This eBook was produced by David Schwan <davidsch@earthlink.net>. Seven Maids of Far Cathay Being English Notes From A Chinese Class Book Compiled By Bing Ding Illustrated By Ai Lang The custom of Americanism having been related unto me - "That one book shall take unto self one dedication" - I have honor to make speeches of presentation unto N-B-E, a Grandmother Genius of Geniuses. 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 stenographer, and afterwards arranged alphabetically by the Biographer assisted by the President of the College. At the request of interested friends the President has now permitted the publication of these Notes exactly as they were originally produced, without revision, that the unique atmosphere pervading them might not be lost. Contents Foreword Biographer Correspondent Diarist Essayist Folklorist Genius Illustrations "I Will Therefore Now Make Picture or Our Adorable College" (Frontispiece) "It Was He of the Bridge of the Ten Thousand Ages" "All Day Long Very Good Water, Very Much Pleasure" "I Find Many Idols of Uselessness" "Gui (Devil) Always Travel in Straight Line, Road Wind Around so Gui No Can Catch Traveler" Cliff Near the Monkey Mother's Home "All is of Great Stillness and Peace" Biographer 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 semester 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-O-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' 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."