140 THE MARRIAGE MAKER 



one thoroughfare into another he crossed the bridge of the 

 South Star and strayed on to a road that led away from 

 the city. 



It happened to be early spring. The peach orchards 

 in the neighbourhood were already in bloom, and the cool 

 evening breezes, corning in from the country over the 

 shimmering waters of the Hsi-hu, or West Lake, and laden 

 with the fragrance of peach blossoms, were so refreshing 

 that Wei Ku, forgetting the scenes of the busy streets he 

 had left behind, sallied forth at a swinging pace and with a 

 light heart. The moon was at its fullest and made the 

 night resplendent; the peach-tiees looked in the effulgent 

 light as though they were burdened with snow. Enchanted 

 by the loveliness of the effect in the distance, Wei Ku did 

 not notice that the houses on either hand were becoming 

 fewer and fewer, and that he had inadvertently wandered 

 into the region of paddy-fields and cemeteries. 



Presently, he came to a lonely spot where, to his 

 surprise he perceived a strange looking old man, very old, 

 with hair that gleamed like polished silver, seated on a low 

 mound by the roadside, beneath a solitary peach tree, 

 poring, by the light of the moon, over the pages of a huge 

 book that he supported on his knees; beside him on the 

 ground was a bag containing red silk cord. Struck by the 

 weirdness of this singular apparition, and curious to know 

 what the quaint old fellow could be so intently absorbed in 

 at such a late hour and in such a deserted place, Wei Ku 

 stood still for a moment hoping to engage the stranger in 

 ■conversation. 



Almost immediately the old man looked up and ad- 

 dressed him. 



"Young man," said he, "you seem to take a great 

 interest in me to stop and stare like that. May be, you 

 will ask me next who I am, and what I am doing!" 



"Indeed, Sir," answered Wei Ku apologetically, "I 

 was only thinking what a noble example you are to young 

 people who lack zeal in the pursuit of knowledge. If you 

 will condescend to impart to me some of the wisdom that 

 is contained in the bulky volume you were reading, I am 

 sure I shall profit by your teaching." 



The old man replied, "the book I hold is not for mortal 

 •eyes to scan, and its contents may not be disclosed." 



"Dear me!" ejaculated Wei Ku, "what is it that it 

 should be so precious and forbidden to mortals?" "I beg 

 your pardon," he added immediately in a softer tone, "I 

 am a student, and would be glad to know at least the title 

 of the book, if that is not too much to ask." 



