Chinese Literature

in the world will sympathize with us as you do, sir? We must resign ourselves to poverty: to beg for help would be labour wasted.”

“There is something in what you say,” agreed his father-in-law. “But I can’t let things go on like this. Today I mean to lend you some money to start a grocery shop, so that you can make enough to live on. What do you say to that?”

“I am more grateful than I can say,” replied Liu. ‘That will be the very thing for us!”

After the mid-day meal, Mr. Wang got out fifteen strings of cash and gave them to Liu, saying: “Take these now to start a shop. When it is ready, I shall let you have another ten strings. Let your wife stay here for a few days; and when you have settled on a day to open shop, I shall take her home myself to offer my congratulations, if you are agreeable.”

After thanking his father-in-law again and again, Liu shouldered the money and left. It was already late when he reached the city; but, happening to pass the house of an acquaintance who wanted to go into business too, he thought he might as well stop to discuss the matter with him. He knocked at the door, someone answered within and his friend came out, greeted him and asked the reason for his call.

When Liu explained his plan, the other said: “I have nothing to do at present. If you can use me in your shop, I should be glad to help.”

“Good,” said Liu.

After. they had talked business for some time, Liu’s friend kept him to dinner; and, since wine and food were ready, he had a few cups. But Liu was not a good drinker, so presently, feeling the wine go to his head, he took his leave saying: “I’ve trespassed on your hospitality today. Please come to our humble house tomorrow to talk things over further.” His friend saw him to the street corner where he said goodbye to him.

‘With his money on his back, Liu staggered home and knocked at the door. It was past the time to light the lamps and his concubine, left alone at home with nothing to do, after waiting for them till dark had closed the door and dozed off before the lamp; so she did not hear him knocking. He had to knock for a long time before she woke up and answered: “T’m coming.” Then she got up and opened the door to let him in.

As she took the bag of money from him and put it on the table, the concubine asked: “Where did you get so much money? What are you going to do with it?”

Now Liu was slightly drunk, and he was also annoyed with her for taking so long to open the door; so he decided to frighten her.

“Tf I tell you, you will be angry,” he said. “But I can’t keep it from you: you will have to know. I’m so hard put to it now, that I’ve had to pawn you to somebody. I don’t want to let you go for good, though; so I’ve only asked him for fifteen strings of cash; and if I come into

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