Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/19

 burdened with jewels, the pomp of position, and a biting tongue.

It had been the Emperor's desire that Prince Shou acquire a pleasing concubine, in order that his world might be tranquil. News had come to him that frequently the Prince did not return to his palace until the sun, like a new-drawn sword, swept across the sky. A slender concubine might insure his future.

The arrangements had been completed thanks to the good offices of his Ministers. The matter, as far as he was concerned, was like a wind gone down. Certainly it was of no interest to him that for her last night of freedom, Yuhan had chosen to go with her uncle to the bazaars of Changan, gay and colorful, where were displayed uncountable things to enthrall the sight, to entice the ear, or to captivate the heart.

Uncle Yang accompanied Yuhan to the bazaars. He had replenished the depleted store of almonds in his sleeve. Without them, he felt like a mariner without a compass. They helped him ponder weighty affairs of state. Often as he nibbled them he ruminated on his chances of being ennobled a Duke. Some day he might even aspire to a "Three Eyed Peacock Feather."

Porters carried them in sedan chairs, before which a servant ran, swinging a lantern, and shouting, "Make way! Make way!" A man of position would as soon appear on the streets after dark without his clothes as without a lantern. It was a badge of position, even as were the ropes of his chair. And on the road, perfect etiquette was adhered to. A man afoot must male way