So saying, she called for her daughter, who presently entered.  Her eyes sparkled with such fire, her arms were so dazzling white and there was in her movements such an exquisite grace that the young man could only leap to his feet in confusion and did not dare raise his eyes.  When their salutations were over, he began to make a few remarks about the weather; and realized as he did so that her beauty was of a kind he had never encountered before.

They sat down again.  Tea was made and wine poured out.  The vessels used were spotlessly clean.  He lingered till the day was almost over; the curfew-drum sounded its four beats.  The old lady asked if he lived far away.  He answered untruthfully, “Several leagues beyond the Yen-p`ing Gate,” hoping that they would ask him to stay.  The old lady said, “The drum has sounded.  You will have to go back at once, unless you mean to break the law.”

The young man answered, “I was being so agreeably entertained that I did not notice how rapidly the day had fled.  My house is a long way off and in the city I have no friends or relations.  What am I to do?” Miss Li then interposed, saying, “If you can forgive the meanness of our poor home, what harm would there be in your spending the night with us?” He looked doubtfully at the girl’s mother, but met with no discouragement.

Calling his servants, he gave them money and told them to buy provisions for the night.  But the girl laughingly stopped him, saying, “That is not the way guests are entertained.  Our humble house will provide for your wants to-night, if you are willing to partake of our simple fare and defer your bounty to another occasion.”  He tried to refuse, but in the end she would not allow him to, and they all moved to the western hall.  The curtains, screens, blinds and couches were of dazzling splendour; while the toilet-boxes, rugs, and pillows were of the utmost elegance.  Candles were lighted and an excellent supper was served.

After supper the old lady retired, leaving the lovers engaged in the liveliest conversation, laughing and chattering completely at their ease.

After a while the young man said:  “I passed your house the other day and you happened to be standing at the door.  And after that, I could think of nothing but you; whether I lay down to rest or sat down to eat, I could not stop thinking of you.”  She laughed and answered:  “It was just the same with me.”  He said:  “You must know that I did not come to-day simply to look for building-land.  I came hoping that you would fulfil my lifelong desire; but I was not sure how you would welcome me.  What—­”

He had not finished speaking when the old woman came back and asked what they were saying.  When they told her, she laughed and said, “Has not Mencius written that ’the relationship between men and women is the ground-work of society’?  When lovers are agreed, not even the mandate of a parent will deter them.  But my daughter is of humble birth.  Are you sure that she is fit to ‘present pillow and mat’ to a great man?”