_SCENE—A parlor in Mr. Tien’s home. A door on the right leading to the hall; a door on the left leading to the dining room. Sofa at the back end. Armchairs. A round table in the center with flower-vase and writing materials on it. Two chairs beside the table. A writing desk at the left side of the stage._ _On the walls are hanging rolls of Chinese painting and writing, together with framed Dutch landscapes, bespeaking the complexity of taste in a partially modernized Chinese family._ _As the curtain slowly goes up, there is heard the voice of the fortune-teller, who is seated by the table, and the final notes of his accompanying string instrument are still audible. Mrs. Tien is seated on one of the armchairs._ MRS. TIEN—I don’t quite understand what you say. Tell me, what do you think of this match. FORTUNE-TELLER—I only speak the truth, Mrs. Tien. We all speak the truth. You see— MRS. TIEN—But what is the truth? FORTUNE-TELLER—I am sorry to say that this match is undesirable. It would be a very unhappy marriage if your daughter should marry this young man. MRS. TIEN—Why so? FORTUNE-TELLER—Well, you see, I only speak the truth. This young man was born in the year of the Tiger and your daughter was born in the year of the Rabbit. In the books of fortune-telling, this is called “conquering the rabbit by the tiger.” The wife would live in constant fear of being swallowed up. And, as the conquest is complete, the wife will probably die long before her husband. I have examined the Month and the Day and the Hour, and found no way to escape it. Of course I am only telling the truth: please don’t blame my frankness. MRS. TIEN—Not at all. I like truth spoken in frankness. I know what you said is true. For the Goddess of Mercy said the same thing yesterday. FORTUNE-TELLER—So the Goddess of Mercy also disapproved of this union? MRS. TIEN—Yes, she said that this couple, if married, will not live long together. FORTUNE-TELLER—That’s exactly what I said. MRS. TIEN—What the Goddess said must be true. But you see, this is a very important matter; it is the greatest event in my daughter’s life. We parents cannot take too much care in selecting the best possible mates for our children. So, having known the Goddess’s opinion, I sent for you to see if there is any possible escape. You know the words of the gods are always very brief: one may not be sure of their exact meaning. FORTUNE-TELLER—Quite so, quite so. MRS. TIEN—I am glad that you have confirmed the Goddess’s judgment. (_Rises and hands him some money_) Thank you; here is your pay. FORTUNE-TELLER—(_Groping for the money_) No, no, that is not necessary. Thanks, thanks. I am glad that the Goddess has confirmed my truth. (_Rises_) MRS. TIEN—Lee Fuh! (_Enter Lee Fuh from the right-hand door_) Show him out. (_The fortune-teller goes out led by Lee Fuh_)