“We have at present twenty-four scholars and four babies.  We are not many in numbers, but we hope that we may not prove the works of missionaries in vain.  The rules of this school are different from others, since only girls of Christian families are allowed to study.  Girls of non-Christian families are allowed to study if they are willing to pay their board.  They also furnish their own clothes.  For these reasons our school contains girls from many places since Christian girls are few....  In Kiukiang only one Christian family have their girls at this school.  The pastor of the church over the river sends his eldest daughter.  She has been my companion from babyhood, and we were only separated when she went to Chin Kiang and I to Chung King.  She and her sisters never had their feet bound.  She is the first girl in Kiukiang who never bound her feet.  Her name is Mary Stone.  She and I study together both in English and Chinese.”

“Her mother came a few weeks ago and stayed with us one week.  One day Mary and I went with her to visit the homes of missionaries; when we came back Mrs. Stone suggested that we should go and see her uncle.  Mary and I hesitated a little; for we were not used to visiting Chinese homes, especially after New Year when people are very ceremonious.  When we arrived at the home we found that they had a New Year’s party there, although it was the second month.  The reason was this; at the time of the New Year Chinese ladies do not step outside their houses till they are invited to a party, and as invitations do not come until nearly the end of the first month it is common to continue to the second month.”

“Mrs. Stone’s friends were very glad to see her, for they had not met for a long time.  The party consisted of three elderly ladies, besides the hostess, and three young girls besides the young daughter of the house.  They were dressed principally in bright blue, green, and red, and were painted to the extreme.  The young girls hardly tasted their food, but looked us over from head to foot, especially our feet.  The room was hot, and presently one of the girls tittered to another and said, ‘Your face is streaked,’ meaning that some of her paint was off and showed dark lines; whereupon all the girls declared that they were going to wash their faces.  After a while one of the girls came back and said, ’My face is clean now, is it not?’ Mrs. Stone told us that they saw we had no paint on and were ashamed of theirs.  The girls’ only talk was about their jewellry, clothes, and other gossip.  Mary and I were very much disappointed, for we hoped to learn some Chinese manners.  Mrs. Stone advised me not to wear spectacles, for I attracted many remarks.  I told her I was only too glad to draw attention from our feet.”

    “We always remember the friends in America who for His sake sent
    missionaries to help us.  Yours affectionately,”

    “IDA KAHN.”