Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-12-06
a Chine.e Lunch.

We passed through series OF courts the open
ones gay with growing plants in queer porcelain
jars, and the covered ones decorated with blue
tiles and paintings OF Chinese scenes. At the
end OF these courts was a three-Sided room rich
In carving, and furnished with two rows of
Chinese chairs, alternating with tiny tables,
ranged lengthwise OF the room and facing each
other. Our host conducted us into side parlor,
and to large divan OF marble and carved wood
and soft cushions, on dlaS at the end of the
room. We were seated facing the rest of the
company. Tea in tiny covered bowls, without
sugar or milk, was served to all the guests.
A few years ago he added on to his native home
few rooms In European STYLE where he might
entertain foreign friends Although our invita-
ton was to Chinese tiffn, We did not sit down
four at table and several tables in the room, as
Chinese are accustomed to do, but the entire
company sat at one long table together. The
host, In lavender silk trousers, and long, white
grass cloth tunic and yellow satin Shoes escorted
me to the dining room. 1t was quite walk
through the other courts, and my escort used
the best "pidgin" he could command. my
wife no can walkee valy fast; she no have much
good time. she have yaly little foots." Mr.. b.
and the hostess, whose poor. little, bound feet
were encased In pair OF embroidered shoes not
three inches long, followed next. talking with
out words, for the lady had not even the accom-
plShment spidgin English
Chinese fruits, the lenkeng. the WOrtang, the
gaura, persimmonS, and pumelOns ornamented
the side table, while variety of sweetmeats
and flowers were arranged on the dining table
Before each guest was pair of silver and pearl
chop Sticks a tiny dish OF two parts, containing
in one half dried watermelon seeds and in the
other dried almond seeds; these were for nib
bling between courses also, a tiny silver lade
and a three-cornered little cup of silver in a
tray of the same shape, containing wine. AL
though our host did not profess Christianity
himself, out OF courtesy to the guests present
he asked one of the company to give thanks for
the food. AS the servants brought in the first
course in little odd-shaped dishes, the host
wished US to understand that if his guests could
have remained in Foochow long enough, he
would have taken pleasure in extending an in
VttatiOn to dinner, but as he only had had time
to have us to tiffin, just simple titfin, he
would like the company to excuse the small
variety of nice dishes he had provided. The
hostess was pleased to show her attire. which
was ornamented with rich embroidery done by
herself. Her bridal finery was brought out for
inspection. The shoulder cape, which is lever
worn but by bride at the wedding occasion,
cost $1,000. 1t was a network Of bits of en-
broidered silk and finished with fringe and silk
pendants. from the ends of which were fast
ened gold ornaments, jade stone, and other pre-
cous stones. attempted to throw this jing-
ling, tinkling ornament over my shoulder, but
was quickly prevented by the mother of our
host, who, with frightened air, exclaimed: sit
was very unlucky for me to wear it; it brought
i'll fortune to any one except bride.'-[CJr.
Pr Orfdelice Journal.