Tales of Chinese Children
THE SILVER LEAVES
𝕋HERE was a fringe of trees along an open field. They were not very tall trees, neither were they trees that flowered or fruited; but to the eyes of Ah Leen they were very beautiful. Their slender branches were covered with leaves of a light green showing a silvery under surface, and when the wind moved or tossed them, silver gleams flashed through the green in a most enchanting way.
Ah Leen stood on the other side of the road admiring the trees with the silver leaves.
A little old woman carrying a basket full of ducks' eggs came happily hobbling along. She paused by the side of Ah Leen.
"Happy love!" said she. "Your eyes are as bright as jade jewels!"
Ah Leen drew a long breath. "See!" said she, "the dancing leaves."
The little old woman adjusted her blue goggles and looked up at the trees. "If only," said she, "some of that silver was up my
