Page:Leaves from my Chinese Scrapbook - Balfour, 1887.djvu/209

 been. He ran from flower to flower, and from bed to bed, stroking and fondling the pretty blossoms, and congratulating them upon their happy restoration. Their colours were deeper and more brilliant than ever; a spell seemed to have passed over the whole garden. Formerly all the flowers on a single plant were of the same colour; but now they were all diversified—red flowers had become purple, pale flowers had become vivid, and five different hues blazed in splendid contrast where there had been only one before.

When he had given full vent to his joy, he went in search of the delightful little girl who had wrought this charming miracle. He thought she must be hiding somewhere among the flowers; but there was not the slightest trace of her—she had vanished altogether, without leaving so much as a shadow behind. It seemed impossible that she should have gone far, however, so he made for the garden-gate, feeling sure that she would be just outside. But he found it securely bolted, and not looking at all as though anybody had just gone through. Whereupon he opened it, and, sure enough, there was nobody in sight but two old cronies of his, Mr. Yü and Mr. Shan, who were watching a fisherman drying his nets. When they saw Mr. Tsiu come out, they rose and made him a low bow, saying, "We have just heard of the outrage perpetrated upon you by that fellow Chang, but we were in the field at the time, and not able to come before to inquire about it."

"Don't mention the matter," replied Tsiu. "I was, certainly, the victim of that rascal's malevolence; but owing to the timely aid of a dear little girl, who suddenly made her appearance like an angel from heaven,