gains. Moreover, Chao tai-tai was contemplating the purchase of a good but inexpensive fur vest. It was decided at this family conference to send Sister Tsou to look for Ah Q without delay and it was further decided that they would light the lamp for this special occasion.
The level of the oil burned down quite perceptibly, and still Ah Q did not appear. The entire Chao household was in a state of anxiety; some complained of Ah Q's uncertain whereabouts, some charged Sister Tsou with laxity, while all yawned because of the unaccustomed lateness of the hour. Tai-tai thought Ah Q might be afraid to come because of the conditions imposed upon him that spring, but His Honor reassured her, saying, "I have sent for him, you know." Indeed his honor was right, presently Ah Q came in with Sister Tsou.
"He insisted that he has no more, but I said to him you go and tell His Honor that yourself. He still insists that he has no more, but I told him . . . ," Sister Tsou said, panting.
"Your Honor!" Ah Q said with a half-smile, stopping under the eaves.
"Ah Q, I am told that you have prospered while you were away," His Honor said, surveying Ah Q from head to foot. "That's very good, very good. Now . . . I am told that you have some old articles. You may bring them and let me see everything—there is no other reason, I only want to take a look."
"I have told Sister Tsou. They are all gone."
"All gone?" His Honor could not suppress his disappointment. "How could they have gone so fast?"
"They were things belonging to a friend. There were not many in the first place."
"You must have something left."
