University of Virginia Library

VI

"How many moons, Liu Venti, since our little ones went from us?" sighed Pau Tsu.

She was pale and sad and in her eyes was a yearning expression that had not been always there.

"Nearly five," returned Liu Venti.

"Sometimes," said Pau Tsu, "I feel I cannot any longer bear their absence."

She took from her bosom two little shoes, one red, one blue.

"Their first," said she. "Oh, my sons, my little sons!"

"Now, dear wife," said Liu Venti, "you must not grieve like that. The little ones are happy and all will some day be well."

A messenger boy approached, handed Liu Venti a message and slipped away.

Liu Venti read:

"May the bamboo ever wave. Son and daughter, return to your parents and your children."

Liu Jusong,
Li Wang.