so it went on, until dispensary
quarters had to be hurriedly rented and regular work begun.

They had been back only about a month when they were sent for one evening
to visit a woman who was in a very serious condition. On arriving at the
house they found there the best known native doctor in the city, richly
dressed in satin and silk, and accompanied by four chair-bearers. He had
told the woman's family that he could do nothing for her, and after
welcoming the young women physicians very pleasantly, he took his leave,
advising the family to put the patient into their hands, saying, "They have
crossed mountains and seas to study about these matters." The family wanted
the doctors to guarantee that the woman would live, but they, of course,
refused to do this, and after some discussion turned to go. But at that the
older members of the family fell on their knees, and begged them to stay
and do just whatever they thought best. Their treatment was so successful
that three days later the grateful family invited them to a feast, after
which they were wound about with red scarfs by the old grandmother, and
presented with gifts. The entire family then escorted them home amid the
explosion of many fire-crackers.

The _China Medical Missionary Journal_ of December, 1896, in commenting
upon the work of these young women, says: "They have not, up to the present
time, had to endure the pain of losing a patient, although they have had
several very serious cases. When that does come, as of course it must,
there will doubtless be some reaction, and present faith may be changed to
distrust for a time. But the most hopeful had not dreamed of their
commencing work without some opposition, and that they actually sought,
before making any efforts to secure patients, has been a great surprise to
all. Their early success is doubtless due largely to the fact that they are
back among their own people as true Chinese, and while they have gained
much in culture and intellect, love and sympathy for their race have ever
been present; while the ruling motive in all their efforts has been how
best to prepare themselves to help their countrywomen. The native women do
not stand at a distance to admire them, but familiarly take their hands and
feel their clothing; and while acknowledging their superiority do not
hesitate to invite them as guests to their humble homes."

Nor was the reputation of the young physicians limited to Kiukiang. At
about the