It was then that the Round-Faced Beauty ventured a remark. This
maiden, having been born in the far-off province of Ssuch-uan,
was considered a rustic by the distinguished elegance of the
Palace and, therefore, had never spoken unless decorum required.
Still, even her detractors were compelled to admit the charms
that had gained her her name. Her face had the flawless outline
of the pearl, and like the blossom of the plum was the purity of
her complexion, upon which the darkness of her eyebrows
resembled two silk-moths alighted to flutter above the brilliance
of her eyes - eyes which even the August Aunt had commended
after a banquet of unsurpassed variety. Her hair had been
compared to the crow's plumage; her waist was like a roll of
silk, and her discretion in habiting herself was such that even
the Lustrous Lady and the Lady Tortoise drew instruction from the
splendours of her robes. It created, however, a general
astonishment when she spoke.
"Paragons of beauty, what is this dull and opaque. witted person
that she should speak?"
"What, indeed!" said the Celestial Sister.
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