other side!
And to steal our potatoes moreover tried!

Later on, a table was spread in front of the bride, and a few intimate
friends and relatives had their supper with her, but she herself could
touch nothing. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, trying to keep
calm and composed; no smile lit up her face, no word was uttered, and
it was very seldom that a sentence was addressed to her.

In the middle of the many courses, her mitre was placed on her head
again, and she was led out to the guest-hall. With a wine cup in her
hand, she went from table to table, and bowed low to her husband's
friends. Their cups were filled afresh, and each one took a drink in
honour of the bride, while the band played vigorously. After she had
finished her round, she went back to her bedroom till the feasting was
over.

[Illustration: Adorned as a bride. A proud day in the young girl's
life.]

It was then getting late, and the young bridegroom entered, accompanied
by his friends, who were carrying big red candles in front of him, and
sending off fire-crackers. They did not leave the young people till
after midnight, and not before having tried to get hold of as many of
their belongings as possible. These they endeavoured to hide, and a
good thing it was that the bride had got plenty of sweets, peanuts,
beans, etc., for all the stolen articles had to be redeemed the
following morning.

After a few short hours of rest, the young people had to get ready for
breakfast, and soon afterwards the second part of the wedding ceremony
began, the part which is called _Fen ta siao_, which, literally
translated, means "To distinguish between great and small." Bride and
bridegroom were arrayed once more in their wedding robes, and proceeded
to the guest-hall where all the relatives were assembled. Again the
two knelt together on the red quilt, bowing their heads three times to
the ground before Mr. and Mrs. Hsue, who bowed in return. Mr. Hsue threw
down the keys of the household before the young people. He had,
however, no thought of giving them any responsibility, and every
intention of getting the keys back into his own pockets and keeping
them there.

Then the uncles and aunts were led forward, to whom was paid the same
respect. The brothers, cousins, and other relatives came next, but
being of the same generation as the bride and bridegroom, they also
knelt down and "worshipped" them in return. Each relative put a piece
of