ClIAP. I. 
A CHINESE INN. 
25 
the table arose and wandered about the other parts of 
the house. It was mid-day, and, as I had eaten no 
breakfast, I felt rather hungry. In these circumstances 
it may be thought that the appearance of dinner would 
have afforded me some pleasure. This, however, was 
not the case, and for the following reason : I had not 
eaten with chopsticks for three years, and I had no 
confidence in my talents in the use of them. This 
important circumstance had not struck me before, other- 
wise I would have practised all the way from Shanghae 
to Hang-chow, and might have been proficient by this 
time. As it was I was quite certain that I should draw 
the eyes of the Chinamen upon me, for nothing would 
astonish them so much as a person using the chopsticks 
in an awkward manner. I was therefore obliged, re- 
luctantly, I confess, to abandon all ideas of a dinner on 
that day. 
Meanwhile the dishes were placed upon the table, and 
the guests were called by their names and requested to 
sit down. "Sing Wa, Sing Wa" (the name I bore 
amongst the Chinese), " come and sit down to din- 
ner." I felt much inclined to break my resolution and 
sit down, but prudence came to my aid, and I replied, 
" No, I thank you, I shall dine by and by, when my 
servants come back." I believe it is common enough 
for travellers to dine at different hours and in different 
ways, according to circumstances, so that my refusal did 
not seem to attract much notice. 
A short time afterwards my servants returned, bring- 
ing a boatman with them to have a chop made out, and 
to have him "secured" by the innkeeper. As soon as 
VOL. II. c 
