Seven Maids of Far Cathay: Being English Notes From a Chinese Class BookLedyard, Mary Forman
General
Seven Maids of Far Cathay: Being English Notes From a Chinese Class Book
Ledyard, Mary Forman
Chinese in literature
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 Honorable 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 Honorable betrothed come and stand
before me and make solemn promise. I in return beg Honorable betrothed
to pardon the contemptible 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 gladness to marry, and
can come that love so 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. 1 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 dazzlingly 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 interest 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 heavens for your good safety and
health, and good journey to this village.
Your Detestable and Most Foolish Child
Neuchang, China
June 18th.
Diarist
1st Moon - 1st day.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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