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
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 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.
Folklorist
For four days past have great Chinese New Year Feast been celebrated.
Third day the greatest day of all. Every where in land much feasting,
much of firework, much of congratulating. (Gung-hi).
Out side Compound wall, can hear soldiers marching in day, can see
processions marching 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
College most happy, because Honorable Teachers 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 envelope, we invite all to Chinese girls' reception hall at
eight o'clock of third day.
Teachers much have wonderment. Girls all too great excitement. From
village call No. 1 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 another
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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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