xt morning the notice had disappeared, and another one which was put up
disappeared as promptly. An explanation of this was afforded Dr. Hue, by a
remark which she overheard: "How can we stand having this hospital closed?
We took the notice down in hope that the hospital would be opened." But
when the plague is prevalent, the closing of the hospital is the only safe
course to pursue; for one person, coming into the dispensary suffering from
this disease, may do more harm in a few minutes than could be undone in
many weeks.

A common and gracious way of expressing appreciation in China is the
presentation of an honorary tablet, to be set up in one's reception room,
on which is written an appreciation of the achievements of the recipient.
These are constantly bestowed upon Dr. Hue by those patients who are wealthy
enough to express their gratitude in this fashion.

A few years ago fire broke out in the middle of the night not far from the
hospital. It burned up to the west wall of the hospital and all along the
length of the wall, completely destroying all the houses in front of it.
Then it was that the Chinese gave expression in very concrete form to their
appreciation of their fellow-countrywoman, and the work which she was doing
in that hospital. Dr. Hue says that the building might have been reduced to
ashes in a moment had it not been for the faithful efforts of those who
"were more willing to have their faces scorched and burned than to leave
their work undone," and who laboured to such effect that nothing but the
roof was seriously damaged. After the danger was over the people poured in
to express their sympathy, and offer their congratulations that the damage
was no greater, some of them bringing pots of tea and dishes of food. "This
may not seem very wonderful to the people in a Christian country," says Dr.
Hue, "but if you knew how the people usually are treated at such times you
will agree with me when I say 'Wonderful.'" Fire is usually interpreted as
an expression of the displeasure of the gods, and it is considered discreet
not to interfere.

Appreciation of Dr. Hue's work is not limited to any one class of people.
One day when she was watching the laying of the foundation of her home on
Black Rock Hill, many of the people who lived near were gathered around,
and she thought it would be a good opportunity to see how they felt about
her coming there. So she asked an old "literary man" standing near her,
"Iba