Prologue
for even the lowliest coolie if he is carrying a load. A coolie steps aside for a sedan chair. If the chair is empty, it gives way to one in which there is a passenger. A chair with a lean passenger, recognizes the precedence of one burdened with the fat, which in turn gives way for a camel or a horse. And all step aside for a wedding procession or the swaggering equipage of a mandarin. It pleased Yang Yuan-kuei that he belonged in this category.
At the fringe of the bazaars they abandoned their chairs to wander about afoot, becoming colorful bits of the kaleidoscope of light and gayety.
Near by was an outdoor Punch and Judy show. They paused for a moment to laugh at the antics of Punch. "How old things last," said Uncle Yang. "I remember my grandfather telling quaint tales about how he thought Punch and Judy were real people when he was a boy. Truly, they seem to have found the ever-lasting-youth-medicine."
Yuhan tried to remain solemn, in a manner befitting her blossoming womanhood. She was no longer a child. Her gentle breasts had formed into ivory hills, pinktipped as though with coral. Tomorrow she would be concerned with charming a young prince. Nevertheless, tonight, despite all her efforts to keep a sober face, smiles came, followed by laughter. Perhaps it is the echo of the little girl within them, that makes all lovely women desirable. Let it be whispered that Yuhan insisted on seeing the show twice. Momentarily the affairs
of the Court were forgotten. Vexed, indeed, would
