The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1904-07-14

baskets. But lie was old,
his hands had lost their skill, and he
was like a blind fowl picking at ran
dom after worms They would have
been poor had he not been as careful
with his cash as bee with its honey,
Suen Moi did not know. so she sold
.violets that Heaven might bestow upon
her the hundred blessings. Her fow-
ers grew in front of the house, which
faced the north, and she knew the
flowers loved her, because when they
blossomed they always turned their
heads towards the door.
She called the flowers her children,
gave them water when the hot sun
tried to scorch them, and kept the
weeds away. Every day she picked
the best ones and sold them. that her
parents might not die poor. Whenever
she sold a bunch she always whis-
pered:
"Ni-ho-chi-lok," that they might find
comfort in the parting.
''The flowers of SIen Moi have
souls" those at the market said,
''They know her voice and touch, and
when they pass into strange hands
they droop their heads and die"
'But Suen Moi said they only wanted
water.
One morning, just as she had fin-
ished, young man stopped at the
gate.
"Do you sell f1owers?' he asked.
eyes, honorable sir" and she bowed
low, for she knew by his dress that he
was man Of rank.
81 want to buy some of you"
She took the basket to him and held
It out that he might please himself.
He took one flower. Then from the
purse at his belt he brought out coin
which he dropped into her hand. 1t
was long piece of yellow metal
shaped like a knife. Upon it were
characters which Suen Moi could not
understand.
''It is too much.' she said, like q
child that cannot calculate.
II give it to you because you love
your flowers and are good to them,' -
answered the stranger.
She watched him curiously as he
walked away. and then she looked at
the coin. When she went into the
house she showed it to her parents
''1t is very ancient" said he- father.
.There is one like it in the museum at
Funchan."
ut is gold" said her mother. "If
we had three more we should be rich ~
The next morning the stranger came
again. He came over to where Suen
Moi was gathering flowers, and said to
her:
"suen Moi, suen Moi, give me a
flower"
II have picked the best for you,'
she answered blushing.
"Why have you picked the best one?''
he asked.
Because know you love flowers,
too," she answered.
''Do you know you are fower:" he
ssked
She hung Der head. No one had ever
spoken like this to her before.
'You are as beautiful as the flow.
ers.' he said "Your heart is pure and
sweet. love you as you do the flow.
ers.'
The stranger one IS at the gate talk
ing to her." said the father to his wife
Il wonder if he will give her another
coin:" she answered. perhaps he
wants to buy her"
You are like one who locks at the
heavens from the bottom of the we'll,
he answered
As he spoke she went to the door,
''She is bringing him in" she sait
sharply. I'VE shall be disgraced"
Suen Moi entered with her basket
The stranger followed. The old couple
kneeled and Knocked their heads on til,
fioer because they could easily SCI
that he was man of wealth.
Il have come to announce my be
trcthal to your daughter he said.
rhey were so astonished they coult
say nothing. -.