Vision, wealthy Shen Yi's incredibly attractive daughter."

"It is unwise to be captious in affairs of negotiation," remarked the
young man thoughtfully. "Is the smile of the one referred to such that
at the vision of it the internal organs of an ordinary person begin to
clash together, beyond the power of all control?"

"Not in the case of the one who is speaking," replied the grandfather
of Chang Tao, "but a very illustrious poet, whom Shen Yi charitably
employed about his pig-yard, certainly described it as a ripple on the
surface of a dark lake of wine, when the moon reveals the hidden
pearls beneath; and after secretly observing the unstudied grace of
her movements, the most celebrated picture-maker of the province
burned the implements of his craft, and began life anew as a trainer
of performing elephants. But when maidens are as numerous as the
grains of sand--"

"Esteemed," interposed Chang Tao, with smooth determination, "wisdom
lurks in the saying: 'He who considers everything decides nothing.'
Already this person has spent an unprofitable score of years through
having no choice in the matter; at this rate he will spend yet another
score through having too much. Your timely word shall be his beacon.
Neither the disadvantage of Shen Yi's oppressive wealth nor the
inconvenience of Melodious Vision's excessive beauty shall deter him
from striving to fulfil your delicately expressed wish."

"Yet," objected the elder Chang, by no means gladdened at having the
decision thus abruptly lifted from his mouth, "so far, only a
partially formed project--"

"To a thoroughly dutiful grandson half a word from your benevolent
lips carries further than a full-throated command does from a less
revered authority."

"Perchance. This person's feet, however, are not liable to a similar
acceleration, and a period of adequate consideration must intervene
before they are definitely moving in the direction of Shen Yi's
mansion. 'Where the road bends abruptly take short steps,' Chang Tao."

"The necessity will be lifted from your venerable shoulders, revered,"
replied Chang Tao firmly. "Fortified by your approving choice, this
person will himself confront Shen Yi's doubtful countenance, and that
same bend in the road will be taken at a very sharp angle and upon a
single foot."

"In person! It is opposed to the Usages!" exclaimed the venerable; and
at the contemplation of so undignified a course his voice prudently
withdrew its