this
time Li Ting would have come to a sudden and most unseemly end; for I
have drawn up and affixed in the most conspicuous places notifications
of his character, similar to the one here.'

"Ning turned, and beheld fastened to the trunk of the cypress an
exceedingly elegantly written and composed notice, which Yung read to
her as follows:

"'BEWARE OF INCURRING DEATH FROM STARVATION

"'Let the distinguished inhabitants of this district observe the
exceedingly ungraceful walk and bearing of the low person who
calls himself Li Ting. Truthfully, it is that of a dog in the act
of being dragged to the river because his sores and diseases
render him objectionable in the house of his master. So will this
hunchbacked person be dragged to the place of execution, and be
bowstrung, to the great relief of all who respect the five senses;
A Respectful Physiognomy, Passionless Reflexion, Soft Speech,
Acute Hearing, Piercing Sight.

"'He hopes to attain to the Red Button and the Peacock's Feather;
but the right hand of the Deity itches, and Li Ting will assuredly
be removed suddenly.'

"'Li Ting must certainly be in league with the evil forces if he can
withstand so powerful a weapon,' said Ning admiringly, when her lover
had finished reading. 'Even now he is starting on a journey, nor will he
return till the first day of the month when the sparrows go to the sea
and are changed into oysters. Perhaps the fate will overtake him while
he is away. If not--'

"'If not,' said Yung, taking up her words as she paused, 'then I have
yet another hope. A moment ago you were regretting my choice of a
literary career. Learn, then, the value of knowledge. By its aid
(assisted, indeed, by the spirits of my ancestors) I have discovered a
new and strange thing, for which I can find no word. By using this new
system of reckoning, your illustrious but exceedingly narrow-minded and
miserly father would be able to make five taels where he now makes one.
Would he not, in consideration for this, consent to receive me as a
son-in-law, and dismiss the inelegant and unworthy Li Ting?'

"'In the unlikely event of your being able to convince my illustrious
parent of what you say, it would assuredly be so,' replied Ning. 'But
in what way could you do so? My sublime and charitable father already
employs all the means in his power to reap the full reward of his sacred
industry. His "solid house-hold gods" are in realit