g picture-maker Pe-tsing had long existed between the two
persons; but when Lee Sing put the matter in the form of an explicit
petition before Chan Hung (to which adequate reference has already been
made), the nature of the decision then arrived at seemed to clothe
the realization of their virtuous and estimable desires with an air of
extreme improbability.

"'Oh, Lee,' exclaimed the greatly-disappointed maiden when her lover had
explained to her the nature of the arrangement--for in her unassuming
admiration of the noble qualities of Lee she had anticipated that Chan
Hung would at once have received him with ceremonious embraces and
assurances of his permanent affection--'how unendurable a state of
things is this in which we have become involved! Far removed from this
one's anticipations was the thought of becoming inalienably associated
with that outrageous person Pe-tsing, or of entering upon an existence
which will necessitate a feigned admiration of his really unpresentable
efforts. Yet in such a manner must the entire circumstance complete its
course unless some ingenious method of evading it can be discovered in
the meantime. Alas, my beloved one! the occupation of ensnaring winged
insects is indeed an alluring one, but as far as this person has
observed, it is also exceedingly unproductive of taels. Could not some
more expeditious means of enriching yourself be discovered? Frequently
has the unnoticed but nevertheless very attentive Lila heard her father
and the round-bodied ones who visit him speak of exploits which seem
to consist of assuming the shapes of certain wild animals, and in that
guise appearing from time to time at the place of exchange within
the city walls. As this form of entertainment is undoubtedly very
remunerative in its results, could not the versatile and ready-witted
Lee conceal himself within the skin of a bear, or some other untamed
beast, and in this garb, joining them unperceived, play an appointed
part and receive a just share of the reward?'

"'The result of such an enterprise might, if the matter chanced to take
an unforeseen development, prove of a very doubtful nature,' replied
Lee Sing, to whom, indeed, the proposed venture appeared in a somewhat
undignified light, although, with refined consideration, he withheld
such a thought from Lila, who had proposed it for him, and also
confessed that her usually immaculate father had taken part in such an
exhibition. 'Nevertheless, do no