line, to which end, indeed, he was even now concluding a marriage
arrangement with the beautiful and refined Hiya-ai-Shao, whom he had
at length persuaded into accepting his betrothal tokens without
reluctance."

"Hiya-ai-Shao!" exclaimed Yang; "she has accepted your silk-bound
gifts?"

"The matter need not concern us now," replied the Mandarin, not
observing in his complicated emotions the manner in which the name of
Hiya had affected Yang, revealing as it undoubtedly did the treachery of
his beloved one. "There only appears to be one honourable way in which
the full circumstances can be arranged, and this person will in no
measure endeavour to avoid it."

"Such an end is neither ignoble nor painful," he said, in an unchanging
voice; "nor will this one in any way shrink from so easy and honourable
a solution."

"The affairs of the future do not exhibit themselves in delicately
coloured hues to this person," said Yang Hu; "and he would, if the thing
could be so arranged, cheerfully submit to a similar fate in order that
a longer period of existence should be assured to one who has every
variety of claim upon his affection."

"The proposal is a graceful and conscientious one," said Ping Siang,
"and is, moreover, a gratifying omen of the future of our race, which
must of necessity be left in your hands. But, for that reason itself,
such a course cannot be pursued. Nevertheless, the events of the past
few hours have been of so exceedingly prosperous and agreeable a nature
that this short-sighted and frequently desponding person can now
pass beyond with a tranquil countenance and every assurance of divine
favour."

With these words Ping Siang indicated that he was desirous of setting
forth the Final Expression, and arranging the necessary matters upon the
table beside him, he stretched forth his hands over Yang Hu, who placed
himself in a suitable attitude of reverence and abasement.

"Yang Hu," began the Mandarin, "undoubted son, and, after the
accomplishment of the intention which it is our fixed purpose to carry
out, fitting representative of the person who is here before you,
engrave well within your mind the various details upon which he now
gives utterance. Regard the virtues; endeavour to pass an amiable and
at the same time not unremunerative existence; and on all occasions
sacrifice freely, to the end that the torments of those who have gone
before may be made lighter, and that others may be induced in tur