MRS. TIEN—(_Taking up the red paper on which are written the dates of the young couple, folds it and puts it back into a drawer of the writing desk_) It’s a pity!—it’s a pity!— (_Miss Ah-may Tien enters by the right-hand door. She is a young woman of about twenty-four, tastefully dressed and wearing a rather anxious look on her face_) MISS TIEN—Mother, are you consulting fortune-tellers again? I met one at the gate. Have you forgotten that father had forbidden fortune-telling in our house? MRS. TIEN—Just once more, my dear. MISS TIEN—But you have promised father never to call fortune-tellers into our house. MRS. TIEN—I know that. But you see I can’t help doing it just once more. I have sent for him to see if you and Mr. Chen— MISS TIEN—Oh, Oh!— MRS. TIEN—You see this is the greatest event in your life, and you are my only child. I can’t let you marry a man with whom you can’t live long. MISS TIEN—But we _can_! MRS. TIEN—No, you can’t. The fortune-teller says so. MISS TIEN—What does he know about us? MRS. TIEN—And the Goddess of Mercy says so, too. MISS TIEN—So you have asked the Goddess too? What would father say to this? MRS. TIEN—I know your father would object to this, as he always objects to everything I do. But how can we old folks decide a matter which concerns your entire life? We are liable to make grave mistakes. But the gods cannot deceive us. Moreover, the fortune-teller has confirmed what the goddess said. (_Going to the desk and opening the drawer_) Let me show you what the goddess said. MISS TIEN—Oh, no! I don’t want to see it! MRS. TIEN—(_Closing the door reluctantly_) My dear, don’t be too obstinate. I like your young man whom you have known during your stay in Japan. He seems to be a fine fellow. You say you know him well. But you are young and inexperienced. Even we old folks dare not trust our own judgment in such important matters. That’s why I went to the Goddess of Mercy and sent for the fortune-teller. They both said that this match would be undesirable. It must be true. The fortune-teller said that this is a case of conquering the rabbit by the tiger, because you were born in the year of— MISS TIEN—Please don’t say any more of it. (_Sobbing_) I don’t want to hear it. I know father will not agree with you. I know he will not. MRS. TIEN—I will tell him what I have done. He must not give away my daughter against my wish. (_Approaching her daughter and trying to dry her tears with a handkerchief_) Now, don’t cry. I’ll leave you to think it over. Your father will be back soon; I go to see if dinner is ready. Be a good child and cry no more. (_Goes by the door leading to the dining room._ _A pause. As Miss Tien looks up, Lee Fuh appears at the door. She beckons him to come near_) MISS TIEN—Lee Fuh, I need your help. (_Lee Fuh bows amicably_) My mother does not want to let me marry Mr. Chen.