Chinese Literature

down to waiting expectantly for an impending wave which would destroy it.

Vill

Li-chiu, the eldest son, was unalterably opposed to inviting the land-

lords to dinner to discuss the rent. He stamped out of the house in

disgust. Uncle Yun-pu, although he felt upset about it, nevertheless continued to make preparations for the dinner with great care. He believed that at the dinner he would beyond a doubt get a little pity and sympathy from them. He was old, and in the eyes of his creditors, his age would perhaps get some consideration.

A chicken, a duck and two bowls of fat pork! The dinner was so good that Uncle Yun-pu himself found his mouth watering. He change into a neatly patched suit of clothes and made Shao-pu sweep the front room clean. The sun had not yet reached the middle of the sky.

Harlier in the morning, Uncle Yun-pu had been to Mr. Ho’s and Mr. Li’s house. After he had tendered his verbal invitation with as great ceremony as he could master, both Mr. Li and Mr. Ho promised to come. Director Chen of the Dyke Administration was also invited and Mr. Ho promised to bring along enough people to fill the table.

The table was already laid, but the guests had not yet arrived. Uncle Yun-pu stood by the door and peered around expectantly for a while. In the distance he seemed to see two lines of dark shadows moying in their direction. He quickly rushed inside and told Shao-pu and Sze-hsi to stay in the back room. They must not stand around outside and irritate the guests. Once more he wiped the four benches and made sure that everything was tidy. Then he stood by the door and awaited the arrival of his guests.

There were seven altogether. Besides Messrs. Ho and Li and Director Chen, the two landlords each brought his bookkeeper. There were also two strangers, one with a beard who looked like a Buddha, and another, a handsome young gentleman.

“Yun-pu, you really shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble!” said Mr. Li, squinting through small beady eyes like a mouse, his sparse, whiskers straggling.

“Not at all, not at all. This is not half good enough. I hope you will excuse such an ordinary meal. I’m too old now, really, to do very much.” Yun-pu replied with utmost humility, his body huddled into a small knot and his tone stressing the word “old”’ His face was shrouded in a foreed, unnatural smile.

“We told you not to go to any trouble, but you insisted! Ha, ha!’ Mr. Ho laughed, revealing bloodless lips and uneven, yellow teeth.

“Oh, Mr. Ho, this is nothing! It’s just to show a tenant’s gratitude. Mr. Ho must pardon any Slip Sauna

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