TWO DIANAS IN ALASKA 19 



Sometimes we took the road to Esquimalt, and 

 there visited the studio of a sculptor, to whom we ha'd 

 letters of introduction. Isn't there a peculiar fascina- 

 tion about a studio? Sculptured legs, arms, half- 

 finished paintings, studies for heads, horrors of 

 anatomy, all lying helter-skelter in delightful confu- 

 sion. Light from above. Why are not all rooms 

 lighted from above, open to the sun ? 



The Chinese theatre in the large Chinese quarter 

 in Victoria attracted us, but when we got there we 

 wished ourselves anywhere else. The Chinese have 

 passed us. Our problem plays are food for babes 

 compared with Chinese drama. They have left the 

 Problems behind, and overtaken the Purpose. If 

 you must go to a Chinese theatre, go alone. It is 

 very embarrassing to go in company. 



In between the appalling situations we four rushed 

 into conversation, nervously, to cover up our tracks, 

 as civilized people do, seizing on immaterial details 

 and discussing them with the fierce grip of drowning 

 men clutching at straws. 



" In this indistinct light," the Leader said, "your 

 hair looks quite red." 



"Very likely it is so," I responded, having to 

 laugh at last, "I'm a magenta-coloured blush from 

 head to heel." 



The heat and the smell of a Chinese theatre make 

 a visit very short. The silence is so dispiriting also. 

 There is no applause. How, I wonder, does an 

 actor in China know when he reaches the constella- 

 tion stage ? 



