is is justice. To the Ideal Woman there is but one Ideal
Man--and that is her lord. From the day she crosses his threshold, to
the day when they clothe her in the garments of Immortality, this is her
sole opinion. Yet would that she might receive instruction of what only
are beauty and virtue in his adorable presence."

This being written, she presented her one pearl to the attendant and
fled, not looking behind her, as quickly as her delicate feet would
permit.

On the seventh day the compositions, engraved on ivory and bound with
red silk and tassels, were presented to the Emperor, and for seven
days more he forgot their existence. On the eighth the High Chamberlain
ventured to recall them to the Imperial memory, and the Emperor glancing
slightly at one after another, threw them aside, yawning as he did so.
Finally, one arrested his eyes, and reading it more than once he laid it
before him and meditated. An hour passed in this way while the forgotten
Lord Chamberlain continued to kneel. The Son of Heaven, then raising his
head, pronounced these words: "In the society of the Ideal Woman, she to
whom jealousy is unknown, tranquillity might possibly be obtained. Let
prayer be made before the Ancestors with the customary offerings, for
this is a matter deserving attention."

A few days passed, and an Imperial attendant, escorted by two mandarins
of the peacock-feather and crystal-button rank, desired an audience of
the August Aunt, and, speaking before the curtain, informed her that his
Imperial Majesty would pay a visit that evening to the Hall of Tranquil
Longevity. Such was her agitation at this honour that she immediately
swooned; but, reviving, summoned all the attendants and gave orders for
a banquet and musicians.

Lanterns painted with pheasants and exquisite landscapes were hung on
all the pavilions. Tapestries of rose, decorated with the Five-Clawed
Dragons, adorned the chambers; and upon the High Seat was placed a robe
of yellow satin embroidered with pearls. All was hurry and excitement.
The Blossoms of the Palace were so exquisitely decked that one grain
more of powder would have made them too lily-like, and one touch more of
rouge, too rosecheeked. It was indeed perfection, and, like lotuses upon
a lake, or Asian birds, gorgeous of plumage, they stood ranged in the
outer chamber while the Celestial Emperor took his seat.

The Round-Faced Beauty wore no jewels, having bartered her pearl for her
opportuni