handed to each person to wash her mouth and hands. The effect on
these powdered and painted faces was very funny, but Mrs. Ahok had
prepared us for this emergency also, and had sent over her own
dressing box--such a beautiful large one--fitted up with everything
they could need, powders, paints, and all complete. The ladies were
quite charmed and delighted to find such a thing in a foreign
house, and adjourned upstairs with great delight to beautify
themselves. We heard them telling each other that it was just as
if they had been at home...."

"At length they said they must go, and we had great leave-taking,
bowing and scraping, and thanks, and apologies for having troubled
us so much, and assurances on our part that it was all pleasure;
and finally off they went, and we sat down to cool ourselves, and
drink tea, and chat with Mrs. Ahok. She was very glad and thankful
that all went off so well, but quite tired after her exertions, and
sat holding her poor little bound feet in her hands, saying they
did ache so."




III

A JOURNEY TO ENGLAND


One day when Mrs. Ahok went to call on one of her English friends, Miss
Bradshaw, she was startled to find that the physician had ordered her to
leave for England on the next steamer, sailing three days later. "I wish