One of many kind and thoughtful laws of China is that, at the end of a few months, a newly wedded woman has the privilege of visiting her parents' home. In Shantung this law is almost always observed. The husband's friends are usually willing, but if they object to take the trouble, the elders of the village can compel them to convey the bride to her mother's home in proper form for this lawful visit.

As I journey on, along the old highway, there is a ripple of silvery laughter, a trot, trot, of tiny hoofs, hurrying to pass my shendzle. What a bonny, laughing face looks into mine!—large, lustrous, almond-shaped eyes, and features, not Romanesque, yet perfect. The lovely little rosebud mouth shows teeth as pearly as can be boasted by any of Beauty's daughters in Western lands. She is too old to be afraid, and too young to be prudish. She has for escort a nice-looking lad about fourteen years of age—a brother; the kinship ia written in their faces.

I give her a smile. She turns away with a blush and another ripple of silvery laughter. She tries to hurry the little donkey on, then changes her mind quickly, and says to her brother, ‘You need not be in a great hurry.’ Then another look.