es and degrees
of comfort which at present are utterly beyond their grasp, so that in
the end they would escape being entirely debased. To turn to the other
foot, those who are now high in position, and engaged in professions
which enjoy the confidence of all persons, have that which in itself is
sufficient to insure contentment. Furthermore, the most proficient
and engaging in every department, mean or high-minded, have certain
attributes of respect among those beneath them, so that they might
justly be content with the lowest reward in whatever calling they
professed, the least skilful and most left-handed being compensated for
the mental anguish which they must undoubtedly suffer by receiving the
greatest number of taels.'

"'Such a scheme would, as far as the matter has been expressed, appear
to possess all the claims of respect, and to be, indeed, what was
originally intended by those who framed the essentials of existence,'
said Chan Hung, when he had for some space of time considered the
details. 'In one point, however, this person fails to perceive how
the arrangement could be amiably conducted in Fow Hou. The one who
is addressing you maintains, as a matter of right, a position of
exceptional respect, nor, if he must express himself upon such a detail,
are his excessively fatiguing duties entirely unremunerative...'

"'In the case of the distinguished and unalterable Mandarin,' exclaimed
Ming-hi, with no appearance of hesitation, 'the matter would of
necessity be arranged otherwise. Being from that time, as it were, the
controller of the destinies and remunerations of all those in Fow Hou,
he would, manifestly, be outside the working of the scheme; standing
apart and regulating, like the person who turns the handle of the
corn-mill, but does not suffer himself to be drawn between the
stones, he could still maintain both his respect and his remuneration
unaltered.'

"'If the detail could honourably be regarded in such a light,' said Chan
Hung, 'this person would, without delay, so rearrange matters in Fow
Hou, and thereby create universal justice and an unceasing contentment
within the minds of all.'

"'Undoubtedly such a course could be justly followed,' assented Ming-hi,
'for in precisely that manner of working was the complete scheme
revealed to this highly-favoured person.'

"Entirely wrapped up in thoughts concerning the inception and manner of
operation of this project Chan Hung began to retrace his