the Honorable Ones 
 and no Honorable One having answered in 
 full I make resolution to look within the 
 Book that the so great secret of success I 
 may at the once learn. 
 
 Many persons make entrance and de- 
 parture into office. It seemeth best to make 
 study of Book when none are present to 
 divert my thinkings. When FooFoo (the 
 Chow dog) and I are alone I make haste to 
 open Book. Within, the volume was writ 
 in parts. One part days of week; other part, 
 hours of day. Also the writings of Dr. 
 Ewing were of so great smallness, to translate 
 produced much troubles. Thereupon I make 
 selection of one day alone, that I may best 
 interpret the meanings of its hours. This is 
 them: 
 
 From the Diary of Dr. Ewing: 
 
 Tuesday — 
 
 8 a.m. Withdrew mole-tooth from the mouth of Eng Muoi. 
 
 9 a.m. No. i Cook's wife's sister-in-law make birth of big 
 
 boy — weight, ia knocks or pounds. 
 
 ii a.m. Transcribe letter of No to Y. M. C. A. Secretary. 
 
 12.30 Dr. WardofF came to Tiffin. He hath given me 
 
 six months to make answer to his clothes or suit. 
 
 1 p.m. Unbound feet of Luey See. Delicious operation. 
 
 Time two hours. 
 5 p.m. Took from left ear of FooFoo bamboo tree. 
 
 Upon mine ear fall the sound of approach- 
 ing feet-steps. Thereupon I at the once 
 close Book and go to look within the ear of 
 FooFoo who is full of gladsome barkings at 
 Dr. Ewing making entrance. To her, I 
 
present good-night partings and without 
 delay make arrival at Dormitory where 
 warmly wrapt in my Mieng of comfort I lie 
 in readiness for sleep, but she come not. 
 Upon her little bed in further corner my 
 room-mate, Ging Muoi, make slumberings 
 of so great audibleness I find not rest. 
 
 Again and again I make repetition of Dr. 
 Ewing's Diary unto myself. Again and 
 again Ging Muoi make whistlings through 
 noses with much warmth of expression not 
 unto herself. By and by I arise and remove 
 from closet, bamboo stick unto the bedside 
 of Ging Muoi; she awake with much sud- 
 deness and make end to whistles. At the 
 once I return within my Mieng and come to 
 so great decision — that on the morrows will 
 I nothing of duties writer — but all, of hap- 
 penings. Sleep comes to mine eyelids and 
 I dream. 
 
 2d Moon — ioth day — Upon yesterday fell 
 the birthday of our Beloved Doctor Ewing. 
 Miss Powers invite all to eat Tiffin at Faculty 
 house. At the hour of noon we move up- 
 ward upon Faculty steps, when our eyes 
 behold legs and feet, only, of man making 
 entrance upon Dr. Ewing's balcony. His 
 upper parts were enclosed within a bouquet 
 of much magnitude and his shoes were of the 
 color of clay so that he present appearance like 
 unto a single flower-pot of our gardens of the 
 Compound. We call to mind the extensive- 
 
 [40] 
 
ness of the feet and the inconsiderableness 
 of the body of the most Honorable Secretary 
 of the Y. M. C. A. and at the once make 
 recognition of him. 
 
 Miss Powers (our Honored President) 
 come out and say, " Come in and have seat. " 
 Thereupon we sit. Dr. Ewing make en- 
 trance from balcony with much redness of 
 face and we donate birthday greetings unto 
 her. A bell ring and Miss Powers say, "Let 
 us go into the dining-room." 
 
 When all seated Dr. Ewing, invited, makes 
 little prayer and the foreign feast begin, of a 
 formality not like anything we know. We 
 unfold napkins and spread them upon our 
 laps to preserve clothes clean, and eat soup 
 from the side of spoons which we push away 
 from us, watching our Honorable Teachers 
 with so great care because we know not 
 what is the polite or what is the impolite. 
 At close of feast Boy bring cups of smallness 
 filled with coffee. Miss Sterling (our Ador- 
 able Teacher) put hand over cup, we do like- 
 wise, and say: 
 
 "Before we drink of the coffee, Young 
 Ladies, I will tell you of an American birth- 
 day custom. It is called a Toast, and each 
 one drinks to it standing. I will now make 
 one to the health and longevity of Dr. 
 Ewing. " 
 
 All persons get to feet and Miss Sterling 
 hold up cup and shake yellow curls and say 
 
 [41] 
 
to Dr. Ewing with so great solemnity, "May 
 your path be strewn with roses and your 
 husband meek as Moses." We all put cups 
 to lips when man's voice come loudly from 
 doorway: "Impossible! The roses are all 
 right, but Moses would not stand a ghost of 
 a chance with Dr. Ewing." We turn as one 
 people and behold the Community Doctor 
 (Dr. Wardoff) standing in the doorway, his 
 arms also full of flowers. Our Honored 
 President grow much dignified then she re- 
 gard Dr. Ewing all of an adorable pinkiness, 
 and she sink within chair and make much 
 silent laughter. 
 
 Dr. Ewing take from Dr. Wardoff the 
 flowers he hath brought unto her and cover 
 her pinkiness of face in their blossoms of 
 fragrance. 
 
 No. i Boy make entrance with yet another 
 bouquet of flowers of so great magnificence 
 and say with much strength of voice, as he 
 present flowers unto the arms of Dr. Ewing: 
 "From the Son of the Consul." Dr. Ewing 
 drop all flowers upon floor. Dr. Wardoff 
 scowl, look see watch and say, "I must be 
 off!" making departure of quickness. We 
 Chinese girls pick up flowers and place them 
 within the arms of Dr. Ewing. 
 
 jd Moon — i$th day — This morning the 
 Chinese boys from St. Marks arrive to Confir- 
 mation at Chapel. Upon left of aisle-centre 
 they were seated, all Chines girls, on right. 
 
Eng Muoi receive Confirmation and seem 
 of so great humbleness, Cui Ai, sitting at side 
 whisper to me, " Can the change of heart of 
 Eng Muoi be of everlastingness?" I answer 
 not, being much occupied with view of Hon- 
 orable Head Master of St. Marks; a man of 
 much magnificence of person. 
 
 For the past Moon Eng Muoi hath made 
 offers of lendings, bestowing upon other 
 Chinese girls gifts of hairpins and bracelets 
 and hath been of so great meekness, unlike 
 her disposition of naturalness, that all 
 Chinese girls say, "Unto Eng Muoi hath come 
 the Goddess of Mercy." Now all know it 
 is the God of the foreigner that hath made 
 the difference. 
 
 Cui Ai displayed unto me her Beloved 
 Betrothed. A small man he seemed, seated 
 upon the bench before the Honorable Head 
 Master of Magnificence. 
 
 We descend upon Chapel-steps one side; 
 other side, descend Cui Ai's Beloved Be- 
 trothed and Honorable Head Master. 
 
 Miss Sterling say, "Cui Ai, do you wish to 
 hold speech with your Betrothed?" Cui Ai 
 and Beloved Betrothed stand all together 
 before Miss Sterling. Dr. Ewing put hand 
 upon arm of me, stop, say one — two words 
 unto Honorable Head Master. Head Master 
 speak back to her but Look at me. At the 
 once my heart knocketh with so loud beating 
 I have greatest fear that unto the ears of the 
 
Honorable Head Master will the sound there- 
 of arrive. 
 
 ftb Moon — ioth day — Today Dr. Ewing 
 send for me. When I make entrance into 
 Hospital-office Foo Foo bark welcomes and 
 Dr. Ewing say, "Sit down, Moonflower, I 
 have something to tell you." First she 
 make speech of weather, next she make 
 speech of health, last she make speech of 
 Honorable Head Master of St. Marks, Quong 
 Lee. It seemeth the Honorable Head Mas- 
 ter of Magnificence having looked upon use- 
 less me findeth my uselessness good unto his 
 sight, and hath presented Miss Powers, 
 through Dr. Ewing, an offer of marriage with 
 useless me. 
 
 "In America a suitor endeavors to learn 
 if he is acceptable to the girl whom he wishes 
 to marry before he asks her parents for her," 
 Dr. Ewing make explanation. "Quong Lee 
 is a Christian and knows of this custom so 
 he came first to me. He is a fine man and 
 would make you a good husband, Moon- 
 flower — what say you?" 
 
 Dr. Ewing sit on sofa beside me and smooth 
 hair of useless brow, and look see deep down 
 into my heart of uselessness and find there 
 what I dare not to confess. 
 
 Already, when yet a child, I was betrothed 
 to the son of the Exalted Friend of mv 
 August Father. Him I have never seen. 
 
 All these things I tell unto Dr. Ewing, 
 
and she make arrangements that on the 
 morrow I go unto the House of my Mother- 
 in-law there to abide for such a time as it 
 seemeth best, until I behold in secret the 
 face of my Betrothed — for — "You shall not 
 marry a man you have never seen; it is not 
 right," say Dr. Ewing. 
 
 4th Moon — 1 6th day — For five days have I 
 dwelt within the House of my Gifted and 
 Capable Mother-in-law who hath for useless 
 me all kindnesses and considerations. My 
 heart of guilt lieth heavy within my breast. 
 Today, in cleaning of House, I give of help 
 unto Capable Mother-in-law and in closet 
 [obtain many Idols of uselessness. Long 
 time I think so to say unto Capable Mother- 
 in-law but have much fear. When she say 
 unto me, "Hath the task of the closet come 
 to accomplishment ?" I say, "No, not so," 
 and tell to her of foreign cleanliness. "Be- 
 hold!" I say, and bring to view most filthy 
 and awful Idol, "These are dirty old Idols! 
 Let us cast them forth and clean the closet 
 rightly, " I speak on, fear forgetting. 
 
 Capable Mother-in-law nod head. I open 
 window and fear returning, throw Idols into 
 garden with great shakiness. 
 
 At noise of so loud violence Boy make ap- 
 pearance in garden walking with four legs. 
 One pair, own legs; other pair, wooden legs. 
 Upon his shoulders, also of a difference, sat 
 a head of much bigness. He upward look 
 
see. I downward look see. Horror come 
 upon my heart! Capable Mother-in-law at 
 the once close window but I have knowledge 
 that my Betrothed I have now beheld. With 
 him I can never, never to marry. Tonight 
 will I send chit (letter) to Dr. Ewing that 
 she may help me to make departure of quick- 
 ness from the House of most Gifted and 
 Capable Mother-in-law. 
 
 jtb Moon — ist day — Last week I make re- 
 turn unto College. All Honorable Teachers 
 and Chinese girls give greetings of gladness. 
 This place so dear home I make wish all time 
 here to dwell, then before mind come the 
 Magnificent person of the Honorable Head 
 Master of St. Marks and I think to change 
 wish. 
 
 I tell unto Dr. Ewing of the Deformities of 
 my Imperfect Betrothed and it seem as if 
 I cry to death. If I do not will to marry 
 with my Imperfect Betrothed, Peace of 
 Fervid Mind and Ardent Heart will dwell 
 no more within me. On the contrary, Life- 
 long Disgrace will sit by side forevermore. 
 Nevertheless I cannot to possess him for 
 husband. 
 
 This morning Dr. Ewing go unto my Aug- 
 ust Father to tell to him the useless troubles 
 of his most useless daughter. 
 
 Firstly — August Father was of so great 
 anger, his ears listened not unto Beloved 
 Doctor making to speak, but he tell with 
 
 [46 1 
 
C" 1 *""■ 5 
 
 ^2 <-h 
 
 S3 
 
 H 
 
 S5 
 
 o 
 
lengthiness and loudness of voice of meddle- 
 some persons' intrusiveness. 
 
 By and by August Father make pause to 
 catch up breath, and Dr. Ewing quick to 
 speak Deformities of Imperfect Betrothed, 
 then August Father rest tongue and lend 
 ears. 
 
 Lastly — August Father is again with so 
 great anger that his Official Friend (my Ex- 
 alted Father-in-law) hath not related unto 
 him the story of his son's misshapen members, 
 August Father give of promise unto Dr. 
 Ewing that if she can to make arrangements 
 of honorableness with Exalted Father-in-law, 
 he will not marry poor, useless me unto 
 Betrothed of Deformities. 
 
 At Tiffin arrive Community Doctor. With 
 him Dr. Ewing hold much speech on Hos- 
 pital-balcony. 
 
 From balcony went Dr. Wardoff to House 
 of Capable Mother-in-law there to make 
 visitation upon Imperfect Betrothed. 
 
 Tonight Head Boy of Community Doctor 
 bring chit. I watch with carefulness Dr. 
 Ewing making reading. She look see my 
 interest of face and say, "It will all come 
 right, Moonflower. Tomorrow afternoon we 
 hold council. Run along to bed, now." 
 I give unto her good night partings and re- 
 tire within my Mieng but sleep not. 
 
 $th Moon — 2d day — When sun glow in 
 window I arise and make entrance into gar- 
 
 [47 
 
den. It is my week to make daily providings 
 of flowers and I prepare many bouquets, one 
 of greatest importance. 
 
 That I may know of Consultation Meet- 
 ing, I ask of No. i Boy where shall repose 
 my most important bouquet. No. i Boy 
 say, "At Two of the clock, in Teakwood re- 
 ception room our Honored President hold 
 visitation of moment. Establish there the 
 bouquet of so great importance." I so do. 
 Thereupon look see all about. No person 
 present. Quick I make withdrawal of screen 
 to balcony window and go away. 
 
 At Two of the clock I stand behind screen 
 and give heed to August Father and Exalted 
 Father-in-law making greetings unto Hon- 
 orable President. Dr. Wardoff also make 
 entrance. No. I Boy produce tea and much 
 speech of so great politeness take place. 
 
 "I am the bearer of ill tidings," say Dr. 
 Wardoff unto Miss Powers. 
 
 "I am sorry," say Miss Powers. "Speak 
 on. 
 
 Dr. Wardoff tell to her he has been to 
 consult about son of his friend Wong Ging 
 (Exalted Father-in-law make most honor- 
 able bow) and that son's heart is of so great 
 enlargement that at any hour may come 
 death to friend's son. (August Father shake 
 head in sorrow deep), Miss Powers much 
 sad, much shocked, much surprised. 
 
 Dr. Wardoff say on: "Therefore Wong 
 
Ging wishes me to state that it is with great 
 sorrow he requests that the betrothal of his 
 son to the beautiful daughter of his friend 
 (Ling Ang) be now terminated. " 
 
 Mental pain and much lamentation at the 
 once come unto August Father; of so great 
 sympathies for his Exalted Friend that 
 tongue cannot to tell. 
 
 My Exalted Father-in-law partake of pain 
 and sympathies freely; with him, also, tongue 
 cannot to speak sorrow. 
 
 Destiny in face of August Father and 
 Exalted Father-in-law dwells. I behold face 
 of two from behind screen and catch at breath. 
 
 My Exalted Father-in-law make begin- 
 nings. "All things are possible to the Mighty! 
 The Powerful are ever Generous! What 
 sayeth my Mighty Friend? Will the loss of 
 my most unhappy son make strainings of his 
 Mercy?" 
 
 "It is well," my August Father make 
 answer. "Wong Ging, thou art a worthy 
 father of a most worthy son. To be Master 
 of Accidents as well as of Arts is for one 
 Noble Person of great enrichment and gain- 
 ing!" 
 
 All Honorable persons arise and with cup 
 of tea in hand take sip. 
 
 On wings of thunder come sounds of 
 bombs outside in City. I make movement. 
 Window at back fall down; screen in front 
 fold over. No person look see. All have 
 
 [49] 
 
much callings from garden. Dr. Wardoff 
 alone to me say, " Bombs mean much trouble. 
 Go quickly and bid Dr. Ewing to come at 
 once to Community Hospital." 
 
 In garden I make pause beside Boy bring- 
 ing chit. "Bad man think to kill Governor 
 of Province," say Boy. "Twenty men dead, 
 many maim on Bridge of the Ten -Thousand 
 Ages. " 
 
 Jth Moon — jd day — All of night we stay 
 outside Compound at Community Hospital. 
 Dr. Ewing grow so great tire I try to make 
 lie down. She say, "No, No," and tell of 
 one more leg to cut. Dr. Wardoff make ar- 
 rival with cutter. Dr. Ewing help; I hold 
 to sponge. Leg go off. Beloved Doctor 
 face grow all of a whiteness; body sway, I 
 try to catch but Dr. Wardoff give to me a 
 push and take unto himself the body of 
 unknowingness of Dr. Ewing. "She belong 
 to me," he say. "Bring water." I bring 
 of water and all time he say, "Darling — 
 Dearest — Love ! " 
 
 6th Moon — 1 2th day — It is night and the 
 daylight sleepeth while the Moonbeams play. 
 Fireflies make journeyings of pleasurings 
 with their so small lanterns. Only the won- 
 derful river Ping toils on in its silver bed. 
 Under my window roses of fragrance beckon 
 with heads of wisdom. Perhaps I may win 
 the favor of the Gods ! The garden is full of 
 
the whisperings of Chance! Youth is head- 
 long. I will descend. 
 
 Later — When I depart into garden I come 
 upon Dr. Ewing. By side walk Y. M. C. A. 
 Secretary. He of inconsiderableness of body 
 and extensiveness of feet. 
 
 Dr. Ewing make silent beckonings to stand 
 by side. I so do. Honorable Secretary of 
 Y. M. C. A. most cross. "Send the girl 
 away," he say, "I have not finished/ ' 
 
 "But I have," Dr. Ewing say, with so 
 great loftiness of head. "My answer will 
 always be 'No!'" 
 
 Then appear the son of the Consul and 
 depart the Honorable Secretary of the Y. M. 
 C. A. I make movement to proceed. Dr. 
 Ewing link arm in mine and put stop to 
 movement. Son of the Consul look see, 
 with little sob make laugh and say, "So 
 Moonflower remains. It's all the same! 
 You can't put me off! I will say it! I love 
 you! 
 
 All time of speech Dr. Ewing try to make 
 son of the Consul to stop. "Very, very 
 sorry," she say, but of no use. 
 
 With so great sadness the son of the Consul 
 take leavings and we make entrance into 
 Hospital. 
 
 At our approach Community Doctor arise 
 from shadow on balcony and stand forth in 
 sheet of silver moonlight. 
 
 Dr. Ewing make pause and face seem all 
 
of a whiteness in moonshine. Community 
 Doctor say, "Is it yes?" and open wide his 
 arms of bigness that Dr. Ewing may creep 
 therein. No more she beckon, "stay here," 
 no more link arm; and I make entrance into 
 office with heart of so great heaviness. 
 Strange sounds of Kissings (an American 
 custom) follow after; I put up thumbs unto 
 ears and it seem as if I would cry to death; 
 no longer Beloved Doctor hath need of poor, 
 useless me. 
 
 Next day — Dr. Ewing tell to me this 
 morning that all of arrangements are now 
 perfection. To my Betrothed of Deformi- 
 ties (that once was) hath mine August 
 Father given his Tea-House in Shanghai. 
 
 Tomorrow, to Teakwood reception room, 
 at Four of the clock, cometh Quong Lee, the 
 Honorable Head Master of Magnificence. 
 To him in my so fine silken robes will I make 
 appearance. The sun of my fortune is newly 
 arisen! The event of my life approaches! 
 It is well! 
 
M 
 
 ery day since learning thatl 
 upon me the so great honor 
 fall to become Essayist, I have secretly and 
 with great carefulness searched within the 
 libraries of each of our Honored Instructors 
 to find out what Essay is, and to gain in- 
 formation about this thing. 
 
 At last, O, so great happiness, I find in 
 Miss Powers' library one great and impor- 
 tant book called, "Essay on Man," by Hon- 
 orable Pope; also one small, unimportant 
 book called, "Studies in Prose Essays." 
 Now surely all these things I can to know 
 about Essay. 
 
 All day, all evening, and again next day, 
 I read most secretly, hiding book quickly if 
 any one come near, for no one must know of 
 these readings in Honorable Pope. 
 
 "Surely," I say, "By and by I will find 
 part easy to understand." Another day I 
 read and hide away books, yet no more can 
 to understand what Honorable Pope make 
 meaning. This time head ache, / 
 eyes ache, heart ache. Truly all 
 too sad, too sorrowful. 
 
 Next day have no heart to read 
 more, but try one little while. 
 Then, O too great joy, one part 
 not before found reveal new mean- 
 ing to me! Here all parts sepa- 
 rate with large, plain numbers- 
 
1-2-3 — like questions in great Examina- 
 tion. "Possibly," I say, "one Essay I can 
 do like book of wisdom. " The great and 
 wise book say: 
 
 "Three roads are open for further expan- 
 sion of the stimulation of the brain; for the 
 sensory nerve finds three — 
 
 ist — Other Sensory nerves. 2d — Sympa- 
 thetic nerves. 3d — Motor nerves. The 
 transference of its excitation to other sensory 
 nerves, consequently the production of an 
 accompanying sensation in the other than 
 actually stimulated parts, must be confined 
 within a narrow range." 
 
 Wonderful! I think at once to begin; can 
 surely write Essay of 1, 2, 3 parts, and then 
 some one very learned will answer questions 
 and I will all things know which for three, 
 four years make deep trouble in my heart. 
 
 O too great happiness, I will my Essay at 
 once begin. 
 
 Question I — Honorable Pope make much 
 speech of brain, what meaning I know not; 
 Chinese people oldest wisest people in whole 
 world, Chinese people know all learning is 
 put away in stomach. When men know 
 many things all people say, "He have many 
 characters in his stomach." 
 
 Foreign people say not so, they say all 
 learning put in brain, top-side head. For- 
 eigner very afraid to let sun shine on head, 
 afraid melt brain — perhaps mix characters. 
 
Dr. Ewing say, "Chinese must of Solar- 
 Plexus take good care." I not know what 
 meaning "Solar-Plexus;" yet I know Chinese 
 people of so great age so great wisdom, surely 
 all will of "Solar-Plexus" take great care. 
 
 Question II — One year ago today Miss 
 Sterling call me to room to transcribe for her 
 a letter to a dear friend in Peking, this friend 
 very fond Chinese letter. 
 
 I make beginning so — 
 
 Honorable and most learned Mme. 
 Bing Ang. Bing Ang. 
 
 "Your detestable and most contemptable 
 friend wishes to know if you have eaten full, 
 and if all of your household have eaten full, 
 and are at peace. 
 
 "Your August consideration honorably 
 vouchsafe as I have the honor to rejoice at 
 your august robustness. 
 
 Then Miss Sterling stop me and say — 
 
 "Read me what is now written." I read; 
 immediately Miss Sterling begin action like 
 one crazy — • 
 
 "Robustness! — Robustness!" she cry out. 
 " Do you not know that — Robustness — means 
 fat — a most awful insult to offer an American 
 lady?" 
 
 Now what I wish most to know is, why is 
 it that the most proper and polite Chinese 
 is the most rude and impolite thing to write 
 to an American lady? 
 
Question III — One day every body run out 
 of House because of loud angry quarrel in 
 garden between Sedia and his wife Eksaw. 
 
 Dr. Ewing come quickly and say, "So loud 
 talking must at once stop." Sedia say 
 "Very sorry, Dr. Ewing, but what can do? 
 If Eksaw want to be a man, and be boss, 
 why she no put on skirts and be a man?" 
 
 Then Dr. Ewing laugh and say: "O you 
 up-side-down people." 
 
 Why all people say Chinese make all things 
 to stand on honorable heads, make honorable 
 insides outsides, make honorable top sides 
 down sides? Truly these things I cannot to 
 understand. 
 
 Question IV — Every body know Chinese 
 people greatest inventors in whole world, 
 invent gun-powder, printing press, compass. 
 Why Chinese way not best and wisest? Why, 
 in this College, every body say must read 
 from front to back of book? Why say eye of 
 needle, when they mean nose of needle? 
 Why speak to learned person without taking 
 eye-glasses from face? Why is it best to 
 serve dessert at the end and not at the be- 
 ginning of a feast? 
 
 Dr. Ewing say one day when we go to walk 
 in country, "This road just like one cork- 
 screw," and ask of me the reason why? 
 "Very good reason," I reply. "Chinese 
 people know very well how to protect selves 
 from Gui (devils). Gui always travel in 
 
 [58] 
 
straight line, roads wind around, so Gui no 
 can catch traveler." Dr. Ewing look at me 
 long time then say, " Can it be that after so 
 long time in our great College you still be- 
 lieve such things as these?" 
 
 To this I only make reply — "Perhaps 
 when your country become same age as China, 
 you will learn how true these things are that 
 I tell you. " Then I take opportunity to 
 tell Dr. Ewing why her friend's little child so 
 very ill. Over the house in which this little 
 child now sick to death grow vines, long vines 
 that cover windows nearly up, and that hang 
 down over roof, and doors, all truly most 
 dangerous vines. Americans not know that 
 Guis can enter house most easily where vines 
 hang down over roofs and doors and windows; 
 another most dangerous thing about this 
 house is it have eaves about top side all 
 turning down also. Now Chinese people can 
 keep wicked devils out of all houses, all 
 temples, because they know to build eaves 
 to turn up, to throw devils into air, so no 
 can come into house. I say surely baby in 
 that foreign house must to die, and I feel 
 very sorry, but can to do nothing because 
 foreigner no listen to what poor ignorant 
 Chinese girl say. 
 
 I well know how with whole heart Dr. 
 Ewing love this little child, so one night I 
 creep out so still, and carry long garden 
 shears, and climb on step-ladder of window 
 
 [59] 
 
where baby so very sick, and cut away every 
 little vine where hang down over window. 
 That time very cold, very dark night make 
 me very afraid, because angry Gui may 
 come catch me protecting child, but I so 
 much love little child, will try what can do. 
 Next day Dr. Ewing say — "Dear little baby 
 much better, now will to live. " I know and 
 no other know why baby live, but I keep 
 secret down deep in heart, and feel greatest 
 happiness. 
 
 [60] 
 
)R four days past have great 
 Chinese New Year Feast 
 'been celebrated. Third day the greatest 
 day of all. Every where in land much feast- 
 ing, much of fire-work, much of congratulat- 
 ing. (Gung-hi). 
 
 Out side Compound wall, can hear soldiers 
 marching in day, can see processions march- 
 ing by night carrying lanterns and torches, 
 with much music and fire-works. 
 
 Every body greet each other and say, 
 " Seng Meng. Bing Ang. " All girls in Col- 
 lege most happy, because Honorable Teach- 
 ers say, "For one week we now turn over 
 College to students; we nothing say, nothing 
 do. Students must plan all things, arrange 
 all things, what most like to do;" every one 
 quite joyous. Second and third day have 
 great secret, we most wonderful, beautiful 
 surprise give Honorable Teachers. 
 
 With large, red paper carefully written in 
 black characters and folded into red en- 
 velope, we invite all to Chinese 
 girls' reception hall at eight o'clock 
 of third day. 
 
 Teachers much have wonder- 
 ment. Girls all too great excite- 
 ment. From village call No. i 
 Good Feast Maker; he plan all 
 things according to high official 
 style. He say, "This feast must 
 
contain all very best; twenty-eight courses 
 not enough, must have forty-two courses, 
 with many special servants and on each 
 table one Chafing dish." 
 
 All day keep doors locked many girls work 
 to trim hall make all look like one-piece 
 garden, every one so happy, faces shine like 
 flower faces, Coolies very interest, come 
 bring much Bamboo, Poinsettia, make one 
 large arch over fire-place like arch way in 
 street, then fill up over top and side with 
 Bamboo, Cryptomeria bough, and build an- 
 other archway or arbor to top of room, where 
 build high seats for Honorable Teachers 
 where sit at feast. 
 
 Many friends of girls send much beautiful 
 lanterns, some look like fish, some look like 
 bird, some like fire-balloon — all most large 
 and bright. 
 
 Coolies hang lanterns from top of green 
 arbors, then Coolies bring much big log and 
 fill stone fire-place, ready for great fire at 
 night to make room bright. Have wood fire 
 and lanterns, no other light. 
 
 To make feast ready, twenty Coolies and 
 girls work two days and nights, then great 
 night come, and eight o'clock strike. Inside 
 hall all prepare, all like one golden dream, 
 great fire blaze up Chimney. Lanterns spread 
 glow like red of sun set, all through green ar- 
 bors, and through great room. A bell sounds. 
 Ah, the Honorable Teachers have come! 
 
 [62] 
 
Girls all stand in row beside the door and 
 make low bowings as Teachers pass. Bing 
 Ding invite to seats, and when all in place, 
 girls also take seats and feast begin. 
 
 After Miss Powers say little word of bless- 
 ing servants bring in covered dishes, and 
 place on tables. 
 
 In middle of feast all suddenly begin great 
 noise outside of hall, fire-crackers and rockets 
 and Tom-Toms then all so still we very much 
 surprised and know not who come to con- 
 gratulate us. Then most wonderful, most 
 beautiful Band begin to play under window 
 and every body look at Da Hua because well 
 we know it is St. Marks College Band and 
 we know who is at the head of that Band, 
 and why it plays for our feast. Da Hua 
 dare not look up for she too knows it is for 
 her that the Head Master is bringing con- 
 gratulations thus. When the Band stops 
 playing all clap hands for more, Miss Powers 
 stand up and say, " Seng Meng. Bing Ang, 
 and many times thank you. Ke Dang." 
 Again beautiful music begin, and continue 
 all through feast. 
 
 When feast is finished we hear more large 
 fire-crackers and musicians go away. Hon- 
 orable Instructors stand and Miss Powers 
 begin to make polite thank yous and fare- 
 wells. 
 
 Then I go forward because I have the 
 Folk stories to introduce. I beg Honorable 
 
Teachers to remain a little while that we may 
 relate to them some Chinese Folk-lore of our 
 feasts and festivals, of which we have so 
 many. 
 
 Quickly, like magic, Coolies carry tables 
 and other feast furniture away, and move 
 seats to centre of room, where make one-half 
 circle before fire, Honorable Teachers in 
 centre, and girls sitting on floor all about 
 each side. 
 
 After some little explanations about stories 
 of great enchantment to all Chinese people, 
 I say to all, "Since this feast the very great- 
 est of the whole year, we make selections of 
 two other feasts for stories, and Cui Ai will 
 tell the first story." 
 
 Cui Ai at once came to centre of wide half 
 circle, and after making little bow, take seat 
 on low hassock, Miss Sterling whisper to 
 Dr. Ewing, "She look like fire-witch with 
 the great flames framing her black head, and 
 those long braids sweeping out over the floor. " 
 
 Cui Ai begin with voice much of shakiness 
 at first, after awhile grow strong, and all time 
 so clear so plain Chinese girls whisper to- 
 gether that it wonderful to speak the diffi- 
 cult foreign language so clearly. 
 
 Cui Ai's Story. 
 The Mid-Autumn Festival. 
 
 Our country has a feast every year, on the 
 fifteenth day of the eighth moon, to com- 
 
 [6 4 ] 
 
memorate King Dong Ming who invented 
 the Musical Instruments. 
 
 This is the story: 
 
 When King Dong Ming was crowned 
 King he loved a Sorcerer and promised him 
 promotion and set him above all the Princes 
 that were in the land with him. 
 
 One day the Sorcerer said to him — "I can 
 take you up into the Moon," so King Dong 
 Ming set many masons and carpenters to 
 build a very high tower for looking at the 
 Moon. 
 
 The tower was finished on the fifteenth 
 day of the eighth month, just on the night 
 that the moon was full. 
 
 That night King Dong Ming prepared a 
 feast in the tower and sent for the Sorcerer 
 to come and banquet with him. 
 
 When they had feasted they saw a ladder 
 set up on the tower, the top of which reached 
 the Moon. 
 
 King Dong Ming ascended to the Moon on 
 this great ladder. When they reached there 
 they saw many Moon Daughters all dressed 
 in shining black robes, and crowned with 
 flowers. 
 
 When the beautiful Moon Daughters saw 
 two men coming in they all stood up and 
 bowed very low before them and treated 
 them with great kindness. Every girl played 
 for them her Musical Instrument, such as the 
 Psalteries, the Cymbals, the Harp, the Or- 
 
gan, and the Tymbal, then they sang songs 
 in one grand concert. 
 
 King Dong Ming knew nothing more, until 
 he found himself in a bed in the tower. 
 
 The King was very much surprised to find 
 himself in bed, and without having come 
 down the ladder into the tower, and very 
 much surprised that the Sorcerer was not any 
 longer with him. The King remembered all 
 the songs which the girls had sung to him, and 
 also all the shapes of all the Musical Instru- 
 ments which they had played upon for him. 
 
 He sent for a skillful man and told him to 
 make all the Instruments according to all 
 that he had seen in the Moon. 
 
 Then King Dong Ming taught the people 
 the use of the Instruments. 
 
 Chinese Musical Instruments date from 
 that time. 
 
 Then the people began to imitate King 
 Dong Ming on the 15 th day of the 8 th Moon 
 by making a feast with their friends and their 
 relations every year. They expect that they 
 can see the beautiful Moon Palace, and hear 
 the music from out this Palace if they only 
 listen. 
 
 Ai Lang then took the story teller's place 
 and began the wonderful story of the 
 Winter Festival. 
 
 Our Country has a Festival three days 
 before Christmas to commemorate a family 
 meeting again. 
 
The story is as follows: 
 
 Once there was a man who wished to go a 
 long journey, so he went down to a harbor 
 and found a boat, he paid the boat hire for 
 it, and then he went down into the boat, just 
 then a mighty tempest was on the sea; the 
 boat was about to be broken and the men 
 were very much afraid; and the sailor think- 
 ing to do something against the wind fell 
 overboard and was drowned. 
 
 Then the lone man could not bear up 
 against the wind so he let the boat drive. 
 The day went by, on, on the boat sailed, but 
 no land appeared in sight. 
 
 The lone man grew sadder and sadder, he 
 neither ate or slept, but spent his time pray- 
 ing to his Gods. 
 
 One morning he saw many birds fluttering 
 around his masts, so that he knew the land 
 was near. 
 
 Two hours after this the boat floated near 
 to a great Mountain. On this Mountain 
 many beasts had their homes. When the 
 man realized this he was very much afraid, 
 and he said to himself, "If I stay in this 
 spot, in this boat I will starve soon ; and if I 
 go out and up the Mountain I will be killed 
 by the wild beasts." 
 
 In the very midst of the young man's 
 trouble and wonder who should come down 
 the Mountain but a female Monkey. This 
 Monkey was the Queen of the place; she led 
 
him to her cave and prepared a dinner for 
 him, and sat with him at meat. 
 
 After a few days the female Monkey made 
 a stately bow before him and asked him to 
 become her husband. 
 
 Then the man said to himself, "If I do not 
 consent to her she will kill me, so I shall have 
 to marry her to save my life, and perhaps 
 after a time I shall have a good chance to 
 go back to my home again." 
 
 So he promised to marry her. 
 
 On their wedding day there were many 
 little Monkeys who came to congratulate her. 
 
 After a year the Monkey bore a baby to 
 him. 
 
 When the boy was old enough his Mother 
 took him out to hunt for game, which they 
 carried home for dinner. 
 
 The man taught her to cook, so that they 
 could roast the game quite nicely. 
 
 One day the man got very homesick so he 
 went out, wishing to escape from his wife. 
 Just that time the Monkey and her son were 
 returning from their hunt. When they saw 
 him come up they were very angry and led 
 him home. 
 
 Next time she went out to hunt she left 
 the boy at home to watch his Father. 
 
 After another year the Monkey bore him 
 another son. When this second son was old 
 enough his Mother made him a bow and 
 arrow, and taught him to shoot the animals; 
 
Cliff near 
 the Monkey 
 Mother's 
 Home 
 
from that day forth she always took her 
 second son with her when she went out to 
 shoot, leaving the oldest son at home to 
 keep guard over the Father. The man al- 
 ways told this big boy about his home, and 
 the big boy talked to his little brother about 
 it, so that after a while the second boy be- 
 gan to refuse to go hunting with his Mother. 
 
 One day the man said to his sons, "If I 
 go home I can only let one of you go with 
 me," but they said "Surely we will both go 
 with you," and the man saw that they would 
 both go with him and he was much per- 
 plexed as to how he could bring it to pass. 
 
 One day soon after they saw a boat com- 
 ing toward the Mountain, so they went down 
 into it, the boat sailed away very quickly. 
 When the Monkey came home and found 
 that her husband and children were not there 
 she began to search for them. Then she saw 
 a great boat opposite her in which three men 
 were sitting, she began to call to them and 
 to cry, but the three waved their hands to 
 her from the boat and gave her a silent fare- 
 well. 
 
 After a few days the boat reached the City 
 in which the man was born. 
 
 When the man came to his home and his 
 wife saw him and the two boys, she was very 
 angry, because she thought that he had mar- 
 ried another wife. 
 
 The man told her all about all his troubles 
 
and said, "If you will look at them very 
 carefully then you will know that they are 
 come from a breed of animals." When she 
 so looked at the two boys she knew that this 
 was true, and then she made a feast for him, 
 and called in her friends and neighbors to 
 come and rejoice with them. 
 
 The two boys' Step-Mother treated them 
 very badly and always scolded them, saying, 
 "Of what good are you, sons of an animal ?" 
 But after a few years the two boys became 
 very famous Officers; and often talked about 
 what their Step-Mother had called them, and 
 after a while they went by boat to search for 
 their own Mother. 
 
 At last when they reached the Mountain 
 they saw a Monkey coming toward them with 
 full eyes; then they knew it was their Mother 
 and they wished to carry her home with 
 them, but she had grown very savage, so 
 that they could not lead her home. Then 
 they remembered that their Father had told 
 them that their Mother liked things made of 
 rice, so they made a kind of dough of rice 
 and stuck it upon the trees or grass, when the 
 Monkey saw this she was very happy and 
 began to eat the rice from the trees and grass. 
 
 The two Brothers stuck the rice upon every 
 thing as they went upon their homeward way, 
 and the Monkey came nearer and nearer to 
 get the rice balls, at length she came very 
 near to the boys' home, and they stuck the 
 
 [70] 
 
rice balls inside the court, when the Monkey 
 came in there to get the rice, the boys bolted 
 the door, and locked her in a room, and 
 gave her well cooked things to eat and treated 
 her well. 
 
 The hair on her body began to drop off, 
 and she became very tame; and the two 
 boys were very happy to get their own Mother 
 again. 
 
 The Monkey was tempted home by her 
 two sons in the winter time two days before 
 Christmas, so from that time the people 
 always make a feast with their families and 
 roll rice balls on that day each year. 
 
 When people are rolling the rice balls they 
 want the whole family present, because they 
 think that if the whole family is together to 
 make the rice balls, the whole family willi 
 have peace and prosperity throughout the 
 coming year. 
 
EJ /^JY~ eniuses are birthed not made. I 
 fmmmmmkj' Of that, the truth, I have) 
 
 confidence of the uttermost. Two posessions 1 
 must be theirs — Longevity of Hair and Bil- 
 liousness of Character. Likewise it is more 
 better than a Father or Mother Genius has' 
 made proceedings. Most best that a Grand- 
 father Genius walks in front. Then, is all 
 of most wellness and the Genius is of excel- 
 lency birthed. 
 
 No Honorable Ancestors of Geniuses have 
 walked before me. No Longevity of Hair 
 have I (since the all powerful fever raged in 
 our Province) . No Character of Billiousness, 
 the Character of me being of unimportant- 
 ness. How then can I, not having been 
 birthed with properness become into one 
 Genius on the instant? It is of uttermost 
 impossibility, albeit the American friend of 
 Miss Sterling say she teach to me many fine 
 words of American Slang most profitable in 
 works of Genius. Only can the Goddess of 
 Mercy and perhaps the Foreign { 
 God a little, lend of aid to me in 
 my extremities. To them I de- 
 sign the Poem below, of which 
 you shall have readings. To com- 
 position, Poem take with much 
 exactitude, six of hours and forty- 
 five of moments. At endings of ( 
 time, eyes ached and stomache 
 
 [75] 
 
have yearnings but Poem come out. I have 
 extensive happiness for I now have knowings 
 that, if of eats I partake of littleness, and 
 make annointments of hair that it may to 
 grow, I shall yet arrive at the business of 
 Genius. 
 
 Give unto me of the sacred power, 
 O, Goddess of Mercy, now, this hour, 
 That into a GENIUS I may flower,^ 
 Like silver dewdrops in summer shower. 
 
 Yesterday Miss Powers say in class — 
 "Some are born great, some achieve great- 
 ness and some have greatness thrust upon 
 them." Thus has the business of Genius 
 been thrust upon me and I must get busy. 
 For three days now, in searchings of library 
 of Honored President, I come upon Eng Muoi 
 also making searchings. She hide book, I 
 hide book. Today I make findings of space 
 of emptiness on book-shelf where yesterday 
 stood Honorable Pope. Eng Muoi has taken 
 him unto herself. Next where Honorable 
 Pope once was and now is not, I found book 
 of Honorable Lord Karnes, most evident 
 a Genius with knowledge of Geniuses in- 
 comparable. He says, "A Constitution ofj 
 Warmth and Inflamableness must a Genius 
 posess. Likewise a Delicacy of Taste and 
 Sedateness." Three of these Constitutions 
 have I — Warmth (of coldness I know not) 
 Inflamableness (anger comes quickly unto my 
 heart) Delicacy of Taste (is it not I who of | 
 foods make selectings for our feasts?) But, 
 
 [76] 
 
Sedateness, I have it not. Perhaps if I 
 hump me and make trackings I can to catch it. 
 
 We are making a journey, Miss Sterling, 
 Ai Lang, Bing Ding and I to the Monastery 
 of Dreams on the tall mountain Koshan. 
 From the Compound we came in early morn- 
 ing time by boat and now in sedan chairs we 
 ascend into the clouds. At each placement 
 of rest we stop. While coolies catch at 
 breath and smoke at pipe, we drink of tea 
 and watch at view. It is most wondrous. 
 Trees of a growth extraordinary. Rocks of 
 mightiness each bearing an inscription from 
 the Classics. Down side of mountain, tum- 
 bling into waterfalls over boulders of bigness 
 flows a stream of the clearness of glass. Be- 
 low, the "Happy Valley ,, stretches myriads 
 of miles away, of green in shadow and gold 
 in sunshine, all of uttermost beauty. 
 
 There are steps of stone that one may ar- 
 rive at Tea-houses higher up mountain side. 
 I beg of Miss Sterling that I may to leave 
 chair and mount up steps. All girls come 
 and we climb, making readings of rocks as 
 we go. I find great comfort in my reading — 
 "With what little wisdom is the world gov- 
 erned. " For the business of Genius makes 
 me tired and tonight I must become fresh, 
 like unto a daisy, for out of me must I cough 
 up a Poem. 
 
 We are nearing the Monastery. High in 
 
 [77] 
 
air above our heads, the bell from the Tem- 
 ple tolls. As we climb Miss Sterling tells 
 of the wicked man who tolls it. For twenty-] 
 five years he has made penance for his wicked 1 
 sins. He was doomed to toll the bell and 
 never speak; now he cannot to speak one 
 word, but tolls on. That's not dead easy. 
 I have of sorrow for that man. Tonight I 
 will to compose a Poem to him. ' 
 
 We enter the open court of the Monastery. 
 All is of great stillness and peace. Only 
 tinkling of fountain in centre of court makes 
 soundings. Beyond fountain is lake full of 
 brilliant colourings. By lake we make 
 pauses and see that colourings are red, blue, 
 green and gold fishes — most beautiful! At 
 end of lake an old man sits by stand; on 
 stand are cakes all strung on string like 
 Chinese cash. We buy of the cakes, Bing 
 Ding cut strings, and we enjoy much plea- 
 surings in fishes feeding forgetful of hours. 
 But Miss Sterling say, "The time is passing. 
 If you wish your fortunes told we must go." 
 
 We mount up stone steps and enter Tem- 
 ple of the Prophets. Bing Ding, alone, 
 makes way to Priest at altar and tells to him 
 of her desire. From his Divining Sticks he 
 makes selection of one and lays it upon the 
 altar, then opens the Taheo (Book of Great 
 Learning) and reads: 
 
 The accomplishment of thy plans rests withl 
 Heaven, The Spirits of the Earth , Sea and\ 
 
 [78] 
 
"All is or Great Stillness and Peace' 
 
[Air are propitious, "thou shalt ride jar upon 
 the Sea into Foreign Countries and return in 
 safety, "the Earth Spirit gives thee great 
 power in things political through thy marriage 
 to a high official of thy Country. Seven 
 worthy sons shall be born unto thee and thy 
 days shall be full and many. 
 
 Bing Ding was of manifest satisfaction 
 when she join us sitting on seat at back of 
 temple. 
 
 We hike on up other stone steps to the 
 Temple of the Moon. I enter with Ai 
 Lang, Miss Sterling and Bing Ding making 
 readings of Classics outside on rocks. 
 
 Unto the Priest of Temple Ai Lang tell of 
 her birth-moon, also hour and place of 
 birthment. 
 
 He answer thus: the right way leads for- 
 ward; the wrong way backward. Unto your 
 choice bring wisdom. Within four angles of 
 prominence lies your life. Leo risings Cancer 
 culminating, to your house Mars brings 
 trouble but Venus overrules. You will bear a 
 man child of exceeding greatness. Art is your 
 talent; your hands your best posessions. See 
 to it that you use them wisely. 
 
 Ai Lang give promise of wisdom and we 
 make getaway unto Miss Sterling and Bing 
 Ding. 
 
 Up yet another stone steps we mount to 
 the highest Temple of all, set like a star in 
 clouds at top of mountain— the Temple of 
 
Dreams. Inside of Temple most wonderful 
 but at entrance of uttermost darkness. One 
 step — two step I take alone (only one person 
 can make entrance at one time) then comes 
 light, soft like flush of dawn. Grows bright- 
 er, most bright, until over all things the 
 Spirit of Fire spreads its mantle of red. I 
 walk on, each step in changing light; Orange, 
 Yellow, Blue, Green and Vio'let. At last 
 I make stand at foot of rainbow before the 
 High Priest of the Temple. Strange, most 
 strange ! Last night I dream of rainbow. I 
 speak unto the Priest my dream. He make 
 interpretation as follows: The rainbow you 
 beheld in sleep is an omen of good promise. 
 Likewise the street in which you walked in fear 
 and darkness for Success crowns him who 
 works to win. 'The violets you gathered at end 
 of street were Happiness, Fame and Riches. 
 All these shall be yours if you break not the 
 string of Pearls that are entwined about your 
 neck. Should one Pearl loosen and fall into 
 space, Sorrow and Sadness shall be your por- 
 tion. Beware of Accidents unto the Pearls. 
 
 Much troubled, with hand to Pearls lest 
 Misfortune come up with me — for clasp of 
 necklace is of weakness — I make return 
 through rainbow into world outside. 
 
 "The shadows are growing," Miss Sterling 
 say. "Come, we must get down the moun- 
 tain to the boats at once!" 
 
 Tonight after we reach Compound, I cut 
 
out dinner and make annointment of hair, 
 also stir my stumps to compose Poem. 
 Time — live of hours — ten of moments. I 
 have much hunger. 
 
 He sits in the belfry tower, 
 Tolling the soft bell of Dreams. 
 Four times he rings it each hour, 
 Heaven with sound of it teems. 
 Moons long past the Spirits said: 
 "For untold Sins you must pay, 
 Morning's gold but Evening's red, 
 Your crimes must be paid each day." 
 Worn and dark is He and old. 
 On his soul his Sins have weighed. 
 Twenty-five years He has tolled, 
 Surely the price He has paid. 
 
 This morning at Ten of the clock we march 
 by two's and two's into Chapel, Honored 
 President and Teachers leading. Cui Ai 
 adorned in light blue silk following. To- 
 morrow she marries. Today, Miss Powers 
 trim Chapel and make for Cui Ai alone, 
 Graduating Exercises most scrumptious. 
 
 First come little welcome speech of our 
 Honored President then Cui Ai arise and 
 speak Essay on Faith in our beloved Neu- 
 chang dialect. Sit down, and Chinese girls 
 sing in chorus "Wings of Faith." Again 
 Cui Ai arise and speak Essay on Hope in 
 Classical Chinese. Sit down, and our Ador- 
 able Miss Sterling sing solo, "Keep on 
 Hoping. " Yet again Cui Ai arise and speak 
 Essay on Charity, this time in English. Yet 
 again sit down, and Chinese girls sing chorus 
 of "Charity." 
 
Miss Powers make speechings of presenta- 
 tions and unto Cui Ai give Diploma of Ex- 
 cellency. All is finished. 
 
 Cui Ai's Eager Betrothed, also Beauteous 
 Mother and Sisters and Brothers also much 
 beauteous Flowers make arrival upon plat- 
 form at same time. All is most merry and 
 of good fortune, and our sorrow that Cui Ai 
 is not to wait for the graduation of the class, 
 is now turned to joy fulness. 
 
 Later, we go with Cui Ai to gaze upon her 
 jewels and fine clothings. Her No. i Chest 
 of red lacquer holds many garments of fine 
 silk of soft warmth and richness. In the 
 tray, numberless bracelets, hair-pins, brooches 
 and other ornaments have place. 
 
 No. i Chest, also of red lacquer, contain 
 clothing more ordinary and household linens 
 most plenteous. 
 
 All the time Cui Ai showing Chests, not 
 down in the mouth but having smilings. 
 
 By and by I say, "Why do you look happy, 
 CuiAi? Why do you not make cry ings? It 
 is our custom." 
 
 Cui Ai make response: "Because of our 
 dear Miss Sterling. She say it is of utter- 
 most foolishness to make marriage and cry- 
 ings at same time. It is not the American 
 way to so do. American lady make first 
 marriage, no cryings, sometimes later make 
 cryings, but not always. Also I have great 
 and copious joys for in my house of littleness 
 
I am to live unto myself and husband alone, 
 not with Able Mother-in-law. " 
 
 We wonder at the manifold good fortune 
 of Cui Ai. It is not to believe that she live 
 not in house of Able Mother-in-law. I have 
 much doubtings. 
 
 I return unto my room and will to compose 
 Poem on — "What is House without Mother- 
 in-law?" hut Poem no come out. I am 
 floored with completeness. Six bells ring 
 but I go not. Again I make annointment of 
 hair and cut out dinner. I find book of rhyme- 
 words and choose this list — "Air-fare, Where- 
 wear, Prayer-ensnare. " At the once I become 
 up to snuff and Poem come unto me of so great 
 quickness I have double joyings: Firstly, 
 that Poem is of everlastingness of length; 
 lastly, that with my rhyme-book, I can now 
 become on to the job of Genius. Poem take 
 of time, three of hours; of moments, four. I 
 give of name unto Poem: 
 
 "THE THREE GRACES." 
 
 Long New Moons ago, Three Graces most fair, 
 Dwelt under one roof. And combing long hair, 
 Made wishes to ride in Red Wedding Chair, 
 Enwrapted in Red Veil; and Wedding Dress wear. 
 
 Most ancient was Faith, with belief that by prayer 
 A Husband would come, appearing in air. 
 Sun- time and Moon-time she'd pray, then declare: 
 "He'll be here tonight; our roof-tree to share." 
 
 Miss Hope was a Grace without any care, 
 Hoping a Husband to her would repair; 
 Her thinks troubled not. She hoped he'd be there, 
 But how he would come was not her affair. 
 
Charity said: "Each our part we must bear, 
 If we are to Marry. Men quickly scare. 
 We must decide on the Time, Who and Where. 
 Get up and get busy; Each, Do and Dare." 
 
 Each Grace went her way a riding her mare. 
 
 Hope rode on Hopings. Miss Faith rode her Prayer. 
 
 Still they ride on and at Charity glare; 
 
 Her Wedding took place 'mid trumpetings blare. 
 
 The Moral is plain and not at all rare. 
 Just praying and hoping failed for that pair. 
 Be Up and Be Doing. Yourself never spare, 
 If ever a Husband you wish to ensnare. 
 
 With the shining of the Sun while yet the 
 Moon has not gone to sleep, we six Chinese 
 girls of the graduating class to which Cui Ai 
 once belonged and now belongs not, come 
 unto her room to adorn her for her marriage. 
 
 We have friendly quarrellings over the red 
 slippers of so great smallness, which she has 
 made herself — as to who shall place them on 
 her tiny feet — also we snatch at hair-pins and 
 bracelets, to be No. i aid at dressings. 
 
 Cui Ai pays scanty heed to the admonitions 
 which her paid attendant is all time speech- 
 ing unto her, but is full of cheerfulness at 
 which we havemuchmarvelings. At last, atten- 
 dant place red wedding-veil on head and we 
 fasten many brooches upon red wedding-gown. 
 Over the bride's small hands Bing Ding slips 
 jade bracelets and all is in placement. 
 
 The Mistress of Ceremonies (Miss Powers) 
 enters and taking Cui Ai by hand, leads her 
 into garden; we follow at distance of most 
 respectfulness. Down the path they walk, 
 
past the wonderful red chair all of one blos- 
 som, even the poles covered with vines and 
 flowers, and up the Chapel steps. 
 
 Inside Chapel, Miss Powers lead Cui Ai 
 to altar where wait Groom and Minister, 
 while Miss Sterling all time play Wedding 
 March of Honorable Mendelssohn. 
 
 Outside Chapel, Chinese band play and 
 friends fire crackers with so great noisesome- 
 ness that we can but hear Minister's word 
 like whisperings. Whisperings cease, and 
 Bride and Groom make proceedings down 
 aisle side by side; Miss Powers at back, while 
 Miss Sterling play Wedding March from 
 Honorable Lohengrin. 
 
 Chinese crackers increase in noisesome- 
 ness. .Groom puts Bride in her chair of 
 beauty and takes his own chair of plainness 
 behind her. 
 
 The Wedding Procession proceeds. At 
 head comes Bride with her red lacquer 
 Chests, Boxes, Bath-tubs and Household 
 utensils, each borne on poles by Coolies. 
 Following these are hanging shelves, one 
 upon the other, all suspended by poles car- 
 ried by four bearers, each shelf containing 
 some sweet or cakes. The lantern bearers 
 with lanterns of uttermost gorgeousness 
 come next, then follow the Groom's chair 
 and his men friends. Also many pyramids 
 of beauteous flowers. Of a truth Cui Ai's 
 Procession of Marriage is most magnificent. 
 
To the house of newness and littleness all 
 in the Procession march on, but we go not 
 until the evening of the sixth day. 
 
 When Procession make arrival at house of 
 Groom, men friends enter in and servants at 
 the once begin to pass foods. Upon each 
 tray must friends place coins wrapped in red 
 paper, for this is a custom that all men must 
 observe. 
 
 All evening must Bride and Groom enter- 
 tain guests; this time Cui Ai make intro- 
 duction of so great foreign entertainments 
 men cannot to make fun of poor, little Bride 
 as before. 
 
 After I look see Marriage Procession I re- 
 turn unto my room and try to compose Poem 
 of Wedding, but no Poem come out. One 
 hour — Two hour — Three hour — then I crawl 
 into my Mieng, a blooming idiot, for unto 
 me has Poem given the go-by. 
 
 Three days later Cui Ai make return unto 
 College. With her comes her husband of 
 newness; to them our Honored President give 
 of feast. All graduating Class present. Cui Ai 
 possess looks of happiness; husband possess 
 looks of uncomfortableness. American friend 
 of Miss Sterling say, "Gloomy Gus!" Miss 
 Sterling laugh and say, "Oh, no, just too 
 many ladies present. " I think I care not 
 for Gloomy Gus husband; too much troubles. 
 
 At feast I partake little of eats. At the 
 once I get a move on and safe within my 
 
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room make yet again annointments of hair 
 that I may to compose Poem. Time, two 
 of hours. One of moments. 
 
 As a Genius I am but a jest, 
 
 As a Poet, not one of the best, 
 
 For from North, South, the East and the West, 
 
 All agree that they wish I would rest. 
 
 Tonight have I become a Genius-Poet for 
 finality, for tomorrow we graduate. There- 
 fore will all Friendly Ones in reading of these 
 pages have rememberings of that of which I 
 before make statement — "That the business 
 of Genius has been thrust upon me, who have 
 no Ancestors of Geniuses — no Longevity of. 
 Hair — no Billiousness of Character" — and 
 excusings give unto me, a made — alas — not 
 birthed GENIUS. 
 
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