rsaults in place
of the pages of the Classics, had he but given his first care to
providing you with a wife and thereby safeguarding our unbroken
continuity."

"My father is all-wise," ventured Chang Tao dutifully, but observing
the nature of the other's expression he hastened to add considerately,
"but my father's father is even wiser."

"Inevitably," assented the one referred to; "not merely because he is
the more mature by a generation, but also in that he is thereby nearer
to the inspired ancients in whom the Cardinal Principles reside."

"Yet, assuredly, there must be occasional exceptions to this rule of
progressive deterioration?" suggested Chang Tao, feeling that the
process was not without a definite application to himself.

"Not in our pure and orthodox line," replied the other person firmly.
"To suggest otherwise is to admit the possibility of a son being the
superior of his own father, and to what a discordant state of things
would that contention lead! However immaturely you may think at
present, you will see the position at its true angle when you have
sons of your own."

"The contingency is not an overhanging one," said Chang Tao. "On the
last occasion when I reminded my venerated father of my age and
unmarried state, he remarked that, whether he looked backwards or
forwards, extinction seemed to be the kindest destiny to which our
House could be subjected."

"Originality, carried to the length of eccentricity, is a censurable
accomplishment in one of official rank," remarked the elder Chang
coldly. "Plainly it is time that I should lengthen the authority of my
own arm very perceptibly. If a father is so neglectful of his duty, it
is fitting that a grandfather should supply his place. This person
will himself procure a bride for you without delay."

"The function might perhaps seem an unusual one," suggested Chang Tao,
who secretly feared the outcome of an enterprise conducted under these
auspices.

"So, admittedly, are the circumstances. What suitable maiden suggests
herself to your doubtless better-informed mind? Is there one of the
house of Tung?"

"There are eleven," replied Chang Tao, with a gesture of despair, "all
reputed to be untiring with their needle, skilled in the frugal
manipulation of cold rice, devout, discreet in the lines of their
attire, and so sombre of feature as to be collectively known to the
available manhood of the city as the Terror that Lurks for the Unwary.
Suffer