The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-12-24
A Chinese Lunch.

A letter from China says: We passed
through q series Of courts, the open mes
gay with growing plants in queer por-
celain Jars, and the covered ones deco
rated 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 con-
Quoted us into a side parlor, and to q
large divan Of marble and carved wood
and soft cushions, on r dais 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 70 his
native home n few rooms in European
style, where he might entertain foreign
friends. Although or invitation was
to a Chinese tiffin, we did not sit down
four at a 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 a
walk through the other courts. and M!
escort used the best "pidgin he could
command. "My wife no can walkee
| valy fast; she no have much good time;
she have valy little foots." Mr.. B. and
the hostess, whose poor. little, bound
, feet were encased in a pair of embroi-
dered shoes not three inches long, fol-
lowed next, talking without words. for
the lady had not even the accomplish
ment Of "pidgin English"
, Chinese fruits, the lenkeng, the worg-
tang, the gaura, persimmons and pune
Ions ornamented the side table, while a
variety of sweetmeats and flowers were
, arranged on the dining table. Before
| each guest was a pair of silver and pearl
chop sticks, a tiny dish of two parts,
containing in one half-dricd watermelon
seeds and in tie other dried almond
seeds; these were for nibbling between
the courses; also. a tiny silver ladle and
q three-cornered little cup Of silver in a
tray ofthe same shape, containing wine.
, Although our host did not profess Chris
lianity 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 invita-
TIL dinner, but rs he only had time
to have us to tiffin, just a simple tifin,
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 inery was brought out for our
inspection. The shoulder cape. which
is never worn but by a bride at the we'd
ding occasion, cost 81, 200. 1t was Il net.
work of bits of embroidered silk and
finished with fringe and silk pendants.
from the ends of which were fastened
gold ornaments, jade stone and other
precious stones. 1 attempted to throw
this ,jingling, tinkling ornament over
my shoulder, but was quickly prevented
by the mother of our host, who. with q
frightened air, exclaimed: "1t was
very unlucky for me to wear it; it
brought i'll fortune to any n except a
BRIDE"