When this
operation was concluded, we seated ourselves on the khang; the two
Chinese "knew themselves better than to sit by the side of our Eminent
Distinctions," and they accordingly squatted on the floor. As tea was
being served, a young man, well attired and of exceedingly elegant
address, came into the room, carrying by the four corners a silk
handkerchief. "Gentlemen Lamas," said the elder of our previous
companions, "this young man is the son of our principal, and doubtless
has been sent by his father to inquire after your health, and whether you
have so far journeyed in peace." The young man placed his handkerchief
upon the table that stood before us. "Here are some cakes my father has
sent to be eaten with your tea. When you have finished that meal, he
entreats you will come and partake of an humble repast in our poor
dwelling." "But why wear your hearts out thus for us mere strangers?"
"Oh!" exclaimed all three in chorus, "the words you utter cover us with
blushes! What! can we do anything in excess for brothers who have thus
honoured us with their presence in our poor city!" "Poor Tartars!" said
I in French to my colleague, "how thoroughly eaten up they must be when
they fall into such hands as these!" These words, in an unknown tongue,
excited considerable surprise in our worthy friends. "In which of the
illustrious kingdoms of Tartary dwell your Excellencies?" asked one of
them. "We are not Tartars at all," was the reply. "Ah! we saw that at
once; the Tartars have no such majesty of aspect as yours; their mien has
no grandeur about it! May we ask what is the noble country whence you
come?" "We are from the West; our native land is far hence." "Quite
so," replied the eldest of the three knaves. "I knew it, and I said so
to these young men, but they are ignorant; they know nothing about
physiognomy. Ah! you are from the West. I know your country well; I
have been there more than once." "We are delighted to hear this:
doubtless, then, you are acquainted with our language?" "Why, I cannot
say I know it thoroughly; but there are some few words I understand. I
can't speak them, indeed; but that does not matter. You western people
are so clever, you know everything, the Chinese language, the Tartarian,
the western--you can speak them all. I have always been closely mixed up
with your countrymen, and have invariably been selected to manage their
affairs for them whenever they come to the Blue To