When feast is finished we hear more large fire-crackers and musicians go
away. Honorable Instructors stand and Miss Powers begin to make polite
thank you's and farewells.

Then I go forward because I have the Folk stories to introduce. I beg
Honorable Teachers to remain a little while that we may relate to them
some Chinese Folk-lore of our feasts and festivals, of which we have so
many.

Quickly, like magic, Coolies carry tables and other feast furniture
away, and move seats to centre of room, where make one-half circle
before fire, Honorable Teachers in centre, and girls sitting on floor
all about each side.

After some little explanations about stories of great enchantment to all
Chinese people, I say to all, "Since this feast the very greatest of the
whole year, we make selections of two other feasts for stories, and Cui
Ai will tell the first story."

Cui Ai at once came to centre of wide half circle, and after making
little bow, take seat on low hassock, Miss Sterling whisper to Dr.
Ewing, "She look like fire-witch with the great flames framing her black
head, and those long braids sweeping out over the floor."

Cui Ai begin with voice much of shakiness at first, after awhile grow
strong, and all time so clear so plain Chinese girls whisper together
that it wonderful to speak the difficult foreign language so clearly.

Cui Ai's Story.