lars you would see paper scrolls pasted up, with
trite sayings written in flowery phrases, such as--

"If in your house you walk circumspectly, then when you leave your home
you will associate with virtuous friends only."

"If the house is clean and beautiful, an excellent wind will be wafted
through it."

"If the flowers give out their fragrance, a bright moon will shine upon
them."

On either side of the guest-hall were doors leading into the bedrooms.
Into one of these the women crowded eagerly, in search of the little
newcomer, shouting, as they entered, their congratulations, first to
the grandmother, and then to the parents of the child. On seeing the
precious bundle held out to them, decked out in all the new, gorgeous,
but uncomfortable clothes bought by the maternal grandmother, one
visitor could not help whispering, "What a pity it is not a boy!" But
the other women politely interrupted her, and the young mother looked
proudly at the "bundle of clothes" handed back to her. It was true she
would have preferred a son, so would her husband, and above all her
mother-in-law, but as it was their first child, even the little girl
received a welcome. Had she been the second or third girl in the
family, she would not have had the same kind reception. Very likely
she would have been given away to some other family, who would have
made her a drudge, and in later years have married her to one of their
sons; or she might even have been left to die from want.

[Illustration: A precious bundle.]

But now things were different. Her parents were ready to lavish all
their love and kindness on the little girl. They called in the
fortune-teller, asking him what her fate would be in after years. He,
having been told the day and hour of her birth, declared the child had
been born under a lucky star. Her heart was good, her disposition kind
and amiable; they need not worry about her, only, he added, she was
born to toil and hard work. Satisfied with his prophecies, Mr. Tu paid
him his wonted fee, fully believing in his skill.

After a month had elapsed, the relatives and neighbours were invited to
a feast in honour of the child. Candles and incense were lighted
before the gods, the babe was presented to them, and henceforward she
was regarded as under their protection. When the little girl was a
year old, the relatives assembled again. The grandmother had brought
another lot of presents, among them some beautifu