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
We descend upon Chapel-steps one side; other side, descend Cui Ai's
Beloved Betrothed 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
thereof arrive.
4th Moon - 10th 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 Master of Magnificence having looked upon useless 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,
Moonflower - 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 my 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 - 16th 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. "Behold!" 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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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