The charm of the Middle kingdom . r the natuie of her answer. I like you, she responded guilelessly. But you must love your husband, I in-terjected quickly. It is not necessary, she answered, en-folding her fingers diffidently against her coat. That is not understandable talk to me,*I suggested. I was only married to him a week whenhe went off to Peking. If only he had simplysaid good-by and gone, but he spoke many,many words of explanation, and his lettersare all explanation why he does not is understandable talk. He loves anotherwoman. She pouted when she spoke thislast and her mo
The charm of the Middle kingdom . r the natuie of her answer. I like you, she responded guilelessly. But you must love your husband, I in-terjected quickly. It is not necessary, she answered, en-folding her fingers diffidently against her coat. That is not understandable talk to me,*I suggested. I was only married to him a week whenhe went off to Peking. If only he had simplysaid good-by and gone, but he spoke many,many words of explanation, and his lettersare all explanation why he does not is understandable talk. He loves anotherwoman. She pouted when she spoke thislast and her mouth was prettier than face, too, flushed with the admission shehad made, took on an eminent beauty thatremoved her from any I had seen before. And so you are left alone, I venturedsolicitously. Yes, alone, she replied. And then shewent on, It would not be so bad if I couldgo out and do as he has done. In China menmake customs and women observe them. Iam customary but I am not a fool. No, you are not a fool, I THE GIRL OUTSIDE TIIK TEMPLE THE CHARM OF THE MIDDLE KINGDOM My old grandmother here watches me Hkea hawk. She suspects nothing. She merelywatches me because it is her duty. A womanis always watched until she gets so old; thenthey set her watching somebody else. And the men.^^* I queried, somewhatlightly, I fear. In the light of this fear, heranswer was distinctly illuminating. You are a man. You know, she said. But how, I asked, turning this thrustaside, how do you happen to have suchadvanced ideas .^ You are the first woman ofstanding I have ever spoken with. The bulkof your sisters are feather-brained,—feng nao-tzu, a windy head. I read novels that w^ere not meant to fallinto my hands. The princesses have alwaysrevolted. Those of royal blood can do muchagainst custom and still retain their honor. Yes, that is the way all over the world,I answered. But some day, if he doesnt come backsoon, I shall slip off and find love somewhere. You dont mean to
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