Page:A history of Chinese literature - Giles.djvu/391

 They had thought that he was gone, and were over- joyed at seeing him return to life, even though it was the same life as before, clouded with the great sorrow of unreason. For now they could always hope ; and when they saw him daily grow stronger and stronger in bodily health, it seemed that ere long even his mental equi- librium might be restored. The more so that he had ceased to mention Tai-yii's name, and treated Pao-ch'ai with marked kindness and respect.

All this time the fortunes of the two grand families are sinking from bad to worse. Pao-yii's uncle is mixed up in an act of disgraceful oppression ; while his father, at his new post, makes the foolish endeavour to be an honest incorrupt official. He tries to put his foot down upon the system of bribery which prevails, but succeeds only in getting himself recalled and impeached for mal- administration of affairs. The upshot of all this is that an Imperial decree is issued confiscating the property and depriving the families of their hereditary rank. Besides this, the lineal representatives are to be banished ; and within the walls which have been so long sacred to mirth and merrymaking, consternation now reigns supreme. " O high Heaven," cries Pao-yii's father, as his brother and nephew start for their place of banishment, " that the fortunes of our family should fall like this!"

Of all, perhaps the old grandmother felt the blow most severely. She had lived for eighty-three years in affluence, accustomed to the devotion of her children and the adulation of friends. But now money was scarce, and the voice of flattery unheard. The courtiers of prosperous days forgot to call, and even the servants deserted at their posts. And so it came about that the old lady fell ill, and within a few days was lying upon

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