Seven Maids of Far Cathay | Page 5

O
Wise Man, dost thou not perform goodnesses, thyself? Just now I pass
over the Bridge of the Ten Thousand Ages and beside the stones of
bridge I view babe of new birth. Go, thou, and take of it all care." To
save his face the Story Teller went upon the bridge and took the babe
unto his arms and house; but having children of much number, that
night when all was dark that none could see, he went again upon his
way and with him went the babe. I could no more speak.
Miss Sterling press my unworthy hand and say, "I know the rest, Bing
Ding. He took you to an orphanage where we found you and brought

you here that you might be educated. Have no fear; I will take care of
you." I cry out of joy now, so happy to be of safety in Miss Sterling's
heart.

Our I last game is played. Next week we graduate. The separation as of
one family is upon us. We have been most happy in our Adorable
College and are full of sadness that Each, alone her way must go. Some
Chinese girls to be married, other Chinese girls, teachers to become. I,
with Mother Heart to America, am going.
Times of much number have I been to the study of our Honored
President to make arrangements of our Class book. With Miss Powers'
assistance I have honor to select of the papers those that of our
Adorable College make pictures of clearness. That when Each, goes by
self, one reading in Class book will bring forth memories and together
we will all be sitting, playing our game and drinking the tea of our
Honored President. When so sitting, will please Each, give thought of
kindliness to most humble Biographer, is the wish of your most
unworthy.
Bing Ding. Woman's Anglo-Chinese College, Neuchang, China, June
15th.

Correspondent

Cherished and Honorable Mother, Moy Sen. Most respectful
salutations. Bing Ang. Bing Ang.
Your lazy and careless child has much that she wishes to say to you,
while her heart bleeds because she is separate by so many miles from
the most to be revered Mother.
Though so great distance divide us, yet my heart is as near to you as
ever; rivers and mountains will hinder us from seeing one another, but

they can never give obstruction to our mutual love and help.
By day and by night I pray for your safety and I offer to heaven much
incense, and also foods, and my hope is that no harm may come near to
your house.
Before the rise of the sun each day I make my worship as you have
taught me, though many of the girls in this College do not so, and
sometimes I have very great fear that the Guis (devils) will all swallow
up on this account.
One day Miss Sterling come into my room and say, "It offends me
much to see so many tablets and images here; will you not place them
away from sight at least?" This I do at once having greatest fear to
offend and bring upon us all great troubles though not yet come.
Miss Sterling, so beautiful, so good, so full kind thoughts for every one,
all girls in this College say, "She too kind, too good." Already I love
Miss Sterling so much my heart ache to do some good thing for her.
Last night all girls in this College go take walk on far hills to see set of
sun in Ocean; Miss Sterling walk by me and say, "Please try a little to
speak out your thought when possible for how then can we help you to
better ones?" I promise to try but I always so afraid, O I know I not
worthy to speak out my mean thoughts to great people, who all so wise
so clever.
For a long time Miss Sterling talk to me of her home in America across
the great water, and she tell me many stories of how she live there, how
all people live, what kind, beautiful country is America; sometimes I
think I see bright tears in her eyes when she so talk, and then I feel
sharp pain go into heart, for I well know that this time Miss Sterling
think she like much to go to American home.
When Miss Sterling go to American home I surely cry to death; many
other girls in the College say same thing.
Each girl in College have one duty for every day, mine very nice kind,

must to look all about mails, what time come, what time go, when
Steamers close, carry mail to rooms, keep care stamps and all writing
materials.
All this make for me